"20 years in business prepared us for this moment," says Exeter MD.
20 years in business prepared us for this moment.
Rising to the challenge of a pandemic.
“Everything we have done since 2000 led us to understand the post lockdown world.” Nigel Wilkinson, Managing Director, WNW Digital.
WNW Digital, a specialist marketing agency in Dix’s Field, Exeter, is marking 20 years in the industry by bringing another agency, Vibrant Pulse under their group umbrella at a time when online has never been more vital.
It’s a collaboration that not only protects jobs but brings new opportunities - no mean feat during the uncertainty of a pandemic.
Computers were on desks not in your pocket
WNW Digital was launched by MD Nigel Wilkinson in his bedroom when another bug, Y2K threatened to cause computer chaos across the globe. Back in 2000, Tony Blair was Prime Minister, The Queen Mother celebrated her 100th birthday and Judith Keppel became the first person to win the jackpot in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Computers were still on desks not in your pocket and wireless was something most people hadn’t a clue about. Social media had yet to be born.
Nigel saw the dawn of a new century as the chance for a new beginning building websites and an online presence for a handful of clients. It wasn’t easy with twin toddlers and a mortgage to pay. But having experienced the hardship of redundancy, Nigel was determined to try and make a go of his own business. He worked out of his bedroom for almost a year, making important calls in between the twin’s naps before an opportunity arose to rent a small office in Budleigh Salterton.
“I was back where I started, trying to run a business from my bedroom.”
Twenty years later, the WNW Group employs 20 people and lockdown saw Nigel back working in his bedroom, trying to run a business just like before. That’s where he forged his idea for a group of companies. “Work and home were all communicating in the digital space,” says Nigel. “Online was the only way to keep in touch. I knew this was the time to extend the WNW family.”
Vibrant Pulse is the latest addition with a digital design heritage and print business that fits right in with the WNW Digital ethos of making progress against all odds.
Action in the face of fear
WNW Digital has survived Swine Flu, Foot and Mouth Disease and the Financial Crash. The Pandemic certainly brings new challenges but their experience of crisis management has proven invaluable. “Having doubts and fears is human,” says Nigel. “You’ve got to try and keep as calm a head as you can, make decisions as best you can and accept you’re not going to get them all right. Usually a decision is better than no decision and being paralysed by fear is the worst thing. You’ve got to take action in the face of fear.”
Protecting jobs, building family
People matter to Nigel and no jobs will be lost in the collaboration. As a local boy from Exmouth, Nigel went to Exeter University, is a former Chairman of Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and has established a successful mentoring programme at WNW Digital. He believes in a working atmosphere where everyone’s voice is valid, reflected in the strong bond amongst staff and their history of long service. That goes for clients too who range across industries but have one thing in common now more than ever – a growing need for digital marketing and ecommerce.
Whether it’s making sure a business is optimised online with great SEO and a website that works across all devices, or navigating the complex world of social media, WNW Digital together with Vibrant Pulse can’t wait to see what the next 20 years has in store.
WNW Digital’s top tips for business survival
TEAM BUILD: Keep everyone informed and reassured.
HOUSEKEEPING: Trim excess costs to maintain cash flow.
FOCUS: Put your company’s vision front and centre.
BE SEEN: Maintain your market presence.
READ: Learn from successful businesses and read their stories e.g.
Michael Gerber, The E Myth.
