Pictured: Rob Watson
A web design, software and database development company, which
started life in London, has taken up residence at Friar Gate
Studios, the home of Derby's creative industries.
Ph9 was established in 2006 by Rob Watson and operated from
premises in South East London for a number of years. The company
offers a full service solution across a wide variety of web and IT
disciplines, with particular focus on improving business
productivity, organisation, and profit.
Its solutions include web design, software and database
development, hosting, email, IT Support, networks, phone systems,
and consultancy. The company works with a wide variety of clients
including funeral directors, cosmetic surgeries, restaurants,
museums, architects, antique dealers and authors.
Whilst than 50% of Ph9's clientele is London-based, after
realising that the business didn't need to be based there to be
able to service these clients, the search started for a location
that would provide a better quality of life, along with excellent
transport links to London and the rest of the UK.
Derby appealed due to its strategic location and Friar Gate
Studios on Ford Street was the perfect base for the business. Ph9
has now embarked on the next phase of its expansion - one new
apprentice has just been recruited and there are plans to recruit
several more in the coming months.
Commenting on the move to Friar Gate Studios, Rob Watson,
director of Ph9 said:
"I am delighted to join the creative family at Friar Gate
Studios, which has a tremendous reputation for its creative
achievements. There are also a range of companies in the building
we can recruit to work with us on projects which helps us provide
our clients with an even better service."
"We're able to serve our clients in London and across the
country just as well, whilst being able to offer them the saving of
not having to pay London prices. The move helps us serve our
clients better and gives us greater opportunity for growth in the
current climate."
Ann Bhatti, centre manager at Friar Gate Studios, added:
"We are delighted to welcome Ph9 to Friar Gate Studios. The
company joins us after operating from offices in London, which
speaks volumes for our reputation throughout the creative
industries."
Friar Gate Studios, based on Ford Street in Derby, is a
purpose-built centre for growing businesses in the creative
industries. The Studios offers stylish, modern office facilities
for businesses in one of the fastest growing sectors in the
region.