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Family-run web design company marks quarter century legacy
A Bristol-based web design and marketing agency is celebrating 25 years in business.
GWS Media, founded in 2000 by former financial journalist David Graves with “just a laptop and a dream”, has grown into a thriving operation with a long-standing client base and a team including his father Richard and brother Philip.
Richard is no stranger to technology, having authored several publications on computer programming and compiled a series of user guides for early home computers, while Philip is a multilingual copywriter and marketer,
The company has weathered major economic challenges—from the financial crash to the global pandemic. But due to its adaptability, competitive pricing and strong client relationships, the firm is still going strong.
Richard (middle), David and Philip Graves worked on computer programming and compiled a series of users’ guides for early home computers
GWS offers a broad range of digital services, from web design and SEO to multilingual websites and gamification apps. Sites that feature gamification include Buzzfeed, LinkedIn, Reddit and Duolingo.
Notable clients include Bristol Cathedral, Brace, University of Bristol, National Composite Centre and Radisson Blu.
Other high-profile projects include the Children of the 90s project (ALSPAC)
Their recent work includes gamified apps to boost engagement, as well as membership and e-commerce platforms using Magento.
David credits their success to a willingness to embrace change, maintain strong values, and foster long-term partnerships with clients and team members alike.
He said: “Membership businesses want to make sure there is an obvious value to being a member, so people continue to renew their subscription even in these challenging times.
“This involves a website with exciting and interactive features, such as the ability to connect and communicate with other members and advertise their services to fellow professionals.”
David continued: “Most people are uncomfortable with change. But it’s important to recognise opportunities and threats, and to be ready to change tack quickly.”
Richard (left) works as the financial director of GWS which David founded back in 2000 after years of experience under his belt as a financial journalist
David singles out fostering relationships within and beyond the business as the key factor for success.
“Relationships where there is mutual trust and respect are better for everyone. Business tends to run more smoothly if both your team and clients are aligned with your values.”
David read History at Cambridge before beginning his career as a financial journalist with Extel Financial, later transitioning into web design and founding GWS Media. His father, Richard, is a published biographer, poet, and lecturer with 19 books to his name, including acclaimed biographies of T. E. Lawrence and A. E. Housman.
Creativity clearly runs in the family—Richard and David are the nephew and great-nephew, respectively, of renowned author Robert Graves, known for literary classics such as Goodbye to All That, I, Claudius, and The White Goddess.
All photos: GWS
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