The Story of
Digital Storm
Digital Storm’s story began with three friends, a shared creative spark, and a determination to help businesses stand out. What started as a small design studio quickly gained attention for bold ideas and meticulous attention to detail, with early work including packaging for Dorset tea brand Keith Spicer that made an impact on shelves across the region. As client needs evolved, so did we – expanding beyond packaging into branding, marketing, and digital design to offer a complete creative service.
Our dedication and continual investment in the business over the years have given us the freedom to grow while maintaining our independent spirit. With new leadership talent joining the team, we sharpened our commercial focus and set our sights on long-term growth. A move to Bournemouth marked the start of a fresh chapter, with a team thriving on collaboration and creative energy.
Our work has earned both local and national recognition, from award-winning projects for Dorset Food & Drink to campaigns for The Colour Works. Our commitment to the community runs deep – whether as a Platinum Business Partner of the Dorset Chamber or through our work with the Silicon South network to connect and showcase Dorset’s creative and digital talent.
Take a look at our timeline below to explore our history.
The Beginning
2003
- Founded by three friends passionate about design, development, and business.
- Initially delivered creative packaging and branding for local businesses, including Wimborne-based Keith Spicer, creators of the Dorset Tea brand.
A Shift Toward Digital
2005
- Lesley Simmons joined the leadership, catalysing a strategic pivot toward email marketing and web development.
Client-Led Acquisition
2009
- A major client, Field International, acquired the agency. This arrangement preserved Digital Storm’s independent identity while expanding its operation as an in‑house marketing department.
A Strategic Addition
2012
- Damion Hazael joined Digital Storm, bringing strong commercial insight and leadership.
- His arrival marked the beginning of a more strategic growth phase, combining creative output with business-driven results.
New Ownership & Studio Move
2014
- Leadership took ownership through a management buy-out, led by Lesley Simmons, Damion Hazael, and Paul Andrews.
- Moved operations from Poole into an upgraded studio in Bournemouth town centre, solidifying presence in the Dorset digital hub.
Dorset Chamber Partnership
2015
- Upgraded to Platinum Business Partner of the Dorset Chamber.
- Became actively involved in local support initiatives.
15-Year Anniversary & Award Success
2018
- Celebrated 15 years in October.
- Honoured with the Wirehive 100 Award for “Not-for-Profit Website” work with Dorset Food & Drink.
- By 2018, the agency had served over 350 clients across public, private, and third sectors.
Boost to Regional Recognition
2019
- Nominated for Wirehive 100 again in 2019 for work with The Colour Works.
- Co-sponsored the Dorset Business Awards, supporting the Creative Impact category—the highest-entry award at the time.
Network Support
2020
- Strengthened our commitment to innovation by partnering with Silicon South—Dorset’s leading digital and creative network.
- Developed and launched their online business directory platform.
Leadership Evolution
2021
- Paul Andrews stepped back as director.
- Damion Hazael and Lesley Simmons retained ownership.
- Continued delivering digital evolution, refining internal structures, and expanding client services.
20 Years of Creative Collaboration
2023
- Celebrated its 20th anniversary, reinforcing a legacy of reliability and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact Digital Storm?
You can contact Digital Storm by phone on 01202 298392 or email hello@digitalstorm.co.uk
Where is Digital Storm located?
Digital Storm is located at Suite 2, 3rd Floor, Collonade House, 2 Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH1 2BY
What is a digital agency?
A digital agency is a firm that provides strategic, creative, and technical solutions tailored to enhance clients’ marketing endeavours.
Who is the owner of Digital Storm?
Digital Storm is owned by Damion Hazael and Lesley Simmons.
What services does Digital Storm offer?
Serving primarily SMEs across England, Digital Storm offers a breadth of web, marketing and design solutions as a top-tier digital agency.
How long has Digital Storm been in business?
Digital Storm was founded in 2003, boasting a rich legacy of client service and a diverse portfolio of accomplished projects..
Does Digital Storm provide customised packages for different businesses?
We understand that every business is unique, so we tailor our digital solutions to fit each client’s individual needs and objectives.
What digital platforms do Digital Storm specialise in?
We have expertise in a variety of digital platforms including WordPress, Figma, and Woocommerce, amongst others. We select the best platform based on our client’s business model and goals.
How do Digital Storm measure the success of a digital marketing campaign?
We utilise a range of analytical tools and metrics, such as Google Analytics, conversion rates, and ROI calculations, to measure and report on the success of our campaigns.
Can Digital Storm assist with ecommerce solutions?
Yes, we have a dedicated team specialising in ecommerce solutions, from platform selection to payment gateway integration and more.
Do Digital Storm offer ongoing support and maintenance post-project completion?
Certainly. We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients. We offer ongoing support and maintenance packages to ensure your digital assets remain updated and effective.
How do Digital Storm’s pricing structures work?
Our pricing is based on the scope and complexity of the project. We’re transparent with our costs and provide detailed quotes before commencing any work.
Can I see some case studies or examples of past work?
Of course! We take pride in our portfolio and are happy to showcase our previous projects and share the success stories of our clients.
How do Digital Storm stay updated with the latest digital trends and technologies?
Our team is committed to continuous learning. We regularly attend industry workshops, seminars, and training to ensure we’re at the forefront of digital innovation.
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