It’s time for us to sit back and review 2013. What a year it has been.
I had another great start to the year by being shortlisted as a finalist in the Small Business of the Year category at the Thurrock Business Awards. It’s always nice to get dressed up and enjoy an evening celebrating local businesses and their achievements. I am proud to have another certificate added to my wall, and it’s certainly a talking point whenever new people come into the office.
I was asked to speak on International Women’s Day in March about my business journey. The event was full of amazing, inspirational women. It was an honour to tell my story in front of everyone. I did come away feeling quite empowered!
South Essex College invited me to talk to design students about graphic design and how I set up dotty hippo design. It was a great reminder for me to see how much I have achieved. I also enjoyed the interaction with students who are so enthusiastic about graphic design and their futures.
I have celebrated dotty hippo design’s first office birthday! We feel so settled that it feels like we have been here a lot longer. We often have clients and colleagues pop in to see us for a coffee and a chat, as well as discuss business.
Thurrock Network Group
The Thurrock Network Group is still going strong. There have been several meetings where we have nearly run out of room and chairs! We launched netwalking with Trevor Rawson of Tai Chi for Health (Essex), which has been very enjoyable during the summer, and reverted to relaxing Tai Chi exercises during the winter months. It certainly has made a difference, especially the hand exercises to help warm up my hands! Thank you to everyone who has supported the network group, and I look forward to networking with you and new members in 2014.
As a member of the Thurrock Business Board, I represent small businesses, and it’s been interesting to hear what the larger businesses in the area are planning for the future. There are lots of exciting projects happening in Thurrock, and I look forward to continuing to be the voice for smaller businesses.
We have attended many network events and exhibitions, and I have enjoyed meeting with local business owners, building relationships, and making some good contacts and plans for 2014.
I was invited to be a member of the newly formed Healthwatch Thurrock board. This is a new area for me, but it is a privilege to be asked. I have learned a lot from the meetings we have had so far and look forward to being part of a growing, important cause to everybody in the community.
Projects
We have worked on a huge range of projects for businesses both large and small in a variety of industries. From logos, business stationery, and flyers to designing exhibition stands, chocolate wrappers, and everything in between.
We have welcomed work experience student Katie to dotty hippo design’s HQ for the last two weeks of December. It was a real pleasure to work with her and show her a taste of working in graphic design. Like our previous work experience student, Meg, we worked with Katie on a variety of different projects. Her enthusiasm and eye for detail were impressive. We wish her all the success in the future.
Goals
Our goal for 2014 is to continue having great working relationships with all of our clients and to also work with new clients creating their marketing materials. We have some exciting collaborations to look forward to as well.
Objectives
We will continue with our objectives:
• Be positive.
• Think about ways to improve and meet challenges head-on.
• Remember to pat ourselves on the back when we’ve achieved great results.
• Never stop learning.
• Continue to push ourselves, experiment with new ideas, and step out of our comfort zone.
It has been a successful 2013, and I am looking forward to a busy, exciting, and profitable 2014!
