2021 Wrapped

We’re certain everyone’s been saying it, but 2021 has been a better year, on the whole? Sure, there’s a global chip shortage, some material issues for that extension you’ve always wanted, and sausage gate on the Irish Sea. But, generally, this year has been a good one. Looking back, we’ve had a blast, and we’ll be sinking a few at the Christmas do to celebrate, that’s for sure.

The highlights

Finally, we were able to enjoy our new digs this year. Half the team didn’t see more than three months of it in 2020, so it’s been great to make it feel like home now. And after two years since face-to-face client meetings, they’re starting to make a comeback. We love the freedom of a Zoom call, but it can’t beat welcoming guests into the studio for a good ole’ chin-wag and showing them around the place. We’ve even taken a few trips to London to meet new clients, which felt ‘normal’. Long may it continue.

A new way of working

We’ve mentioned it before, but this new flexible way of working has been a game-changer for everyone. Most of us still get to the studio between Tuesday and Thursday – what we call our ‘core office days’ – but having the flex to work remotely on Monday and Friday means less time commuting. That’s not only great for the environment, but it gives the team more time to exercise and concentrate on their well-being.

Although, the ones that started up as keen gym-goers, to begin with, may have waned since. A weekly Weatherspoons trip is much more important for ‘the gains’.

Say hello to Beth

Back in October, we welcomed Beth as the newest designer, and with schedules booked into February next year, her arrival couldn’t have happened at a better time.

We struck lucky with Beth. She approached us in September and joined us in October, making her mark on the studio with her relaxed style and big personality. Beth has already been working up fresh new brands and designing websites from the get-go. We’re proud of where things are heading and can’t wait to share more of her work in the future.

A great team equals great results

Everyone has smashed it out of the park this year. We’ve perfected our proposal system, innovated how we code our websites, added even more creative flair to the front-end of our builds and stepped up a gear in how we design and present visuals. Each person has been at the core of the agency’s success.

We’ve strived to deliver award-winning sites for everyone we work with – from accountants to beer brands, care providers, to car restorers. This year we’ve knocked it out of the park. Our peers continue to recognise our work, and we now boast over 65 awards and accolades.

And there must be something in the water because our clients are also gracing us with their own accolades, from care packages of beer and food to some tear-jerking reviews.

The Fhoke team was a tremendous partner during our website redevelopment project. They were responsive, creative, and thoughtful throughout the process. I am thrilled with how everything turned out and look forward to working with them on more projects.

At no stage did Fhoke make any promise they couldn’t meet, and at all times going the extra mile to solve problems, overcome challenges and fix bugs. To sum it up, Fhoke is everything you’d ever need in a digital agency, and I recommend them highly to anyone looking to build a design-led, high impact e-commerce website.

We turned 13

It only feels like yesterday we celebrated our 10th birthday, and that felt grown up. But, celebrating thirteen years, that’s something else. And while the number 13 might be unlucky for some, we see it as a badge of honour. We started out at the start of the financial crisis, and we’ve seen out the worst of a global pandemic while continuing to grow. That’s not just luck. That comes from the team’s hard work, without whom, there wouldn’t be an award-winning agency.

It never stops

Like every year, when we look back at what we’ve achieved, the work has been at the heart of it all. We’ve worked with some superb clients this year. From complete brand pieces to sites for start-ups and established brands, we’ve made our mark on each one, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Open Goaaal

Think back to the good old days – playing ball in the garden, only for it to end up over the next-door neighbours’ hedge. Not any more, Open Goaaal! USA have the answer.

We created a custom Shopify theme to give Open Goaaal! USA a platform that their product deserved. Fiercely ambitious, their team now have a website that will hold up to their aggressive marketing campaigns, helping them hit future targets with ease.

Cataphract

Cataphract is the UK’s expert in security vetting; offering trusted pre-employment screening, security vetting and digital DBS checks for businesses, charities and organisations.

A family-run firm, the business has grown to include several retired Police Officers, financial managers and sales directors, ensuring best practices are maintained at every turn. We helped evolve the old logo by adding our creative spin on things, scrapping the existing website, and creating a WordPress site and new brand image that the team can be proud to call their own.

Fourpure

Beer has gotten too complicated. Fourpure believe in keeping things refreshingly simple, making beer the way it should be. Full of flavour. Using four key ingredients. Brewed in Bermondsey, London. That’s it. Pure and simple.

With a major re-brand on the horizon, Fourpure were looking for an agency that could help them migrate to a new Shopify store in time for the launch. Using Shopify, we created a bespoke theme to give the new Fourpure brand a home and developed a shopping experience to make it simple for their customers to shop for beers, merch and gifts.

Magic Rock

After the huge success of the Fourpure launch, it would have been rude to have left their stablemate Magic Rock out in the cold. We helped them deliver a new Shopify store in time for their 2021 summer product campaign. With a new site, the marketing team can now focus on the growth and sales of the business without worrying if the website can keep up.

What’s up next?

More of the good stuff, we hope. It won’t be long before we’re reviewing another great year from new brands to websites and clients. Here’s to everyone who has made 2021 the best yet. We’ll see you all on the other side, pencils sharpened and ready to kick-off where we left off. And maybe, just maybe, we can all meet for those promised drinks.

A little something extra

What makes everything feel better, other than puppies? Music! So, to get everyone jumping this Christmas break, fire up Spotify, and wrap your ears around the teams top 2021 tracks.