Future’s bright, future’s Orangepanda

Oct 25 2007 by The Journal

TWO Tyneside multimedia graduates are celebrating the first birthday of their business Orangepanda with a string of national contracts and plans for growth.

Stuart Howard, 24, and Chris Wood, 23, met at Northumbria University and, after graduating, the two friends boldly launched their own multimedia design company Orangepanda.

After showcasing their work at London’s New Designer’s Exhibition, the business has gone from strength to strength and within a year the pair have worked with some of London’s most reputable design agencies and contributed to a number of national advertising campaigns. Based within the hatchery at Northumbria University, Orangepanda offers a range of multimedia services such as 3D animations, web design, motion graphics and interactive media.

Stuart, from County Durham, said: “I’d always wanted to run my own business but didn’t foresee it happening as soon as I graduated. My final year project prompted me to start researching the market and, as I did, I realised the North-East’s creative industry was growing apace so knew that was the best time to take the plunge.

“Business Link has helped us from the word go. Both Chris and I are creatives with a design background so we had limited business knowledge and needed direction when it came to legally registering the company, compiling a thorough business plan and financial forecasting.

“Thanks to guidance from Business Link, we secured a Cultural Business Grant from the Arts Council which enabled us to purchase essential office equipment. Since then, we have worked closely with the Business Link team to attend networking events and we’re now following up business leads and building relationships with key business owners.”

The pair now plan to further establish their brand within the region and are currently looking to find permanent office space to grow the business. Sarah Armstrong, of Business Link, said: “Orangepanda is a great company and Stuart and Chris are so passionate about their work.

“With ambitious goals, the pair are dedicated to making this business succeed and I look forward to working alongside them as the company grows.”

Business Link’s substantial team of expert brokers operate across the region in local access points and on a mobile basis.

For further information about Business Link, visit www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk or call 0845 600-9006. For more information about Orange Panda, visit www.orangepanda.com