BEN Timney and Rob Adams are itching to get their expansion plans for 2011 in place as their website design and development company prepares to celebrate a successful first year.
Itchyrobot already has an impressive client list ranging from an RAF radar base, the University of Teesside, jewellery, clothing and training companies to UK Steel Enterprise and the Map Group.
“We are very pleased with the way our first year has gone as we haven’t really had to actively seek work - it has come to us,” said Ben. “Now we feel ready to move the business on to the next stage in its development.”
The two University of Teesside graduates set up their business in UK Steel Enterprise’s Innovation Centre on Redcar’s Kirkleatham Business Park in March 2010.
There they have not only benefited from facilities and support tailored specifically to help new businesses such as theirs but also gained clients.
Itchyrobot - which was chosen from around 250 possible names to represent enthusiasm and accuracy - is now responsible for all UK Steel Enterprise’s IT support to tenants at The Innovation Centre and is also working with some of the other 40 companies based there, creating websites or providing IT support for them or their clients.
“It was a real bonus to get premises, support and some contracts for our services all under one roof,” said Rob.
“Now we have a new business plan in place for 2011 and will be specifically targeting small and medium sized businesses in the North-east.
“Many of them now have elderly and rather dated websites but feel they cannot afford to spend thousands of pounds re-developing them at a time when budgets are stretched. With well developed systems and tested methods in place, we now feel able to offer unbeatable deals that will give companies a bespoke website and support for a year. It’s a strategy that we believe will bring us clients in sufficient numbers to grow our business right through the year.”
Simon Hamilton, regional manager for UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel subsidiary that supports new and developing businesses, said: “Some people were more cautious about starting new ventures in 2010 but Ben and Rob bring such complementary skills sets and talents to Itchyrobot and work so hard that we knew they would make it. We’re delighted that our support has helped them make such a strong start.”
With a successful partnership proving its worth at work, family life is also expanding for Creative Director Ben, 36, who lives in Redcar. Along with wife Karen and two-year-old daughter Olivia, he welcomed new baby Arthur just before Christmas.
Technical Director Rob, 33, lives in Guisborough with wife Heather and five-year-old daughter Erin.
