An award-winning design company which held a controversial "work for free" day last year is already reaping the benefits of the decision.

NS Design decided that December 19th would be its Christmas present to other companies and worked the whole day for no fee at all.

In the cold light of a gloomy January with recession pending, Managing Director Gary Ennis, would happily do the same thing again.

He said: "We didn't actually set out to be controversial at all. The idea was to spread a little festive cheer helping out companies who were maybe struggling with the credit crunch or who were just looking for some advice on how to improve their web offerings."

The MD was "initially surprised" by the debate which raged in the weeks after the announcement however he stands by the decision.


In just one day the firm helped out over 30 individuals and organisations (a few of which were existing clients).

"We may not benefit from any immediate 'paid work' as a result of the efforts we went to, but those companies we helped out will certainly have us at the forefront of their minds when they do need the services we provide."

The range of work carried out by the team at NS Design was varied, with the company doing everything from adding some festive sparkle (custom graphics and backgrounds of a Christmas nature) to a handful of websites, to general "spam advice" and consultancy on bulk-emailing and ensuring legal compliance with regard email communications.

In addition NS Design conducted a number of site reviews, providing recommendations on improving design, usability and SEO, designed new logo concepts for a mobile-disco operator and online video production company, and setup a blog for a Cricket Club.

In 2009 the company aims to build on the strong foundations they have developed over the last ten years which culminated in them winning the "Outstanding Performing Business with less than 25 Full time Employees" - ROCCO Business Award.

The MD concluded: "There are many challenges for us (and indeed all design companies) in the year to come but no matter how tough a year it is, when Christmas is approaching next year, I would not hesitate to offer another "work for free" day."

(GK/JM)