Pictured above: Simon Shaw
Optima Graphic Design Consultants has won a major contract to
design the website of Sutton's - the London-based firm of
commercial property agents.
Simon Shaw, Optima's co-owner and MD, said: "This is a really
exciting project and we are looking forward to dealing with
Suttons. We have always said that Optima is a national agency which
happens to work in Lincoln and this new contract win is testament
to that."
This summer, Optima came in at number 85 in DesignWeek's list of
top 100 UK agencies, jumping a massive 22 places, and beating its
previous best positions.
"While it is evident that the design industry has suffered in
the economic downturn, Optima has bucked the trend - even though
two of our major clients are in the construction industry," said
Simon.
"We are very optimistic looking forward this year and fully
intend to set our sights on the cementing our place going
forward."
Optima was established in 1995 by Simon and has been entering
the awards since 2005. They now employ 15 people. The company's
clients include WWF, Branston Limited, Corus, University of Lincoln
and British Gypsum.
Optima employs home-grown local Lincolnshire talent. The company
works closely with the University of Lincoln to provide a graduate
recruitment drive - and Simon and his colleagues have lectured
there regularly.
As a result, many of the Optima team are University of Lincoln
graduates - with specialisms in graphic design and screen based
graphics. At present Optima has six graduates from the university
in the team of 15.
"Our work is constantly changing, and by recruiting bright, hard
working, talented graduates, we can continue to expand and enhance
our skills base," said Simon.