Leicestershire design firm defies downturn with lucrative deals
A design agency is expecting to smash the £1m turnover mark and create jobs thanks to contracts worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Standout Design and Marketing in Queen's Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester, said it was defying the downturn with revenue expected to soar by a third in 2009 from £750,000 in the year to January 31.
In the past few days the business has won deals worth more than £100,000 with a building merchant and two hotels.
The firm has also been appointed for the third time by lingerie firm Triumph to design a photoshoot with Louise Redknapp, and their work will be seen in publications including Vogue magazine.
The business is looking for a new office in the centre of Leicester and is also on the verge of opening an office in Farringdon, London, where it hopes to raise its profile and win work with more international businesses.
It marks the second year of growth for the business, which was set up 10 years ago by managing director Dan Barber and now employs 12 people.
Last year's turnover of £750,000 was up 130% from the year before.
Mr Barber said he was feeling "positive" about the coming year for the firm, whose other clients have included IBM and Pepsico.
He said he would be creating jobs over the next year, starting with a new member of staff in July.
He said: "The company continues to grow and has done well in its first quarter of the year.
"The London office means we can approach people there. It gives us more scope.
"We have been able to get the office at a really good price because of what's happening in commercial property so it's a great opportunity for us."
Standout won contracts with hotels Bedford Lodge, in Suffolk, and Barnham Broom Hotels, in Norfolk, last week. They will also carry out work for East Anglia-based building merchants Kent Blaxill.
Mr Barber said: "The latest business wins can give us recurring revenue, but they're initially worth £100,000 over a year.
"It's not that we're complacent, but we've not really felt the impact from the downturn."
Standout gained a place on last year's Growth Readiness scheme, an East Midlands Development Agency project which offers mentoring to growing businesses.
Mr Barber said: "We learned a lot and how to maximise our clients."
Source : thisisbusiness-eastmidlands.co.uk Wednesday 10th June 2009
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