About the business, & a little about myself
I started Rugby Web Design because I love being creative, and I wanted to use that to make a real difference for small businesses.
Too many SMEs are stuck between a choice of attempting a DIY website that doesn’t convert, and using overpriced agencies that feel out of reach. (I was once that person too), so I knew there had to be a better way.
My mission is to give small businesses access to clean, strategic websites that help them grow - without the inflated cost or complexity.
I work best with small business owners who care about using their website as a real tool for growth. They know it needs to do more than look good - it has to be clear, credible, and designed to convert. Most of my clients are juggling limited budgets and big goals. They come to me for honest advice, practical guidance, and for a website that actually helps them move forward.
Clients walk away with more than a nice-looking website - they get greater visibility, improved perception, more enquiries, and confidence in how they’re showing up online.
I’m known for being easy to work with, fast to deliver, and clear in my communication, no jargon, just straight-up support.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked across art, design and creative communication. I began in the artwork department of a print and publishing company, where I also gained qualifications at the Berkshire College of Art & Design.
When the company closed, I took what was meant to be a temporary detour into the pub trade. My artistic skills soon came into play as a freelance blackboard artist, creating chalk menus and information boards. This evolved into traditional hand-painted signage for pubs and shops.
Over time, I progressed to running my own hospitality businesses. It was during this period that I first saw the potential of the internet as a tool to market my business. After building a website for my pub, my customers began asking me to create websites for their own businesses.
In 2009, I stepped away from the licensed trade and focused on developing my web design skills, initially running it as a part-time business. Fast forward to today, and I now trade as a limited company, working full-time from my home office, helping businesses get online with websites that deliver results.
Although my fiancée insists I’m addicted to technology, at heart I’m a bit of a traditionalist - with a soft spot for real ales and the golden age of steam railways.
Music has always been a big part of my life. For several years I ran a DJ business, performing at literally hundreds of weddings, parties, and events. I also played guitar in a few live bands. While my gigging days are now behind me, I still enjoy picking up my guitars at home whenever I get the chance.
Thanks for taking the time to read this little snapshot of me - and apologies if I’ve just cost you two minutes of your life you’ll never get back!
"Graham's professionalism and approachability made the entire design process seamless. His designs were fresh, modern, and perfectly captured the essence of my brand. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my website. Without hesitation, I would recommend Graham to anyone in need of a talented website designer and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him."
"Graham has done an absolutely fabulous job on our web design. His efficiency, knowledge and intuition of what we wanted has produced the perfect design for us and seamlessly transitioned our old (and out of date website) into something our business can be proud of. Thank you."
"Brilliant work by Graham at Rugby Web Design on my new website. Graham is proactive in suggesting improvements that make a real difference, and the site is simple for me to update whenever I need. His knowledge and expertise is extensive and has given me exactly what I needed and more. I highly recommend, 5 stars, awesome! Thanks again for everything."
"I wanted to work with someone who would be responsive to my needs, listen but also offer good sensible advice and be a partner for my business going forward. Graham scores very highly on every count and has been a great person to work with. I've absolutely no hesitation in recommending Graham to anyone who is looking for a decent website - you won't be disappointed!"
"I always get comments on how professional my website looks. I'm sure it has been instrumental in a number of partnerships I've established with influential brands. I thought I could build a website myself with a template... But you can't beat using someone with experience. Graham is a total superstar, he actions things straight away. The ROI for me has been significant, not to mention the additional sense of pride it's given me in my brand."
"I am so pleased that I came across Graham as he has developed the perfect website for my business. He was so helpful offering tips to make everything more efficient and worked on it quickly. He was honest and authentic and priced his work so reasonably. I would highly recommend his service and will be returning to him for all future updates!"
"Graham positions RWD as a bridge between DIY websites and more pricey premium digital agencies. This is exactly what I was looking for when searching for a website for my small (and growing) business. It was completed within a fortnight, with Graham providing a highly responsive service, offering good, practical suggestions and attractive design. I would very much recommend RWD to other growing SMEs looking for a more professional digital profile."
"Absolutely fantastic. My old holiday property website was outdated and did not support modern devices. Graham set to work to build a new site that totally suited my needs, coming up with an amazing, innovative prototype. I loved his ideas and he really knows how to highlight and sell the property in the best possible way. The end product is fantastic. I simply cannot recommend Graham highly enough."
"Graham was the successful party in our tender process because he clearly took time to understand our brief and needs. We are exceedingly pleased with the results of our collaboration and have gained greater confidence in our web presence. We would have no hesitation in recommending Rugby Web Design be included in any tender list."
"A Web Design Jedi, Graham is one of the few individuals who has mastered the powerful force of Webflow. It was my first time working with Graham (and definitely not the last) and he delivered, not only on time and on budget, but also streamlined the code to make the website lightning fast. I’ve spent 15 Yrs. working with Web Designers and Graham is up there with the best of them."
"I originally had a broken and janky website which was causing a lot of stress. Graham quickly jumped in and rebuilt from the ground up leaving us with something we can be proud of. Working with Graham made website design something to enjoy rather than stress about, with all feedback acted on quickly and beyond expectation. Its clear Graham has a deep understanding of what makes a site run well and serve its users from both an SEO and design stand point."
"Simply amazing!! Graham created a professional, modern website in less than a week! Graham got the concept straight away and I was able to see the site being built live. Once built, editing it through Webflow is extremely easy too (as it feels like you're looking at the actual site). You won't get better quality, value, or service anywhere else - this guy is incredible."
"I recently worked with Graham to create my new website and I have been so impressed! Graham has been really attentive, responsive and proactive in creating a new site that is SO much better than my previous one. I would highly recommend Graham for his attention to detail, friendliness and above all – quality of end product!"
"It has been a pleasure working with Graham at Rugby Web Design Limited. He instinctively understood what I was looking for from the outset, and constantly went the extra mile, producing results beyond my expectations. He really knows his craft, he is friendly and always replies promptly. I can't rate him highly enough!
"Graham was brilliant to work with. He helped me get my [half completed] website finished and ready to launch in two weeks. He was very responsive and always delivered quick turnaround times. I can't recommend him highly enough!
"Graham is a true expert in his field. We wanted to move our sites to a modern platform like Webflow and were delighted we found him. Even though we are techies there is no way we could do what Graham can do in the same speed, or as well thought out. Responsive, great value and easy to work with".
"Graham is extremely friendly, professional and helpful. His service was completed in good time and to a standard I'm really pleased with. Graham was also happy to give me his own personal advice to benefit my website, which I really appreciated. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Rugby Web Design!"
"Our site has just gone live and it is amazing. It looks so professional and does exactly what it needs to do. Simple but effective. Thank you Graham for your help and support in creating our new site which will look to increase our online traffic. I would highly reccomend Rugby web design to anyone and will be reccomending in the future".
If you're ready for a website that looks great and gets results, let's get the ball rolling!