DS Creative has been helping businesses to attract more customers for more than a decade, working with clients including Pricecheck, Pinders, HSBC, Novotel and the NHS. Here the team of graphic designers, website designers and developers, marketeers and print professionals talk Sheffield’s ‘community spirit’ and the company’s ‘substantial’ growth plans
The business was inspired by...
Not wanting to be restricted by hierarchies. Working for other people and realising we could do the same – and offer a better and more streamlined service.
The best thing about running the business is…
The flexibility of doing what we want and taking the business in the direction we think best. The excitement of getting new orders in and seeing the business grow. Employing young apprentices and seeing them grow and gain new skills before moving on – developing people and moving them forward.
The three words that best describe the business are…
Great customer service!
Sheffield City Region is a great place to start a business because…
There’s great community spirit thanks to the ‘large village’ concept. It’s a nice, friendly city – it’s not insular.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to grow a business because…
The region itself including Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster means we are close to a big customer area plus the location means we are also very close to other populated cities like Nottingham, Leeds and Manchester. It means we are only a 45 minute car journey away from being able to meet clients face-to-face, create new contacts and network.
The best advice?
Never give up.
In business you will hit brick walls frequently. Keep going and climb over them.
The worst advice?
Don’t start a business and just continue with your career part time. Take a risk and give your business 100%
The organisations that have supported the business include…
Apprenticeship companies in Sheffield have been really useful. We have taken on apprentices in web design, digital marketing and graphic design and while they have helped us build the business, we have helped upskill them in return which is very rewarding.
The main challenges facing our industry/sector are…
Large internet presence – the need to move online and into digital for everything.
The changing market.
Increasing competition.
In 5 years’ time the business will…
Have grown substantially across all three areas we trade in – graphic design, web design, and print.
