Date: 2012-04-10 Category: Interviews

What’s the history of your company?

The company was set up nearly 15 years ago after I left Swansea University as marketing and Events manager. Primarily epm was an events and marketing business but over the last 8 years we have move into more design and digital solutions incorporating web and on line marketing.

What unique products/services does your company provide?

We like to think we give a boutique, personal approach to our clients while backing this up with a 5* knowledge base and professional service. 24 hour help is a bonus!!

What is your IT background and what were you doing before epm creative marketing solutions?

Before setting up in business as epm Marketing I was events and marketing manager for Bristol University then Swansea University. Have always dabbled with computers and the internet from about 1998 building basic sites. Attending a variety of courses to do with web development and SEO plus completing Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) eCommerce bolt on to the Diploma. On-going training for social networking, Google and moving into the ISO development market at the moment!

What’s been the key to your success?

Keeping one step ahead of the innovations in technology and marketing and a willingness to go that one step further for a client to achieve what the y require.
Then linking this with affordable, workable and viable solutions tailored to individual business requirements not matter what the size the business is.

How has your business changed in recent years and where do you see it going in the next couple of years?

Moving more and more online with our clients in all aspects of marketing, but looking ahead, breaking into developing for the mobile market.

What made you engage with Software Alliance Wales and what are your thoughts on the CPD training and the workshops that they provide?

Became aware of SAW through some general newsletters then did a little research to see what SAW was all about and managed to get on an IPhone Development course. From then I’ve attended a conference for ISO development, numerous social networking courses and have also been drafted in to present some courses and workshops for SAW myself. The training has always been of the highest quality and delivered in an understandable yet informative manner.

How do you feel the CPD training and workshops have benefited you and your company?

Immensely! I would not have the budget or the time to attend the same number and level of courses around the country which SWA provide on our doorstep at affordable prices…and free in some cases! They provide an invaluable learning experience and helped to expand our business network

What sort of support from Software Alliance Wales would help your business get to where you want it to be?

The support at the moment is excellent and to benefit more as a business I think that as long as they can continue with development taking people to another level each time it would be extremely beneficial. Maybe also mentoring businesses also – for instance once your business has attained a certain level of knowledge through SAW you help to mentor new businesses that come to SAW to help keep the learning process continuing.