Introduction:
Technology has always fascinated me, and I believe everyone deserves access to its potential. I launched CookeCorp UK Ltd to offer flexible web design, SEO, and PR services. My goal? To empower businesses with a strong online presence, regardless of complexity..
My Journey as a Sole Trader:
Starting as a sole trader, I was driven by a passion for helping clients achieve their goals. Seeing a small business flourish because of my work brought immense satisfaction. Some of my early projects included creating dynamic websites and enhancing online visibility for local businesses, leading to increased traffic and sales. Each success reinforced my belief that my skills and dedication could overcome any obstacle.
However, as a disabled entrepreneur (I am legally blind and registered as such), I encountered challenges beyond technical expertise. According to a 2019 report by the TUC (you can find information about this topic via The Health Foundation), disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to non-disabled individuals. This highlights a concerning trend: ableism, a form of discrimination based on disability, often manifests in the workplace and business world.
In my experience, this manifested in difficulty securing clients who took my work seriously, particularly for larger projects. While many were happy to pay for smaller SEO services (invoices under £small increments), larger web design projects remained unpaid despite exceeding expectations. This selective payment pattern suggests a potential bias against disabled professionals, where clients are willing to exploit their skills for smaller tasks but hesitant to trust them with more substantial work.
Is this a common experience within the disabled community? Share your stories in the comments below. Let’s raise awareness about ableism and work towards a more inclusive business environment where skills and dedication pave the way for success, regardless of disability.
Strategic Growth:
As I try to build my client base, I encounter challenges common to many disabled entrepreneurs. While most clients appreciated my work, some hesitate to take me seriously due to preconceived notions about my capabilities. To address this and facilitate growth, I decided to incorporate CookeCorp UK LTD. This strategic move is aimed to establish greater credibility and trust. Operating as a limited company, I hope to attract larger clients and present a more professional image. Using a combination of my own strategic growth strategies & pre-existing proven methods, I hope to captivate, deliver upon and report my findings to others and potentially elevate their business success.
Overcoming Stereotypes:
Incorporation brought many benefits, but the journey was far from smooth. There were moments when stereotypes about disabled individuals became apparent. Despite delivering high-quality work, some clients doubted my abilities solely based on my visual impairment. Research from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Scope highlights the significant barriers disabled individuals face in employment and business. Many are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to their non-disabled peers, revealing a systemic issue beyond individual experiences. When researching incorporation I was told by Jobcentre Plus that “I was incapable of designing a website”, without them even allowing me to provide any evidence to the contrary. I was basically laughed out of the Openshaw office in 2018. I silently left. I have not asked for help from any organisation in regards to this matter. I feel it is a blanket opinion across the UK that many people believe. It’s hard to say I’m wrong when I can’t give away a website some days. Offering website design for free has been the basis of my entire career so far. Between unpaid invoices and people requesting free design/consultation. What else can I do other than continue to add to my portfolio.
Too High – Too Low:
Pricing Differences: Sole Traders and Businesses
When it comes to web design pricing, there are often significant differences between what is charged to sole traders or self-employed individuals versus larger businesses. Sole traders and self-employed individuals typically have smaller budgets and may only require simpler websites with basic functionality. Consequently, prices for these projects can range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds.
In contrast, businesses often have more complex requirements, such as e-commerce capabilities, custom integrations, and scalable solutions. These projects require more time, resources, and expertise, resulting in higher costs. Pricing for business websites can start from £14,000 and go upwards, depending on the complexity and scope of the project.
How Web Design Companies Conclude the Bid Price
Web design companies determine bid prices based on several factors:
- Project Scope and Complexity: The more complex the website, the higher the cost. This includes the number of pages, features, and custom functionalities.
- Time and Resources Required: Estimating the hours needed for design, development, testing, and deployment.
- Labour Costs: Salaries for developers, designers, and other team members involved in the project.
- Overheads and Operational Costs: These include rent, utilities, software licences, and other operational expenses.
- Market Rates and Competitor Pricing: Understanding what competitors charge for similar services to remain competitive.
- Client’s Budget and Requirements: Adjusting pricing based on what the client can afford and what they need.
Pricing Strategy for CookeCorp UK Ltd
To determine how much my company should charge for web design services, let’s break down the key costs and considerations:
- Annual Overheads:
- Electricity: £estimate annually
- Required Resources – For example; Software Licensing, Plugins, Themes: Variable, let’s estimate £3,000 annually
- Miscellaneous Operational Costs: £2,000 annually
- Total Annual Overheads: £5,000
- Labour Costs (Estimated if the company could afford to pay employees):
- Lead Developer (Director): £35,000 annually
- Graphics Developer (Assistant): £25,000 annually
- Total Annual Labour Costs: £60,000
Project-Based Costs:
- Specific licensing, software, API Use, plugins, themes, and other direct costs related to a project.
- Profit Margin:
- To sustain the business and grow, I’d aim for a profit margin of at least 12-30%. However as a small web design company we’d aim for the lower end.
Presenting My Ideas:
Presenting my ideas can be particularly challenging due to my disability. Some clients may not appreciate how difficult it is to retain so much information. Having the ability to see allows you to read from cue cards, a screen or a script. I mostly have to remember my presentation word for word so having time to rehearse is crucial. Despite these hurdles, it’s crucial to convey concepts clearly and compellingly. However, there’s also a significant risk involved: clients might use my ideas without hiring me, benefiting from my creativity and expertise without providing fair compensation. This not only devalues my work but also makes it difficult to secure payment for the intellectual property and effort invested in the proposal stage.
Commitment to Excellence:
Despite these challenges, my commitment to providing exceptional service has never wavered. Each project is an opportunity to demonstrate that disability does not define one’s potential. Whether designing a visually stunning website or crafting an effective PR campaign, my focus remains on delivering results that exceed client expectations.
Inspiring Change:
Through CookeCorp UK Ltd, I strive to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. My journey is not just about building a business; it’s about proving that dedication and skill can overcome prejudice. I hope my story can inspire other disabled entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and demonstrate that our capabilities are defined by our skills and determination, not by our disabilities.
Conclusion:
Building CookeCorp UK Ltd has been proving to be a journey of resilience and growth. I am committed to continuing this path, offering high-quality web design, SEO, and PR services, and fostering long-term client relationships built on trust and respect. If you’re looking for an employee to elevate your online presence, I invite you to contact me. Together, we can achieve great things. As far as CookeCorp goes we are yet to secure our first paying project. We are hopeful and looking forward to sharing our creativity and development skills with you.