The Eword set to break £1m turnover barrier

FAST-growing digital agency The Eword has doubled its staff numbers over the last year, and says it is on target to break the £1m turnover barrier in 2010.

The Trafford Park-based business, which launched in 2006, saw turnover and staff numbers double in 2009. Revenue growth – to more than £600,000 – meant the company had to grow staff numbers from seven to 15.

Managing director and founder Al Mackin expects the company to exceed its £1m turnover target in 2010.

He told TheBusinessDesk: “The increase in staff numbers has allowed us to launch new products and services for our clients. The challenge of expanding a team has been hugely rewarding for the directors and senior staffers at the Eword, and it has allowed us to position the business so that we can expand further in 2010.

He added: “It’s been an exceptional period of growth that has required restraint within the business. We would have done ourselves no favours in expanding too quickly.”

The most recent additions to the team are graduates Emily McCleave and Rick Roberts who have both joined as online marketing assistants, on placements as part of the Manchester Masters programme, which aims to keep the best young graduates in the city.

The company has also launched a staff training scheme, with some government funding support.

“There was also a real feeling that we had to extend the way that we invested in our staff,” he said.