What was your lightbulb moment?
Aaron Dicks: I looked around locally and realised there was a gap in the market for a full-service agency. A lot of other companies were only offering part of the package, and with our experience in building websites that were designed to be found on the web we knew we could offer something unique. We’re really trying to break down the silos between the different digital and traditional marketing disciplines and bring them all together in a strong, creative team.
When did you start the business?
We registered the business in November 2012, when it was a place where we could showcase work we were doing. [Tom and I] always knew we wanted to start our own business and wanted to work together. I had literally just graduated and went straight into a graduate role in a local renewables company. I then shortly after went into a contract role so I was able to dedicate more of my time to the business.
What type of firms do you work with?
Initially we worked with local businesses and charities, typically towards the lower end of the SME category. Now we work with businesses across the whole spectrum.
What’s been the best project you have worked on so far?
We devised an interactive for Harvey Water Softeners last year which was designed to engage an audience of homeowners. Their business has grown steadily over the last few years however they were looking to reach a wider national audience. We conceived, built and promoted the interactive and it proved to be a real success.
How would you describe your experience of running a business so far?
It has been a rollercoaster but it has been good. We started taking on staff about 11 months ago and now we are just short of 10 people full-time. It has not been without its challenges, but maintaining a few good systems has really helped us with the transition.
What has been your proudest moment with the business?
We are currently sharing an office with another creative agency. It is a cool space but it is not our own. However, we will be moving into a 3,000 sq ft space across the road – it is a big moment for the company. The whole company has really bought into the fact that it is the right space for us.
What’s the most difficult thing about running your own business?
Although we’re having a lot of fun here and don’t spend eight hours straight staring at our screens, we’re growing fast and achieving some really good results for our clients. However, maintaining a work-life balance is a real challenge for both of us.
Have there been any crisis moments?
I don’t think we have had any crisis moments. Pretty much every client is bigger than the last, and now it is really all about putting ourselves out there a little bit more locally.
Aaron Dicks (24) and Tom Craig (28) are the co-founders of Impression.
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