Family at core of Dunfermline print and digital design agency

Amanda Little and husband Mark launched their own web design business in 2004 and the Fife firm expanded and relaunched as Branded by Design last year

What does your business do? Our business is centred on graphic design. We specialise in branding for companies and offer services such as websites, business cards and other business stationery, workwear clothing, vehicle livery and promotional products. Why did you start in business? To secure a successful future. We initially started offering website design but it very quickly became clear people were looking for a wide range of design and print services.

Over the years we have expanded our product and service range to meet those needs. How did you get to where you are? A lot of hard work, late nights and networking! It’s been a real team effort too. Who has helped you along the way? Last year we rebranded to Branded by Design and since then we have had lots of help from Business Gateway Fife.

They really have helped us set up the company properly, connecting us to the right people and giving us great advice.

I am also a member of Business Network International (BNI) and Rotary, which has helped with marketing and networking, bringing some long-term projects into the business. Your biggest mistake? Not tapping into the help we have been given by Business Gateway Fife sooner. I’d also hoped to grow more quickly but we are on track now and hope to keep growing and growing. Your greatest achievement? We feel great achievement when we have worked with a business from the very start and helped them with every aspect of their branding and graphic design. Having clients leave happy is what makes us happy.

Also being invited and accepted into different networking groups. Hopes for the future? We are really looking forward to this new chapter in our business.

With the help from Business Gateway Fife, and other associations I am part of, we are expecting – and hoping – the business will keep growing with the prospects of hiring more people and maybe opening an additional workshop. Do you want to recruit in the future? My daughter Louise has joined the firm and we’ve employed a junior graphic designer. We are looking into employing another additional person as more work comes in, potentially through Fife Council’s Employability Service. What is the hardest thing about running your own business? Probably not being able to take on any and every job that comes along because we are so busy.

Also, managing time can sometimes be difficult, resulting in late nights and long weekends to keep our customers happy because that’s what matters to us. Any advice to other wannabe entrepreneurs? Go for it! Make sure you take all opportunities and advice you are offered from organisations such as Business Gateway, as that support can help you set out a clear path for your business and what you want to achieve. How would your friends describe you? Chatty, energetic and driven! Favourite film and book? I’m not so much into movies but my favourite books are classics from Enid Blyton, which I enjoy sharing with my granddaughter. How do you relax? When we do manage to get time away from work, we enjoy spending time with our granddaughter – although some might not see this as relaxing!

Entrepreneur Amanda Little of Branded by Design of Dunfermline.