5 Minutes with Nitesh Bhundia

‘Rutland Webdesigner’ offers a strong brand identity – what inspired you to set up the business?

I created the brand Rutland Webdesigner after realising just over 3 years ago that the local search volume for the key term had good traffic and low competition. Basically, people were looking for the service in the local area but there weren’t a lot of people doing the same thing.

I realised quickly the businesses in the area of Rutland were not getting the level of guidance, support and service that l thought was ‘normal’. It turns out that most people have bad experiences with web development agencies and the new brand was crafted to change that perspective and position us as the best.

I set up the actual business in 2006 after two good friends were made redundant and one said, “Hey Nitesh, you know how you said you always wanted to set up a design agency, well we are now free, shall we give it a go?”. After a couple of beers over a tasty Indian, we realised it was worth a shot and now 15 years later we are very proud of how far we have come.

Was web design always in your future - was there anything else you saw yourself doing?

As a child my Dad was very clear that I should be a Doctor, if not that then a Pharmacist, at the very least a Dentist. This didn’t fit well with me, partly because I passed out when we dissected a heart at school and partly because I simply loved outer space... I wanted to be an Astrophysicist.

Design and computers have always been part of my life. Design, because my family comes from a long line of tailors (called Durji’s) so understanding how panels for clothes come together, their stitching and design is literally in my blood.

I really enjoyed (what was then called) CDT at school and college. Earned a BA (Hons) in Product Design and was always a bit of a geek when it came to computers.  Therefore, web development combined both practices in a way that allowed my analytical and creative mind to be engaged.

Talk us through your team and your recruitment process.

We have a fantastic team of 7. Myself, the captain of the ship. Myles, Lead Graphic Designer and UI/UX expert, Emilian Lead Web Developer and Deeksha Head of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).  Recruiting is hard. Thanks to a few people we work with have learnt some very important lessons:

• Ensure your potential candidates align with your company’s core values and vision
• Must want to develop and learn
• Be fun. (This is hard to understand in an interview, so we also ask potential candidates to play a round of Mortal Kombat or Mario Kart - it’s amazing how much an individual’s true character comes out when they play a game!)

I have crafted a working environment that is productive and fun. Trying to emulate and improve on the Pixar/Disney philosophy of work and play.

 

What kind of clients do you typically work with? How do you meet them and develop strong relationships with them?

There is no typical client. From one man/woman bands to global companies, what makes them right for us, is the right attitude of the directors. We only work with businesses that have growth and development at their core. If you are doing the same thing as last year then chances are, we are not going to be the right fit.

I do, where possible, hold meetings in person. I am a true believer that better ideas come out of meetings when people are in the same space. This allows us to openly discuss plans for the coming quarter and year fostering a solid foundation for future partnership and growth.

Ultimately our job is to increase the bottom line, whilst making technical jargon simple and providing amazing support. The more we prove that, the greater the client trusts us to continue investing in future digital goals.

Our strapline is, “You grow, we grow”. I truly believe that it is what makes the best client partnerships.

“Design and computers have always been part of my life”

Can you tell us about any projects you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?

The Foundxrs Club, Rutland Plastics, TRIBEathlon and Store Log Flog. Each one of these projects had very different challenges but each one has led to something wonderful of which we are very proud. The Foundxrs Club has opened up a network of amazing individuals that are our ideal type of client. Rutland Plastics is an amazing family run business that we work closely with, to continue to improve and update their presence online, as one of the largest businesses in Rutland being their digital partner was a very proud moment. TRIBEathlon is an app that has taken real blood sweat and tears. It is going to be THE app to search for swimming, running, cycling and multi-discipline events. Store Log Flog is a self-store app that has been a journey for the client and l in many ways we did not expect. It is going to disrupt the Self Store market!

 

What still excites you about your role?

The people and their inspiring stories. We have worked hard to choose who we work with and working with different people, with diverse businesses and different challenges is something that l truly love. Finding digital solutions using technology and code that is still itself being developed gets me excited. The future world of the internet is going to be led by AI, VR and AR. (Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality - all areas we are actively learning and for which we are getting further qualifications).

 

What are your favourite haunts in Rutland and the surrounding areas?

• Rutland Records - A proper hidden gem at the Oakham Business Park over at Ashwell. Thousands and thousands of records with musical knowledge that is just unbelievable! He is also just a really nice chap.
• The Grainstore - Great ale, good breakfasts and literally 60 seconds walk from home, what more could l ask for?
• Chef’s Flavour - One of the best curry houses in Leicester. My friends and l go for a monthly ‘Curry Club’ meeting where we try to find the best in Leicester... This really is one of the tastiest places in the city.