Enterprise Nation

We’ve profiled some great named businesses on the site and here’s another one. Digi Nut. The name has such an easy charm about it. It’s run by the similarly charming Danny Bull who stops what he’s doing to answer some questions. 

When did you start Digi Nut?

I started Digi Nut in November 2006 and haven't looked back since. It wasn't that I was particularly unhappy where I was working at the time (at a boutique agency in Covent Garden), I just felt it was the right time and had a million ideas going through my mind that I wanted to work on. 

What does the company do?

We provide web design, branding, graphic design and web development services for a range of clients, from niche e-commerce stores and recruitment companies to small and large agencies. Providing our services for other agencies means we get to work with some big brands. This list currently includes Apple, Rocco Forte, Morley and B&Q. Being a developer and running Digi Nut also means I can start new business ideas, such as My Neighbourhoods.

Are you a full time home business owner?

Yes, often to my girlfriend’s dismay! Owning your own business is more than a full time responsibility but I wouldn't want it any other way. Working from home gives me flexibility that makes the hard work easier to handle. It also means I get to see more of my 1 year old daughter!

What has been your most effective marketing activity to date for My Neighbourhoods?

There have been two; first was the viral marketing that came with offering the ability to search and connect to people outside your area and second has been our successful Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) strategy - currently 53% of all our traffic comes from natural search engine listings.

What are your plans for the future?

I'm putting a lot of effort into promoting and improving My Neighbourhoods (we have two exciting announcements coming very soon) as well as building clients and partners for Digi Nut, which is going very well. Other future plans include taking My Neighbourhoods global, launching Manga Juice (a niche shopping site selling hand-drawn manga art) and one day buying a place in the South of France.

What is the one thing in your home office that you couldn’t live without?!

I couldn't live without Wi-Fi! It means I can work in the garden, on the sofa or anywhere I feel like. It gives you a sense of freedom and means you don't have to be stuck behind a desk.
 
The roaming Danny Bull talks to Emma Jones 

• Digi Nut
• My Neighbourhoods
• Manga Juice