Future looks bright for digital entrepreneurs

TWO former Eversheds employees are continuing to build on a string of recent successes for their digital studio venture.

Pete Mills and Adam Roney launched digital studio calls9 18 months ago, which specialises in mobile app development, website design and digital consultancy.

Mr Mills and Mr Roney worked together at law firm Eversheds and during their time with the firm they took part in an internal innovation competition.

Together they designed and project managed a prototype online services platform which had the potential to transform how the firm could communicate with clients by giving them direct access to their legal spend, legal documents, and lawyers.

The platform scooped an accolade at the Law Society Excellence Awards and Mr Roney and Mr Mills were jointly awarded the Eversheds Global Innovation Award in 2010.

“On the back of this success we decided to launch our own digital studio which could deliver innovative online products and services in a more efficient and responsive manner than is possible within traditional businesses,” said Mr Mills.

They say the core goal of calls9, based at Broad Gate offices on the Headrow in Leeds, is to help companies increase their profitability, efficiency and growth through the effective use of technology.

calls9 now boasts a client list which includes Yorkshire law firm Gordons, Bradford Grammar School, Healthcare.co.uk and the Aagrah restaurant group.

For Bradford Grammar, calls9 was brought in to take content from the print version of the prospectus and use its content to deliver an innovative iPad prospectus using interactive content and video.

The iPad prospectus is now being used as a successful marketing tool for new students in the UK and overseas.

calls9 was also tasked with building a website for Yorkshire law firm Gordons, including a mobile ready version for clients who access their services on the go.

Mr Mills said: “Our growth has been extraordinary really. When we decided to take the plunge, 18 months ago, we left employment, had no clients but we did know where we wanted to take the business.

“We are very excited about the future, our reputation is growing and clients are coming back to continue working with us, which is fantastic.

“We are also really pleased with our newly launched website, which we feel really showcases our broad offering.”