Each week we interview one of our members to find out a bit more about them and their work in the Greater Manchester digital sphere. This week we're speaking with Stockport-based digital agency, Platform81.
What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing the digital and tech industry?
With the introduction of GDPR earlier this year, data security has become a hot topic and an issue that needs to be addressed by all industries, not just digital and tech. Personal information is always going to be vulnerable and it is essential that we continue to innovate to find new ways of protecting customer information today and in the future.
What is your organisation’s biggest achievement?
Our biggest achievement is that fact that Platform81 has thrived over the past 10 years through organic growth alone. We have had no outside investment, just three directors with a passion for marketing and a desire to help like-minded businesses grow.
What would you consider to be your organisation’s biggest challenge?
Talent. Platform81 has been built on the consistent delivery of exceptional on and offline marketing strategies which reflect the latest trends and utilise emerging technologies. As such, it is imperative that we spend time finding the right people to join the team and continually invest in performance development. This ensures staff grow with the business and are able to excite clients with creative solutions to their brief.
What do you think the future looks like for Manchester’s digital and tech sector?
Manchester is the UK’s second largest creative, digital, and technology hub and we are seeing significant growth in these sectors. The City has spent years developing its proposition – global connectivity, provision of co-working hubs and incubators, a busy calendar of networking events and large talent pool – to enable it to take its place at the forefront of creativity, technology, and innovation. With continued investment coming through, alongside a plethora of industry-specific degrees and apprenticeships, confidence in Manchester’s digital and tech sector is sky high and it’s great to be a part of it!
Tell us something we might not know about your company
Platform81 is incredibly proud of its roots and dedicates considerable time support local charities. This year, as part of its 10th birthday celebrations, the team has jumped out of a plane at 15,000 ft, developed a blog for a child ambassador of Kidscan to help fundraising and increase awareness, staged a Great British Bacon Butty Off to feed the homeless in Stockport, slept rough for a night and will be supporting Just Helping over the Christmas period to encourage local residents to take part in its annual Christmas Tree Collection.
