Let’s Celebrate Local!

By Graeme Leighfield, Managing Director GEL Studios which supports ambitious and ethical businesses with brand identity, web design and graphic design.

How are you feeling about your business?  

We are feeling very proud right now, we are busy and we are continuing to help people whether they are existing clients or clients starting something new. We are also really pleased that the majority of the team are now back in the office.  

How are you feeling about business in general? 

It's been a really difficult time for many, and whilst we have been very fortunate it's still been very unnerving times. We are just so grateful for support from our local businesses. 

Tell us three ways in which you now apply this phrase to your business and/or life ‘buy local supply local’. 

1. We have always promoted that we are here to support and help local businesses. That will continue. 

2. We have started a scheme where we offer a number of pro bonos per year to help support our local businesses. 

3. We have built relationships with local suppliers that we now use or refer clients to. 

What has changed for you positively as a result of lockdown? 

We have always been a close team, but these times have proved how adaptable we can be. We have adapted some of our offerings and processes so we can continue to help others.  

Tell us what, for you, makes a ‘good’ local business.  

Being honest, reliable and fair. 

Can you name a local business which you support around food & drink? 

During lockdown we have supported Hospitality Services and Farrs Catering which making changes to their website to help them during this time. 

https://www.hospitalityservices247.co.uk

https://www.farrs.co

We are also in the process of designing and building a new site for Swindon Food Collective as a pro bono project. 

Can you name a local business which you support around clothing or accessories? 

We support three:

1. Beau Tie - https://www.beautieuk.com

2. Kapada Vintage - https://www.kapadavintage.co.uk

3. Nikki Nocky Noo - https://www.nikki-nocky-noo.co.uk

Can you name a local business which you support around health, wellbeing or fitness? 

We support XP Fitness with all the changes they have made to reopen during this difficult time. 

https://www.xpfitness.co.uk

Can you shout out to  three local clients you wish to celebrate? 

1. Aura Signs - https://www.aurasigns.co.uk

2. Ottr Works - https://www.ottrworks.com

3. Farrs Catering - see earlier link

Can you shout out to three local suppliers you wish to celebrate? 

1. Nanogreen - https://nanogreen.co.uk

2. Paragon Print - http://paragonprinting.co.uk

3. Magic Touch Promotions - https://magictouchpromotions.com

Can you name anyone in business who has really had your back over the coming months? 

Our accountant Andy Bryant from Banks FD. Constantly keeping us updated with government changes and ways to help the business, plus just knowing that he's there on the end of the phone - has provided a very much welcome comfort blanket.

What are your business plans for Q4? 

Continue with our same approach of providing great creative solutions for businesses in and around Swindon.

Any special offers you’d like to mention? 

We currently have a FREE one-page website with a branding box which is usually £500+VAT! Find out more here.

For more information visit https://www.gelstudios.co.uk/