Orb & Crash
Orb & Crash: off the ground with the help of The Hive
Starting small but thinking big paid off for acclaimed branding and design agency Orb & Crash. Setting out on their entrepreneurial journey in 2006, Jonathan Hawley and Jay Ludditt are proud of their 'built from the ground up' success story.
The strong business acumen, market insights and enterprising spirit they have developed since launching Orb & Crash now underpin the creative services they offer to their clients. "It's straightforward - we run a business, aspire to prosper and want to help others do the same," they say.
Developing ideas with the HeadStart programme
Joining The Hive's HeadStart programme as their design studies at Nottingham Trent University came to an end gave them comprehensive professional advice as well as a level-headed approach.
"The process of preparing the business plan was more useful than the actual plan itself - it almost instantly became out of date," said Jay. "However, setting targets and discussing issues like finance and marketing enabled us to take a very realistic view of our business prospects.
"Thankfully we were used to living on a shoestring from our student days and, with the help of The Hive, we embarked on a progressive learning curve."
On-going support from the SmarTrak programme
Orb & Crash was launched from a spare room at home with just one computer between the two of them. Both continued with part-time jobs in the early days and retained their contact with The Hive through the SmarTrak programme of long-term mentoring. "It really was starting from scratch - every little job meant a bit more money to invest in the business," explained Jon.
Specialising in branding, graphic design, packaging and digital media, Jay and Jon secured their first major design contract with a catering equipment supplier and their client list has grown dramatically since. Orb & Crash have a distinctive approach of harnessing creativity with a long-term strategic vision, ensuring brands resonate with target audiences and drive businesses forward.
Within a year of setting up, they had moved into a studio in Mansfield and now have upmarket offices in the heart of Nottingham - a symbol of how far their agency has advanced. "Having been in business for almost five years, we are fully independent but know we can rely on The Hive for advice when we need it," Jay commented.
Giving something back to The Hive
Ultimate plans are for Orb & Crash to make its mark in London but the duo are determined to retain the approachability, honesty and openness with which they have made their name.
"Our success is based on longstanding client relationships. Companies choose us because we make them feel valued and take the time to understand their business. There's no pretending we don't aspire to be a bigger name, but we want to distinguish ourselves from agencies where clients might feel their projects get lost," says Jon.
Keen to 'give something back', Jay and Jon have delivered talks at The Hive to share their own entrepreneurial experiences. They also help foster the talents of young creatives by mentoring, teaching and running workshops at local colleges and universities.
For further information visit the Orb & Crash website.
