CREATIVE & DIGITAL

One of Cornwall’s leading creative agencies has transferred ownership to its employees.

Coinciding with its 30th anniversary, Hayle-based Nixon Design has formed an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), joining the likes of Riverford Organics, Aardman Animations and John Lewis in giving its team a meaningful say in how the company is run.

Though Martin Nixon will no longer own Nixon Design, it won’t be the end of his role within the company. He’ll continue as a director of the EOT, joining forces with operations director Laura Ward, creative director Diggory Gordon and non-executive director Robert Salvoni.

He explained: “Nixon’s team has always been one of its leading strengths, and what really sets us apart. Thinking about the future, as we reach the incredible milestone of 30 years, I wanted the company to pass into the hands of those people who’ll truly value what we’ve achieved and think of new and innovative ways to continue our success.

“I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve collectively created, and I know the company is in safe hands with its biggest supporters. I’m excited to see what the next 30 years have in store.”

n-Coders has relaunched with a new brand identity and website.

Founded initially as a general software development agency, n-Coders has evolved over the past couple of years to specialise in immersive technology, creative embedded development, game outsourcing and applications.

Liskeard-based Internet service provider, Wildanet, has joined the Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) Business Club.

The CCF Business Club, the business arm of the Cornwall Community Foundation, was established 13 years ago in March 2008. Since its inception it has invested over £370k into communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, awarding over 200 grants.

Wildanet chief executive, Helen Wylde, commented: “We are delighted to be supporting the great work Cornwall Community Foundation and its Business Club members are doing and look forward to helping the Foundation support many more communities.”

Consultancy-led software development agency Thought Quarter has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy for 2022 and beyond, based on the company’s ethos of “progress with purpose”.

Co-founders Sam and Allanah Armondi have set out a plan to make Thought Quarter, which aims to achieve £1 million in turnover in 2022, one of the best places to work in the south west for talented developers, testers, project managers and designers.

A focus on people development plays a key part, with a new benefits scheme that includes a £300 allowance for personal development, flexible working hours, and the ability to work remotely for three days a week. A new office in Pool’s FibreHub will also enable social contact and collaboration.

Allanah Armondi has taken on the newlycreated role of people and culture director, with a focus on creating “life-changing opportunities” for existing and new employees.

“We want our people to progress their career in the way that suits them best, which isn’t something that’s possible in every company in the south west,” she said. “That includes holding quarterly, employeeled progress reviews which have already led to two promotions in 2022.”

Penzance-based Whittle Design Studio has recently designed the new branding for the Surf Beach Bar at Sennen Cove.

The branding has been applied across the restaurant from signage and menus to branded merchandise. Whittle Design Studio also designed and developed the new Surf Beach Bar web site.

Due to Covid, online ordering was introduced to the Surf Beach Bar’s smaller bar, the Surf Den, last year and because of its huge success, has been rolled out to the Surf Beach Bar web site for this year’s season.

Andrew of Whittle Design Studio said: “It’s been great to work with and to continue to support the Surf Beach Bar and for us to apply our three core areas of expertise which is branding, illustration and web site design and development.”

Director Mark Jennings explained: “Over the past year, n-Coders has grown, not just in revenue but also in skill and specialism. The rebrand reflects our transition, focusing more on creating immersive games and experiences, captivating applications and becoming specialists in XR.”

The new rebrand and website has been spearheaded by head of creativity, Melanie Band. She explained: “Our logo incorporates everything that n-Coders is. The general shape represents a processor on which technology is built. The ‘N’ can also be seen as brackets to represent the development at the core of the business.

“Aesthetically, we aimed for something really vibrant, bold and creative, which is what we strive for in our products and services.”

• 3 levels of association

• Affiliate membership • Formation Zone – Collaborative co-working space • Private office space • On-site meeting and events facilities • Café on-site for individual and events catering • Free on-site parking • Access to business support and academic research • Flexible contract terms

• Friendly, welcoming team to support all of your business needs

• Fantastic easily accessible location • Free networking opportunities