A Wearside web agency is looking to build its client base beyond the region after securing a five-figure investment from the North East Small Loan Fund.
Blueocto, based at the North East Business and Innovation Centre in Sunderland, specialises in providing web services including website design, responsive web development, web audits and SEO. The company has an increasing focus on delivering Shopify and other ecommerce solutions, mainly for SMEs across the North East.
The company was founded in 2015 by experienced developer Caroline Hagan, who worked as a sole practitioner for five years before deciding to grow her business at the beginning of the pandemic on the back of increased client demand. Having built a five-strong team over the last three years, Blueocto is now looking to use the £30,000 Small Loan Fund investment, obtained through regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers, to help create new jobs as it builds its client base within and outside the region.
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At least two new roles are expected to be created in the coming months. Last year, the company was ranked as the leading agency in the North East and 19th overall in the Top 100 UK Shopify Developers list for 2022, an industry table based on client reviews, the quality and quantity of services offered and the range of projects delivered.
Ms Hagan said: “Our success is based around developing long-term client relationships and providing bespoke solutions which address the different challenges that each business is facing. The past three years have seen Blueocto beginning to grow in the way that I believed it could and we’re now looking to take the business to the next level.
“We have an excellent team in place, but we know that we need more capacity if we’re going to go after more contracts and fully realise the business’s potential, so we’re looking to bring in more high-calibre staff through the coming year.”
Carolyn McGregor, business development executive. at NEL Fund Managers, said: “The progress that Blueocto has made over the last three years demonstrates the robustness of the company’s business model and they now have the resources required to take the next steps on their growth journey.”
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