For our latest member story we caught up with Will Lawrence, founder of Frome-based web design agency, Yellow Peach.
Will and his team are based at The Old Church School and work with a diverse range of clients from The Big Issue through to Saga. A “Fromie” at heart, he shares his passion for combining good design with a commercial eye, going from zero to 1.8 million monthly sessions with a client and the importance of an office dog.
Tell us about yourselves, what is Yellow Peach and how did it begin?
I’m Will, the founder of Yellow Peach. We’re a Frome-based creative WordPress agency, with a focus on media, publishing and wider brand clients. We’re lucky enough to work with people like The Big Issue, Saga, Qwilt and Base Magazine.
Before starting my own agency in around 2018, I spent 12 years learning my trade at different digital agencies. It was during this time that my passion grew from being purely technical and design-based to something more commercial. I loved seeing just what a huge impact a website could have on both brand perception and business
performance. That was my drive for starting Yellow Peach.
Today, we’re a team of six: we’ve got designers, developers and a project manager. And we’re still growing.
What does an average workday look like to you?
Average for us means always different. But we do try and stick to some daily rituals. Most mornings start with a stand-up (not the comedy kind). We spend 15 minutes together catching up on project progress, any challenges we’re having, and discussing any new business or clients we’re getting to know. There’s also usually some talk of what was had for dinner and some petting of the office dog, Oscar.
My day usually splinters off in a number of directions. I could have my head in Figma, working on a prototype for a client; I could be leading a discovery session with a new client, getting to know exactly what they require from their platform; or I could be working on a proposal for a potential new project.
What are the best things about working within the web design industry?
For me, it’s the balance of the creative, technical and commercial. Getting all three to work in harmony takes an understanding of markets, business challenges and design trends, while remaining open to new ideas and technology. At the end of the day, what we spend a lot of time doing is problem solving.
Another element of the industry I love is how the design and digital space is always evolving. New methodologies, new technology – the potential and possibilities that open up are so exciting and really push the boundaries of what you can achieve for clients.
What have been your major successes so far?
It’s probably a predictable answer, but it has to be our team and our clients. To build such strong relationships and share these successes together is the reason I started my own agency. It doesn’t matter how far we push the technology side, it always comes back to the people for me.
If I had to pick an individual project that meant a lot, it would be the Saga media platform we launched last year. The growth in eight months was amazing: from zero to 1.8 million monthly sessions, £1m yearly ad revenue, and 50,000 new subscribers per year.
Why did you choose to base yourselves at The Old Church School?
We looked at a few different spaces in and around Frome, but The Old Church School just felt right the moment we stepped through the doors.
So much appealed to us: the studio aesthetic, the warm reception we received from the hosts, and it was really important to us that we be surrounded by other creative businesses. There’s a real feeling of community here.
Last, and most definitely not least, the coffee is amazing.
How has upgrading your studio space benefited you and the business?
Most importantly: it’s given us the space and resources to keep growing in a creative and inspiring environment. It’s also given us room to breathe – we now have a break-out area where we can get away from our screens to talk or relax together.
But I think the team member that’s happiest with the upgrade is Oscar. He’s found his perfect spot by the door where he can keep an eye on all the team…and any rogue snacks they may drop.
What are your favourite places to visit in Frome?
There are a few and they are, perhaps unsurprisingly, mostly based around food and drink.
Rye Bakery by the station is my go-to for a coffee and a delicious pastry. So good.
Bistro Lotte is my first choice for dinner. I would eat there every night if I could.
Then there’s the monthly Frome market. It’s always nice to explore all the local businesses. And it’s also a great excuse to have a cider in the sun!
What three things can you not live without?
Sadly, like most of us, my phone would be one. I love so many things about running a business, but checking my mobile all the time is not one of them.
My dog is another essential! He’s just such a calming influence around the studio, and he gives me a reason to get outside more and enjoy the local countryside.
Finally, I’d have to say coffee. I genuinely don’t function properly until I’ve had that first cup in the morning. But it has to be good – instant is a hard pass!
Where can we find out more about you?
You can head to our website: https://yellowpeach.co.uk, email us at hello@yellowpeach.co.uk or give us a call on: 01373 476446.
