Greater London Enterprise Awards 2021

23 | Greater London Enterprise Awards 2021 Based in Leighton Buzzard, Aubergine 262 is an award-winning website designer, search engine optimiser and graphic designer, working with clients across the UK. We find out more from one of the agency’s founders. Aubergine was established in 2002 by Bekki and Mark Tomkins, both graphic design industry veterans who became frustrated by the lack of transparency provided to clients. “Right from the start, Aubergine was all about clarity - explaining methods, reasoning and pricing, which they felt was particularly important for smaller clients with limited budgets,” explains Bekki, one half of the founding duo. Always with an eye for improving services for its clients, the agency merged with another small business in 2018, run by Matt Willson, which offered complementary services. Aubergine now offers a complete package for start-ups or established organisation. Ultimately, Aubergine prides itself on being focused on its clients and making sure that it employs people willing to offer that extra level of service. “Managers are flexible and hiring has been more about getting people with the right attitude, rather than qualifications,” Bekki elaborates. “For example, two of the web developers started as apprentices several years ago and have since stayed with the company, and others on the team also have had on-the-job training to boost or develop their experience in web development, technology or data analysis after their move from other industries.” This recruitment strategy has not only resulted in an almost 50:50 male/female staff ratio (unusual in this sector), but also a broad base of experience, which has proven to be particularly helpful when it comes to understanding clients’ business needs. Bekki has noticed recent trends emerging within the industry and tell us that there is a definite move towards better digital accessibility. Aubergine as a company has been working hard Most Innovative Woman-Run Web Design Agency 2021 to learn more about the barriers that people face and how it can create websites that overcome them – both in terms of design and functionality. “As a result, we manage over 100 WCAG 2.1 AA-rated town and parish council websites across the country as well as several other high-profile public sector sites,” she says. “We have also noticed an increase in people wanting to improve the functionality of their websites more generally – something that has really picked up as a result of the pandemic. We are always keeping abreast of industry changes so that we can ensure the best service.” With a mix of home/office working, Aubergine manages to maintain a friendly and collaborative atmosphere with regular team meetings, work social events and one-on-one coffee walks where staff can discuss their ideas or concerns in a low-pressure environment. This helps to keep issues to a minimum and those that do arise can be dealt with quickly. Bekki has also found online workboards invaluable as it means everyone knows the status of projects, while tasks can be delegated easily, and completed quickly and efficiently. Regarding the future, the pandemic has certainly shaped the way Bekki and Aubergine will be working, moving forward. “The last year has shown us that we can travel less and consume less and the positive impact on the planet and climate has been measurable,” she says. “That’s why we are committing to be Net Carbon Zero by 2030 or sooner. All types of businesses, whether they are large or small, have a responsibility to reduce their carbon emissions. We are constantly looking at ways to reduce our waste, energy and carbon impact, both large and small.” With such strong core values, plus a commitment to a more sustainable future in the offing, it’s no surprise that Aubergine was recently crowned Most Innovative Woman-Run Web Design Agency 2021 in the SME News Greater London Enterprise Awards. Company: Aubergine Web Address: www.aubergine262.com Jul21232