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Family-run web design firm marks quarter century legacy
A family-run web design company has stepped into its 25th year of trading after seeing off multiple challenges along the way including an economic downturn and a global pandemic.
GWS Media which began its journey with “nothing more than a laptop, experience and boundless enthusiasm” has become a key player in the sector where boom and bust are all too common phenomena.
GWS Media was set up in 2000 by David Graves. He was joined by his father, Richard, who now works as the financial director. David’s brother, Philip, joined the team eight years ago, as a copywriter and marketer. Philip, who is himself multilingual, had previously run his own e-commerce business and a community website.
The trio worked on computer programming and compiled a series of users’ guides for early home computers over 30 years ago. They are supported by a skilled team, with expertise in areas such as design, coding and marketing.
The trio (Richard, David and Philip Graves) worked on computer programming and compiled a series of users’ guides for early home computers over 30 years ago – GWS Media
With a score of clients in their books including the University of Bristol, Battrick Clark Solicitors, BAWA, Brace, Raddison Blu and Bristol Cathedral, the Queen Charlotte Street-based firm is looking to build on their legacy.
Among other high profile engagements of GWS Media include several projects for University of Bristol such as Children of the 90s project (ALSPAC) and designing the website for the National Composites Centre.
It is no secret that membership organisations rely on the sustained engagement of their subscribers. The team at GWS Media believes that slick websites keep the subscribers engaged and informed even during difficult economic times.
David Graves said: “Membership businesses want to make sure there is an obvious value to being a member so people continue to renew their subscription even in these challenging times.
“This involves a website with exciting and interactive features, such as the ability to connect and communicate with other members and advertise their services to fellow professionals.”
They managed to expand during the recession and put it down to their high standard of service and fair prices. Among the array of services offered by GWS includes web design, online marketing, branding, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), app development and social media marketing.
Most recently, one of their products, inspired by an 1980s arcade game, has been demonstrated to enhance employee engagement and productivity – photo: GWS Media
Speaking to Bristol24/7 on the quarter century legacy, David Graves said: “I never imagined we’d still be going strong almost 25 years later. I certainly couldn’t have imagined what an exciting journey it would be.
“It’s been a time of extraordinary change in our industry, with a constant introduction of new technologies and ways of working. Our service offering has had to evolve and adapt to stay relevant.
“We couldn’t have got where we are today without our team and the many staff and clients who have worked with us over the years. We are truly grateful.”
Most recently, one of their products, inspired by an 1980s arcade game, has been demonstrated to enhance employee engagement and productivity.
Froghopper, the app, has been lauded by websites for its potential in increasing traffic and generating revenue. GWS Media senior software developer Jerome Beckett said: “More businesses are looking at gaming apps – with benefits such as increasing web traffic and revenue.
“Mobile gaming is a big industry. Firms are recognising games can be used to show a sense of fun, promote their brand, increase engagement and garner interest in their products or services.”
Sites which feature this tech tool (gamification) include Buzzfeed, LinkedIn, Reddit and Duolingo, the language-learning app with 500 million users.
Graphic designer Victor Castro, who specialises in animation, said: “Gamification can be used as an interactive educational tool, such as drag-and-drop options or 3D and augmented reality.”
Among other high profile engagements of GWS Media include designing the website for the National Composites Centre in Emerson Green – photo: National Composites Centre
David, who read history at the Cambridge University, had worked as a journalist for Extel Financial prior to his career path as a web designer. On the other hand, Richard is a biographer, poet and lecturer with 19 books to his credit including the biographies of T E Lawrence and A.E. Housman.
The creative streak seems to run in the family as the Graves family is related to the acclaimed author Robert Graves (Richard and David are nephew and great nephew respectively) whose credits include Goodbye to all That, I Claudius and The White Goddess.
Main photo: Angela Belassie
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