This article is part of ServiSeek’s featured interview series, where Ben speaks to local service providers available through the app.
This featured interview looks at how Tom from Digital Space helps businesses with websites, apps and digital projects, and why local support can matter when a business owner is not sure where to start.
Watch Ben’s interview with Tom from Digital Space
The full interview is available on YouTube. Tom explains, in his own words, how he got started, what Digital Space offers and why he focuses on being a helpful local contact for businesses.
Many small businesses know they need better digital support, but not where to start
One of the clearest points from Tom’s interview was that customers do not always arrive with a finished brief. Often, they know they need help online, but they are not sure whether that means a brochure website, an app, e-commerce, marketing support or simply a clearer plan.
“If you don’t know what you need to do for web or digital marketing or anything basically anything digital, I will happily help.”
That matters because a useful provider does not just sell a technical product. They help the customer understand the problem, the options and the first sensible step.
Meet Tom from Digital Space
Digital Space is a Bournemouth-based digital business run by Tom. In the interview, Tom described himself as the founder and a freelance web developer, with work ranging across websites, apps and wider digital support.
“My business is called Digital Space. I am the founder and freelancer web developer.”
Tom said the core of the business is web and app development, but he also works across digital marketing and related support where that helps the client.
“I range from websites to apps to really anything digital in general to be honest. Marketing, everything, but the bread and butter is web and app development.”
How Tom got started
Tom explained that he has been working in the digital space for more than a decade. His route started early, when he left sixth form part way through to begin an apprenticeship.
“I’ve been doing this for over eleven years. I left sixth form halfway through to start an apprenticeship and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
He has worked with different companies while also doing freelance work on the side. Over the last few years, he said he has built the business more prominently while still working full time.
“I’ve always worked with different companies throughout. I’ve just done freelance on the side.”
That background gives customers a useful picture of the person behind the business: someone who has worked commercially, kept building experience and gradually developed his own local service.
What services does Digital Space offer?
In the interview, Tom described a wide range of digital work. That includes simpler brochure websites for local businesses, larger e-learning platforms, e-commerce sites and apps that sit alongside websites.
“I really do a range, like brochure websites for local businesses, or large e-learning platforms, or an e-commerce site, or an app to kind of sit alongside the websites.”
For a customer, that range is useful because not every business needs the same thing. A small local service provider may only need a clear website that explains what they do and helps people get in touch. Another business may need online selling, user accounts, learning content or a more bespoke app.
What stood out from the interview?
The strongest point from Tom’s interview was his focus on being local and approachable. He did not present digital work as something distant or overly technical. He talked about meeting people, explaining options and helping them make sense of what they need.
“The big thing is I’m local.”
That is a simple line, but it matters. For many small businesses, the problem is not just building a website. It is finding someone who will listen, explain the choices clearly and not make the process feel more complicated than it needs to be.
“I can come and have coffee with you. I will come and talk to you.”
Tom also described his role as helping a business get started without overwhelming them.
“I can make it as plain, as simple as three or four bullet points so that you understand fully what can elevate your business to the next level digitally.”
Useful customer advice from this interview
If you are looking for help with a website, app or digital project, the interview points to a few practical things worth including in your request.
- What your business does and who your customers are.
- Whether you already have a website, domain, branding or social pages.
- What you want the digital project to achieve.
- Whether you need a simple website, online selling, bookings, learning content or an app.
- Your preferred timescale and any budget range you already have in mind.
The clearer the request, the easier it is for a provider to decide whether they can help and reply with something useful.
Available on ServiSeek
Digital Space is available on the ServiSeek app.
If you need help with a website, app or digital project in Bournemouth or nearby areas, you can post your request on ServiSeek and let relevant local providers respond if they are interested and available.
ServiSeek is also open to local service providers who want another way to find local opportunities. If you run a local business, or you are thinking of starting one, you can join ServiSeek as a provider, choose your service categories and respond to requests that fit your work.
For local businesses
This interview also shows why local service businesses are useful to the wider ServiSeek marketplace. Tom spoke about being able to meet customers locally and explain digital options in a practical way.
If you run a local service business, ServiSeek gives you a way to see relevant local requests and choose which opportunities are worth responding to. It does not guarantee work, but it can become another route to finding customers who already have a job in mind.
Thinking of starting or growing a local service business?
Tom’s story is a good example of how a service business can grow from experience, side projects and a clear skill set. He built up knowledge over years, worked commercially, freelanced, and then developed Digital Space as a more visible business.
For anyone with a practical or technical skill, the lesson is useful: start with the problem you can solve, explain it clearly, and make it easy for local customers to understand how you can help.
Final thought
The best part of this interview is Tom’s emphasis on clarity. A lot of customers do not need someone to make digital work sound clever. They need someone who can explain what is needed, what is not needed and how to get started.
For ServiSeek, this is exactly the sort of local story worth sharing: a real business need, a local provider, and a practical way for customers to ask for help without contacting lots of people separately.
Source note
This article is based on Ben’s interview with Tom from Digital Space and the information provided for ServiSeek’s featured interview series.