Aaron Gibson makes a very good point.

Businesses can spend thousands on a new van but just a fraction of that on a website.

And then they wonder why the site is not working for them or bringing in any business.

But if the pandemic – and lockdowns – has taught us anything then it’s the importance of having a good online presence.

In fact, for many businesses it’s been a lifesaver.

Aaron, Founder and Director of creative web design studio Arc, said: “It’s so important to design and build a website that’s a great reflection of a brand, easy to navigate and exceeds expectations.

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“Most people can appreciate great architecture when they see it.

“All too often websites are knocked out like unimaginative prefabs with little consideration given to performance, content, SEO (search engine optimisation) and UX (user experience).

“You should tell your story through your website but so often this is an opportunity missed.”

Aaron, 40, has told his fair share of stories over the last 12 years.

The front-end web developer and UX designer has created websites for clients such as Coca Cola, Microsoft, The University of Cambridge, Honda, Classic FM, Tiffany & Co, Renault, Ubisoft, Sky, Hilton, Kellogg’s and PG Tips.

He’s worked in startups, education, commercial interactive sales and agency environments.

But, in 2016, he decided to go it alone with Arc – and he’s never looked back since.

Aaron said: “I started in a spare bedroom before moving to The Old School House in Boscombe and taking on my first employee.

“We then moved to The Chocolate Box in Bournemouth before coming to our present home in Stratfield Saye last September.”

Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year Arc employs four people with a further six freelancers as trusted collaborators.

Aaron (second left) with (l-r) Alex Moyler, Developer; Blue Paterson, Head of Studio, and Alex Tompkins, Designer. Picture: Redshoot Photography

Aaron intends to grow the team by about 25 per cent annually and is also looking at potential overseas opportunities in the future including the Middle East and Norway.

Clients include Outpost VFX, Sailors’ Society, Home for Good, Snug Architects, Spring Harvest, Lovechurch, TLG – Transforming Lives for Good and Diverse Abilities.

“Our client base has grown by 50 per cent.

“We have a lot of clients in London, followed by Hampshire and then Dorset.

“They tend to be in HR/recruitment, architecture and financial services as well as non-profits and charities,” he said.

Arc, which launches a new version of its own website next month, has recently become an official approved partner for Craft CMS.

Aaron said: “Craft is a flexible, user-friendly CMS (content management system) for creating custom digital experiences on the web and beyond.

“It is quickly gaining a reputation as the go-to platform for charities, non-profits and businesses that have outgrown WordPress or want a powerful modern alternative to Drupal.

“Craft CMS is trusted by brands including Volkswagen, Netflix, Ikea, Sonos and Adidas.

“Arc is one of only 200 or so partners worldwide and the only approved partner in the Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire area.

“This is a unique skill in this area and given the situation that a lot of local charities and SMEs are experiencing with Covid and Brexit, it’s a great platform for growing organisations with clear benefits over WordPress.”

Aaron is married to Charis, a former journalist now working in PR, and has two sons, aged nine and seven.

He’s especially proud of the ethical approach to business taken by Arc which includes discounted rates to charities and non-profit organisations.

“It’s very important to us and runs through everything we do,” said Aaron.

• createdbyarc.com