We recently sat down with Paul Bird, Creative Director, to learn more about the Plymouth business Elixel.
Check out our latest Business Spotlight to learn more about Elixel.
What is the name of the company and how long have you been in Plymouth?
The name of our agency is called Elixel and we have been going for 12 years.
What is the sector that you specialise in?
Digital Services and Tech Sector.
In 20 words, how would you describe the business?
We design applications that transform the way people live and work, by combining research, technical expertise, and clean beautiful design.
Do you supply to Plymouth/SW/UK-wide/overseas?
Although we are not limited by location, we work with partners and businesses primarily across the UK.
What would you say was your best-selling service?
As a service business, we have the privilege of working on various fascinating projects, each with its own unique set of challenges. One project that I am particularly proud of is Sleep Wise - an educational health app designed to help young people develop healthy sleep habits, with a special focus on individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The app provides valuable resources and expert advice for health professionals, schools, and parents to identify and address sleep-related issues in young people, ultimately improving their well-being.
On a personal level, as a father myself, I deeply understand the importance and impact of this project, and it brings me great joy to contribute to such a meaningful initiative that can positively affect the lives of many families.
What would you say is the best thing about doing business in Plymouth?
For me, the best thing about doing business in Plymouth is the collaborative and innovative spirit that thrives here. When we founded Elixel and co-founded Digital Plymouth, we experienced firsthand how connecting with local businesses and fostering partnerships can lead to exciting opportunities and collective growth. The city’s commitment to promoting tech innovations has put Plymouth on the Tech Cluster map alongside other major cities in the UK.
Additionally, discovering and working with talented individuals and businesses that are achieving success right here in Plymouth is a constant reminder that you don’t need to be in a big city to make a significant impact! The strong sense of community and support for local businesses makes Plymouth an ideal place for entrepreneurship and collaboration.
And what of the future … Where do you see Elixel in 10 years time?
It’s really tough to predict the future, especially with how fast technology advances and how quickly consumer behaviour and market needs change.
But one thing that won’t change is our ability to think creatively and solve problems. No matter what, we’ll always be working on solutions that make a positive impact. And as a company, we’re always on the lookout for new and better ways to do what we do best, while keeping people at the centre of everything.
While we can’t predict the future, I know Elixel will always play a part in shaping it. And that will look as different 10 years from now as it did 10 years ago.
And how about yourself … how long have you worked at Elixel and what is your role?
My role as Creative Director is to get involved and oversee the design process, ensuring consistency in aesthetics and branding, whilst working with clients to achieve their strategic goals. Back in 2012, I joined forces with three of my colleagues to establish Elixel, and it’s been quite a journey—we’re proud to be celebrating our 12th anniversary this year!
How do you spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy climbing, surfing and spending time with the family. Having a 5 year old, who loves tractors and building things keeps me very busy!
If you could have a business lunch with anyone who could significantly influence you/the business, who would that be and why?
It’s hard to just focus on just one person. Probably Andrew Wilkinson, who is the founder of MetaLab and co-founder of Tiny. Metalab is a design agency that Andrew founded when he was just 20 years old and has grown it into a business with over 60 employees, leading them to work with some of the biggest companies in the world like Headspace, Uber and Slack. There is much we could learn from what they have achieved.