Visarc

Established in 2000, Visarc is an integrated marketing agency covering everything from creative design to digital development.

Visarc’s knowledgeable team of 20 are experienced in delivering complex digital and marketing solutions, including SEO, e-commerce, branding and advertising.

Visarc has a varied portfolio of clients, including Ashford-based Brakes, but its specialisms are the automotive and food service sectors. The company works with some of the biggest national and international names in the car industry, including Maserati, Hyundai, Mazda and Honda.

Having outgrown their Grade I listed office in Mersham-le-Hatch in 2014 which was restricting their operations as a business, Visarc was on the look-out for a centrally located HQ which suited its staff and Ashford seemed like a good fit.

Franc Gamberini, Managing Director at Visarc, explains how they came about choosing their current office location at Ashford Business Park: “I wanted to retain an open plan office where we could all work together as there is a tremendous amount of communication across all teams in our business and I wanted to avoid barriers that would put a halt to this.

“I came across an empty warehouse which looked perfect, with plenty of space for meeting rooms, a kitchen, gym and showers – basically everything we needed to be productive and enjoy our time in the office. I’m a firm believer that having a great environment really helps motivation and company culture. We bought the site, converted it and six months later we moved in.”

Franc and his team are strong champions of Ashford as a business location and as somewhere to live. He comments: “I think Ashford’s best days are yet to come. There are so many benefits to being here – rail and road links being the most obvious followed by massive investment and regeneration, which will continue to transform the town. Elwick Place, Curious Brewery and The Coachworks have been great recent additions and the plans for Newtown Works will be transformational.

“The fast train to London is great for days out, the countryside is on your doorstop and beautiful Kent beaches are a short drive away. All the members of the team that live in Ashford are very happy and settled here.”

Despite the challenges the Covid-19 pandemic has imposed on the Ashford business community, Visarc has responded well and has continued to grow their team. Franc concludes: “Offering a broad range of services to our clients has served us well over recent months. As clients’ needs evolve, it simply means greater or less emphasis on different areas of the business.

“Early in 2020, we immediately recognised the impact Covid-19 would have on the economy, our clients and on us as a business, so we acted quickly and furloughed four members of the team. With a smaller team, we have all been exceptionally busy throughout the pandemic. As a result of the workload and business wins, we are in the process of recruiting two new senior members to the team. Our objective is to strengthen our experience and support additional growth in the coming months.”