Indiespring has just celebrated its 5th birthday and its MD, Rob Sandbach, is still just 29 – what an achievement! Rob started his working life in digital agencies where he worked with many big brands, but in his spare time he developed an interest in creating computer games. He eventually left the security of employment to explore the world of freelancing, and started working with his first client from his back bedroom – that client still remains with him.
Rob didn’t make a conscious decision to grow his business but with the amount of work coming his way, he needed to bring in more people (his brother was the first). Indiespring began to grow and with three people it was time to move into a ‘proper’ office. The services they delivered expanded too, including digital marketing, website development, PPC and mobile apps.
The culture at Indiespring is something that is incredibly important to Rob. This was easy at first as he brought in friends and family to work in his business, but as it grows Rob needs to
work harder to maintain the working and management style that is at the root of Indiespring. He recognises that many
employees these days are looking for more than just a good
salary – flexible working, ‘a full drinks fridge’ and a day a week
for training and personal development are fantastic perks they
all enjoy, all from their prestigious new office in Central
Manchester.
As far as Indiespring clients are concerned, they can be certain
that they will get the personal touch. There’s no technical
jargon, just simple and honest talking, which most clients
value and, more importantly, understand!
So what’s Rob learnt in his 5 years as a business owner? “I’ve
gone from doing the doing, to telling people what to do, to
now having people that already know what they should be
doing! My learning curve about management and culture has
been massive and that’s just part of where TAB has helped me
immensely.”
Rob joined TAB when he’d been running his business for two
years. He admits he was a little sceptical at first although he
knew he needed something to help him scale and grow. “I
couldn’t see how someone outside my sector could advise me
– but I was wrong!” The investment in time and money was a
concern, but he admits that he learnt so much in the first few
months that it soon became apparent his relationship with
TAB would be long term. Like all TAB Boards, Rob’s has a
variety of different people and businesses but it’s clear that
they all get along really well. This doesn’t mean they always
agree. “There are often conflicting views and perspectives
and it’s important to get a rich tapestry of ideas and advice.”
“Working with my TAB facilitator, Paul, who genuinely cares
about my business and me personally has transformed my
approach to running the business. Paul has an outstanding
ability to see the problem from a fresh angle.”
The future for Indiespring is ambitious – 50% growth in
turnover in 2017. But with TAB’s help and his motivated
Indiespring team, Rob really believes they can achieve it!
My fellow TAB Board
members? I love them!
They are from very
different businesses but
that just adds to the
richness and quality of
feedback.