Three is a magic number for Optix!

With the sun finally showing its face, Exeter strategic marketing business Optix Solutions has a definite spring in its step with 2024 promising to be its best year yet.

The number three seems to be a common theme: revenue is up by 33 percent in the last six months and growth one third, and the three business owners at Optix Solutions, Alastair Banks, James Dawkins and Rob Stevens are feeling upbeat.

This positivity comes after the Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking noted a fall in business confidence in the South West against optimism in many other regions including London.

MD Rob says “While the economy remains somewhat volatile we have a huge amount of optimism about the strength of our performance, which is backed by an increase in high quality client projects.

“There’s clearly still plenty of business to be done; it’s a case of responding to conditions by diversifying, evolving and investing in your teams.”

Optix has recently created three new senior roles: Account Director Brett Spero is leading on the company’s largest international client; Consultant/Head of Client Services Candice Short is supporting the implementation of a refreshed client services team and offering; whilst Senior Marketing Manager Joe Caley has come on board as SEO lead.

The hires came after Optix’s client base changed. While the company continues to provide a service to local clients, most recently the rebranding for Walker Family Law and ongoing campaigns for Michael Spiers, it also has a growing suite of national and international clients such as Pearson Education, Nozaluz, Enersys, AGS Cyber and Ascent.

Rob thinks there’s plenty of opportunities for other local businesses to get in front of such clients. “We’re already reaping the rewards of a business step change, providing innovative strategies to support our clients’ growth with a longer-term view. There’s a clear mutual benefit as we grow and develop together with our clients.”

Rob believes that the Optix strategy of offering a more comprehensive service, supported by the appointment in 2022 of Director of Design Paul Lawrence, has been fundamental to the continued strength of the business. “Over the past few years we’ve focused not just on winning new business but retaining existing clients. The marketing sector is renowned for clients changing agencies at the drop of a hat, so we’re extremely proud of our 90 percent retention record. It means we can really develop ongoing relationships where they trust us to know what’s right for them.”

Retention is also key in terms of staffing. Optix has a deserved reputation for its genuine commitment to making sure team members are valued, given opportunities to develop, well rewarded financially, and happy in their work.

“As a term, wellbeing is so overused now that it’s in danger of losing its meaning,” Rob says. “We believe as an employer it’s important to put your money where you mouth is! Our efforts have been rewarded, as alongside our high client retention we also have 90 percent staff retention and an impressive number of long-serving team members.” This resulted in Optix being awarded ‘Best Boutique Agency’ in the country, in Campaign’s Best Places to Work awards in 2023. “We’re waiting to hear if we’ve made the list again this year – fingers crossed!”

Rob is keen to highlight the need for businesses to develop a talent pipeline, fostering relationships with potential employees even before they’re ready to take up a career. “It’s something we have been aware of for some years; we have a really good working relationship with Exeter College which is mutually beneficial. It’s genuinely rewarding to see young people getting industry ready and a bonus to welcome some college leavers into the fold.”