Using the strapline, "Design, Engage, Grow", a young design agency is building a good reputation for creative excellent and business performance. Strafe Creative is still based at The Hive, at Nottingham Trent University, and is following the footsteps of Toast PR, Regenerate Clothing and Bantum to help put Nottingham's young creative talent on the national map.

This great example shows everyone thinking of starting their own creative business, no matter how much industry experience you have, the importance of learning the basics of business.

Although up to 60 per cent of start-ups are likely to fail within their first three years, figures show that with structured support some 80 per cent are likely to remain in operation after the same period.

The Hive has supported more than 250 new business ideas in the last ten years, 72 per cent of which are still operational at the present time.

Its success is down to the fact that it provides entrepreneurs with a safe environment for evaluating and testing concepts, backed up by the invaluable expertise and specialist knowledge both within The Hive and across the university.

Their HeadStart programme is run up to three times a year and provides carefully planned tutorial sessions covering essential topics such as market research, brand building, tax and accountancy, and operational planning, among others.

As founders of Strafe Creative, product design graduates Ross Davies and Patrick Dolan knew exactly where to go to transform their creativity and originality into a viable business venture.

A few months after graduating from Nottingham Trent University, they enrolled for Enterprise Inc and then took their entrepreneurial skills to the next level with the HeadStart programme.

What is Strafe Creative all about?

"We are a team of graphic and web designers, supported with marketing expertise, and we specialise in creating effective brand identities and marketing messages across a number of industries and visual media.

"Our services range from web design and development to graphic and print design.

"We believe we have the flexibility and creative energy to meet all types of briefs and objectives.

"We like to combine practical design with creative spark, which results in fresh and innovative ideas coupled with practical experience, to create powerful design solutions for our clients."

Why did you look for business support from the start?

"It was a natural decision to turn to The Hive. We'd heard a lot about it already, right from the first year of our studies, through talks, open days and Enterprise Week," explains Ross. "HeadStart is structured in such a way as to give you the confidence to get your ideas off the ground. You're learning as you go along and the support you receive from The Hive is superb because it's so flexible and responsive. You can ask for advice when you need it but you're never treated in a patronising way."

As well as gaining start-up funding through Enterprise Inc, they were introduced to a business mentor with a background in the creative branding and design industry. The flexibility of having a dedicated office at the university – with 24-hour access – is another advantage, along with the chance to network with both established and fledgling businesses in The Hive's community.

"We've found that the 'word-of-mouth' aspect of promotion has been really important to us. We've had excellent referrals from existing clients and, thanks to The Hive, have learned the value of networking and following up on our contacts.

"It helps us keep up the momentum," continued Patrick.

It's great to see the energy and enthusiasm of a new agency achieving such good results.

Keep sending me your news and views on Nottingham's creative industries by e-mailing me at mark@markshaw.co.uk.