A Coffee with Darren Evans.

What is your business motto?

Work hard and be nice to people.

How do you make contacts which are useful for business?

I think the best and most effective way to develop contacts in terms of clients is by doing a good job and then referrals come naturally. I also run a creative network in Huddersfield called Wilson’s Republic, which is a great way to meet more contacts in the industry.

What makes your business different?

We’re in the business of brand, so there’s a million dollar question! The world is changing fast, competition is more prevalent than ever and businesses need to stand out if they are going to be noticed. What makes us different is how we make our clients different.

What do you always have with you?

A note pad and pen.

Do you dress-up or dress-down for business?

When I first started 20 years ago everyone wore three-piece suits in the studio! I’m definitely a dress down person these days.

Which person has inspired you most in your business life and in what way?

I don’t really have ‘one’. I’ve met (and continue to meet) loads of inspirational people over the years. I guess each one has taught me something different. Huddersfield is full of inspirational people, we should shout about it a bit more.

What’s your proudest achievement in business?

This is The Engine Room’s 15th year in business. It never really occurred to me until recently that this is a big achievement in itself!

What’s your company’s greatest asset?

The team. We are a service business and all we have to sell is our thinking and our time. That relies on smart people, and it also makes for an interesting place to work.

Do you use social media and if so with how much success?

That depends on what you mean by success? We use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to share regular updates. I’ve no doubt about its importance as a brand building tool for business. However, at the end of the day it’s the quality of what you say, not how many times you say it!

If you hadn’t gone down your chosen career path, what would you be doing?

I’d be an architect. Maybe.

Give us one tip for a successful business

Work hard and be nice to people.

At what time of the day are you most creative or inspired?

Time is irrelevant. It’s how you set the right conditions to be creative.

How do you relax away from work?

I swim two or three times a week and when I can, I get out on my bike and enjoy the Yorkshire hills. I also have two boys who keep me on my toes!

When do you take your coffee break?

Coffee before noon. Tea after that. It’s a rule.

Who would you most like to have a coffee with?

I would have liked to have met Graphic Designer, Alan Fletcher. He was and will always be inspirational.

What’s your coffee break favourite?

Tunnock’s caramel wafers. A quality brand.

Photo by Alexandru STAVRICĂ