Pictured above: (l-r) Glyn Davies, Ellen Morley and Gavin Mills

An innovative and forward thinking Shrewsbury design house that was brave enough to spend money in the middle of the recession to buy in the expertise to help it grow has reached the first goal in its strategic business plan.

Clear Design, which offers the full design mix from initial concept through to e-commerce, engaged the services of The Business Company last year to review the business and develop a growth strategy, leaving Directors Glyn Davies and Gavin Mills free to concentrate on the development of the core business function.

Now, six months on, the business plan is living and breathing. Clear Design has increased its client base and turnover with several new major national account wins and their expertise has gained them a place on the Recommended Agency Register (RAR) - an independently assessed and internationally recognised mark of excellence for proven creative and technical competence. 

The Business Company, having reviewed the business in depth and identified the firm's organisational strengths and critical weaknesses before developing the growth strategy, are now sitting alongside Clear's directors to help them structure their development and identify the extra staff they already need. The Business Company's executive support will continue for up to three years, gradually tailing off as they build internal capability at Clear by passing on their expertise. 

Ellen Morley, Principal of The Business Company, said: "After seven years of running an increasingly successful design agency Glyn and Gavin are still full of ideas, energy and enthusiasm. But they recognised that when it came to moving the business to the next stage they did not have the broad and strategic experience to take the growth strategy forward and verbalise it with timed goalposts and objectives. They are to be commended for their wisdom in recognising that bringing in expert support will save them money in the long run."

Speaking about the benefits of having a properly planned growth strategy, Gavin Mills said: "'The Business Company have brought a vast amount of knowledge and experience to Clear, which has enabled us to move the company forward. Their advice and support has been vital to the development of the business and we are sure it will pay dividends in the future."

For more information about The Business Company, please visit their website here: www.thebusinesscompany.biz