Sydney couple relocate to Coffs to grow their business

Creative couple Sam Chapman and Nanette Backhouse are newcomers to the Coffs Coast and are enjoying all the benefits that doing business in our region has to offer.

“Sam and I have been in business together for 14 years and each have 20+ years’ experience in publishing and marketing,” Nanette Backhouse said.

“We reached a fork in the road in Sydney where we had to decide whether to take our successful business, saso.creative, and become the Australian equivalent of design co-op, Pentagram.

“However after the fourth break-in to our Sydney studio we decided it was time to fast-forward our long-term plan to relocate to the Mid North Coast.”

Specialising in graphic design, website design, copywriting and marketing, saso.creative offers a full suite of creative services.

Nanette said deciding to lease an office at the Coffs Harbour Innovation Centre after operating the business from their property had been one of their smartest recent business decisions.

“It’s a really good community here and having the business back-up as well that is provided by ETC through Julianne McKeon who runs the centre has been a real eye-opener,” Nanette said.

“Julianne has been fantastic in sharing information about how business works in this area; referring people to us and encouraging us to join the various business networks.

“We also get stacks of support and cross pollinate with other people located in the centre. We’ve provided services to other businesses located here and they’ve provided services to us, so it’s worked out great.”

Nanette and Sam said they quickly identified the importance of word of mouth on the Coffs Coast.

“Unlike in Sydney where you are largely anonymous, we are excited to now be located in a regional centre where we are involved in the local community,” Nanette said.

“Although the majority of our work has come from the major cities we are really excited to working locally and share our skills and expertise with local businesses.”

Nanette and Sam are organising workshops for local businesses in the coming months, focusing on design, publishing and web.

For further information visit saso.creative at www.sasocreative.com.au

If you are interested in tenancy at the Coffs Harbour Innovation Centre contact Julianne McKeon on 0409 741 196.