Simon Wilcox is Managing Director of Digital Craftsmen. Here he shares with us what his inspiration in the business is, who he admires, and what, if he could, he would do differently.
What do you currently do?
I’m Managing Director of Digital Craftsmen. We provide bespoke, tailored IT hosting services. We help companies maximise the performance and profitability of websites and other digital media. Our clients include leading digital agencies, insurance brokers, financial institutions and on-line businesses.
What is your inspiration in business?
My passion for the web was inspired by watching supersonic world land speed record holders Richard Noble and Andy Green as they documented their 1997 record attempt on their website. I followed their story online and recognised the power of the internet to connect people; I had a hunch that there might just be something in this digital thing.
Who do you admire?
I admire anyone who has a passion to succeed against all the odds.
Looking back are there things you would have done differently?
We recently moved into a smaller office and started working remotely. The benefits were immediately apparent; everyone enjoys work more, and gets more done. It’s also saved us so much money that we’ve been able to hire two more staff. I wish we’d embraced flexible working earlier.
What defines your way of doing business?
Hosting is what links business with technology and each needs to be designed with the other in mind. At Digital Craftsmen, we’re a small, constant, deeply involved team rather than a distant, faceless army. When clients call us they don’t have to explain their issues again from scratch. We pride ourselves on knowing our clients’ businesses (and their business processes) inside out.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Embrace flexible working and focus on quality of service. Know your business, be passionate about what you do and build your reputation. If you maintain a high quality of service, people will trust in your business and your brand, and you’ll grow organically from there.
