First off, briefly tell us a bit about yourself and your current business.
My name is Lee Kennedy-Washington, I live in Tring with my wife, three year old daughter and our little chug dog. We moved to Tring ten years ago and I have loved seeing the High Street thrive over the years with the addition of many new businesses. I established Tring Design to help and support local businesses with branding, graphic design and website design using my design degree and marketing agency experience. I also co-founded Tring Cinema, a local pop up community cinema to bring film nights to Tring.
You’ve worked on many different campaigns & projects with a variety of types of business, which stand out as a particular highlight/ favourite?
I really enjoyed working on the branding and website for Dyslexia Herts which was one of the in-depth projects involving a rebrand, new website and marketing materials. It was great to meet with the owner throughout the process and gain a full understanding of the direction that she wanted to take her business in.
I’ve also recently enjoyed working with local artist Mary Casserley on her e-commerce site. She’s seen an increase in online sales and is able to now manage the site herself to add new artwork and dispatch orders. It has been rewarding to the positive impact that a project can have and how working collaboratively with a client is important to the overall success.
For a number of years I’ve worked with Leon Bosch, an incredibly talented and world renowned musician who lives in Tring and it’s been very rewarding to build a number of websites for him.
What do you love most about working with small businesses?
I love working with small business owners and being able to meet and talk through their challenges and aspirations. It’s then incredibly rewarding to deliver branding or a new website that helps them overcome those challenges and ultimately helps their business to grow. There’s nothing better than getting feedback from a client who is very happy with the results! I enjoy the longer term partnerships as I continue to work with clients to help and support them – I have been fortunate to work with some of my clients for many years!
What are the best & worst things about running your own business?
The best thing is being able to manage my own workload and having flexibility to be able to achieve a good work:life balance so that I can spend time with my family.
I think the most challenging aspect is maintaining a presence for Tring Design during busy spells to ensure a steady workload. This is why taking the time to network and connect with other local business owners with Buzz Hub is so important.
How can people work with you and where can we find you?
I offer a free 30 minute session to understand your business, review your website and marketing and offer suggestions as to how we can work together. My website is at www.tringdesign.com which is also on Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/Tring_Design. I’m on Instagram with a lot of photos of my dog at https://www.instagram.com/leekennedywashington
Favourite local place to eat & drink?
The Espresso Lounge – I’m not a coffee drinker but I have it on good authority from my wife that theirs is the best coffee! I love the food and I’m very excited for their move to the old Barclays building.
Favourite local retailer (online or bricks & mortar)?
A tough one as the High Street has so many great shops! I think Fancy That as it’s such a lovely shop and they’re also now the box office for Tring Cinema.
Favourite local day out?
We love going for walks and are lucky enough to have so many great places nearby. You can’t beat a walk around Tring Park and the beautiful views of Tring. We also like to visit to College Lake or Wendover Woods
Shoutout to 3 local businesses who you love.
- Grace’s – another treasure trove of a shop for things for the home
- Storia – great for a meal out
- Culture Bakery – Best pastries! Love the view up the High Street
You can find Tring Design in our #ShopLocal Directory, and get more information about how you can work with Lee on his website.