News Maidstone businessman transforms from solopreneur to thriving team amidst pandemic
A Maidstone businessman has defied the challenges of lockdown to go from solopreneur to moving into his first office and recruiting his fifth team member in just two months after taking an office on Maidstone Borough Council’s (MBC) Business Terrace.
Since moving to the Terrace Matthew Dorrington, MD of Simple Advertising, says not only has his head count grown but client numbers have tripled during the latest Covid restrictions. What’s more, he recently made the leap from sole trader to incorporated company. The catalyst for the business’s growth, he says, was when after five years spent ‘ticking over’ while working alone from home, coffee shops and hotdesking, he decided to take the plunge and rent an office at Maidstone’s The Business Terrace in December 2020. Within the same month, he had recruited his first employee. Two more hires quickly followed and Simple Advertising is now on the hunt for a Search Engine Optimisation Lead.
Simple Advertising’s rapid expansion also meant a move to a bigger office in the building, a mere few weeks after first taking up residence. Although currently based there alone while his employees work from home during restrictions, Matthew looks forward to welcoming them back when lockdown ends.
He puts his digital marketing agency’s success down to a combination of adapting his services and taking on an office at the coworking space. He explains how The Business Terrace helped to give him not only the physical, but also the mental room to grow and flourish:
“Moving from homeworking to the Business Terrace has made such a big difference. Being here, I can really focus without distraction but I always feel there's support available if I need it - even if it's just someone to bounce ideas off over a coffee.“Taking on my first employee was a big step so it's amazing to think we're about to become a team of five. If this is how far we've come in just two months, I can't wait to see where we'll be by the end of the year."
The Business Terrace is Maidstone Borough Council’s Growth Accelerator, providing a new generation of flexible workspace to help businesses to start, grow and thrive.
John Foster, MBC’s Head of Regeneration and Economic Development added:
“It’s fantastic to see how well Simple Advertising is doing, particularly during such a challenging time. This is exactly what The Business Terrace is designed for – to help small businesses make the leap from their kitchen table, grow, and prosper.“There’s a real sense of community and collaboration among the different businesses in the building. Many tenants tell us that they find it invaluable to have such a supportive, friendly environment in which to debate ideas and solve problems. They also have access to business advisers for professional help and advice with all aspects of running their business.
“We hope Simple Advertising’s success will encourage more entrepreneurs to consider joining The Business Terrace and making the most of the fantastic facilities.”
The Business Terrace offers hot desks, meeting and seminar room hire, virtual offices and ongoing office rental options. To find out more, visit www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk
To find out more about Simple Advertising, visit: www.simpleadvertising.co.uk