More companies are investing in digital transformation strategies to underpin growth and build resilience. This drive is accelerating expansion at North East digital products agency Jigsaw Digital. We spoke to co-founders Ian Glasson (IG) and Michael Taylor (MT) about their growth and ambitions.
How did you both meet?
MT: I was a young freelancer producing websites and met Ian when he responded to one of my adverts promoting my website services. Ian had several businesses at the time – including an energy brokerage and a fresh seafood supplier. I designed and built websites for them. I was doing this in my own time while I worked for a digital agency in Newcastle.
Why did you set up Jigsaw Digital almost four years ago?
IG: After a few years of working together I just suggested to Michael that we should set up our own digital agency.
MT: I wanted to do my own thing. I wanted the freedom to explore my own ideas. Ian and I also had this idea for our own product we wanted to develop, a SaaS model. It’s something we’ve started but it’s still very much in the early stages of development.
How do you differ to others in the digital sector?
MT: We’re a digital products studio that focuses on CRM and ERP systems. We do multi-platform apps. One of our strengths is integrating sites into a Shopify ecommerce environment.
IG: We’re not afraid to work through collaboration with other web development agencies, as long as there are complimentary skills and a similar approach to doing business.
What is your biggest success to date?
MT: It must be our work for the leading UK manufacturer of electric fires, based in the Midlands. We have helped them transform the way they do business. They have moved from a wall of paper, clipboards and Excel spread sheets to a digital platform, a bespoke CRM/ERP hybrid and ecommerce platform. We’re helping the company implement an ambitious digital transformation that will automate a paper-based system while also improving the experience of partners and customers.
IG: It’s an ongoing project but already there have been efficiency savings of 80% in certain parts of the business.
What does your customer base look like?
IG: Our customers are very varied, music festivals, manufacturers, theatres, retailers, wholesalers and home improvement to name a few. Our clients are spread nationally with only around 10% of business being North East based, although we would love to work with more regional clients.
What are your plans in the next 12 months?
IG: Continue to maintain the growth path we’re on, developing more digital products. We’d also like to work with more clients across the North East and not just out of region. MT: We will need to recruit to maintain our growth, probably doubling the workforce in the next 12 months. We need to find skilled React developers.
What are the biggest challenges you face?
MT: Finding and retaining skilled people. There is a real shortage of experienced developers across the region. Finding the right calibre of people is a real problem and one that might hold back the growth of Jigsaw. We really need to find some React developers.
Are you worried about the prospect of a recession?
IG: We’re not complacent about a tougher market but we managed to grow through the pandemic. Difficult economic conditions seem to help us. It puts pressure on many companies and organisations to become more efficient and that often puts the focus on a digital transformation requirement and that’s where we step in.
How do you relax away from work?
IG: Travel and entertaining with clients and friends.
MT: Gym, socialising and getting away from the computer!
For more information: www.jigsaw.digital
