Posted: Mon, March 14, 2005
Profile: SpinDogs
by Sali Earls
SpinDogs Design Solutions were formed by Liam Giles and Elwyn Davies after meeting in university. The company are a fresh and dynamic design consultancy offering specialist services in
accessible web design, product development, and graphic design. They specialise in accessible web design offering advanced database driven content management systems as well as more
traditional web design services.
Sali Earls spoke to Liam Giles, Director of SpinDogs, to find out more.
 What's
the history of your company?
We met at UWIC studying product design. We started getting together in our third year thinking that with the support available in Wales, we should start our own business. We ended up providing end
of year exhibition graphics, websites and flash presentations for our course exhibition during Cardiff Art and Design week. Following this we decided that we were going to provide a web and graphic
design service due to our personal backgrounds, and slowly build up our product design services to really kick in around year two.
What unique products/services does your company provide?
We currently provide AAA bobby approved accessible Content Management Systems and are currently developing same as an eCommerce CMS.
We also offer various concept development services for products, web or graphic design bringing fresh ideas to the table no matter what area of design we deal with.
What's been the key to your success?
Networking. We have always made the effort to go and meet people at networking events, social events and one-to-ones. There aren't many people in the public sector who haven't heard of us - we
were even mentioned to Rhodri Morgan in the Assembly last month! I've got the minutes!
What one piece of outside technology (software/hardware/other) has benefited your company most?
The initial CMS system which was developed by Happymedia. This is the system which we used to jointly develop an AAA bobby approved version also has been the model our new systems.
 What one piece of advice would you give to start-up companies in
your field?
Talk to people! Lots of people! Don't be afraid of taking advice and criticism and don't panic if people criticise you - use it constructively make service, product or business work better. The better you
treat people/clients/prospective clients the more likely you are to gain the contract.
Most people these days know somebody who can do a website for nothing or £50. Therefore you need to show these people that you know your industry, your solutions can work for them and
why they are going to pay you a decent rate for your time, knowledge and product!
Where do you see your company going in the future?
We aim to develop steadily and build up our web related services eventually allowing for someone to come in and manage the area. Then we will concentrate on using the brand we have built to
offer cutting edge product related services. We also have aspirations for a clothing brand! There will be more variations and opportunities I am sure.
Find out more about SpinDogs at www.spindogs.co.uk
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