Name of Business: White Room Creations
Location: North Shields
Line of Business: Design Consultancy: Web Design, Graphic Design, 3D Design and Illustration.
Director(s): Brother and sister, Stuart Hingston and Amy Hingston
Where did you go for business advice?
TEDCO's Building up Business team and Business Link have been very useful for advice. TEDCO really helped out with funding to set up the new design studio.
How did you decide which line of business to enter?
We wanted to offer a friendly, professional service providing great designs that really can help businesses make an impact upon their bottom line.
Stuart says “I have always worked in graphic design and Amy has worked in marketing. We felt we could bring our expertise together to provide a high quality design services at cost effective prices, bridging the gap between the two. Making stylish and effective designs affordable to business of all sizes and structures.
How did you come up with the company name?
Stuart used the name for his final project at university. When we started the company we tried a few but White Room Creations just seem to fit.
What’s the best thing about running your own business?
As it’s your own business you get to see the bigger picture providing a service that’s just right for your clients needs. We work with a lot of start-ups so its very satisfying helping them develop their idea, provide them with marketing tools and then watching them flourish. All our clients become good friends and it’s enjoyable to know that the consultancy we provide can help them achieve their goals.
The web design industry with which we work in is a fast moving environment meaning there are new developments arising all the time. This allows us to provide effective internet solutions which can help business grow, become more effective and reach new markets. It’s satisfying to know we provide a service that really helps.
Amy says: I handle the client, marketing and administration side of the business. The best thing about my job is meeting with the clients to find out their requirements and then watching the design team develop marketing tools that are just right. It’s always a nice to see a client’s reaction when you take along their finished design.
What is the worst thing about running your own business?
You never stop! There are always a million and one things to be done so late nights and working weekend are a regular occurrence. Although you do work so hard it is still very enjoyable as you know you’re doing it for yourself, your staff and the future of the business. Work becomes a way of life.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out?
Get as much advice as possible from the business start-up structure before you start. Organisations such as Building Up Business and Business Link provide an invaluable service so take advantage of it, they will become your good friends.
