Andrew Cox is the CEO of Web Design London. Andrew is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Andrew provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Web Design London. Andrew Cox joins other leading CEOs and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team has recently awarded Web Design London with our Impact Company of 2019 award. We are delighted to have Andrew join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
Andrew, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day for this interview about your company, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
1. Andrew, please tell us about Web Design London.
We design web sites for companies and organisations in the London area. We re-design web sites that look tired and are in need of a refresh, or we build web sites from scratch, in which case we can also help shape the image of the business with the design of their brand identity. We also offer other graphic design services but first and foremost we are a digital agency.
2. How did you come up with the idea for Web Design London?
All businesses, however large or small, need a website. Compared to an advertising agency, Web Design London differentiates itself by being dedicated to web design. We have the right creative and technical expertise in house to deliver projects to the highest standard.
3. What is the key to your company’s success?
We’ve expanded slowly over time and we have loyal staff. We treat each one of our projects as unique because only then can we really get to grips with every business we work with and present their marketing communications strategy effectively online.
4. Many of our readers are just starting to build a company. What advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
Be prepared to take calculated risks in your business which often requires some up front investment. I believe the most successful characters in business are able to combine a rigorous self-discipline with creative flair..it may sound like a contradiction but I think you need both in order to succeed.
5. For other entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
My advice is to be pragmatic at all times. If you know that there is a demand in the market place and you’re confident of your strategy then don’t give up…however, be tough with yourself and don’t ride a wave of enthusiasm if there’s no substance to back it up. If you can spot weaknesses in your business plan then don’t be afraid to make changes.
6. How do you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
Web Design London offers support & maintenance contracts for the web site designs we build. By providing our clients with regular updates we keep in touch long after the web site is built. Many of our web design clients give us Google reviews…we have nineteen 5 star reviews so far and counting!!
7. In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
We subscribe to industry web design magazines, we read blogs..including Dotcom magazine…On a day to day basis we do research before we start any project so we are constantly seeking out industry trends. We employ young staff who are brimming with ideas and enthusiasm and we adopt a working culture where leaders are not afraid to be challenged.
8. What is your “Why”? Why do you get up in the morning, and how do you keep yourself at peak performance to lead Web Design London?
I enjoy the structure that work brings to life…to relax I exercise..there’s a great swimming pool on Marshall St. tucked away in the middle of Soho only five minutes walk away from our studio.
9. Can you recommend a book that has had an influence in your career? How did it influence you?
The book that really stands out is “Who moved my cheese?”. It’s a story of four characters who live in a maze and look for cheese to nourish themselves. The cheese is a metaphor for what people want in life such as a good job, health, lasting friendships etc. The maze is where you look for what you want. It could be your home, work or the community you live in. The problem is the cheese keeps moving!!
10. What makes a great leader?
In my view a great leader is someone who knows his or her own limitations, someone who can motivate a team and who’s prepared to employ people who are more gifted or cleverer than they are themselves. Empathy is important when employing younger staff…putting yourself in someone else’s shoes is key to being a great designer and a great leader.
Andrew Cox, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We very much appreciate the time you spent helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Web Design London, nothing but the best.
Thanks again!
