Well, we've only gone and done it again!
I'm delighted to announce that Wilson Design Associates has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Small Independent Business of the Year category at the 2026 Chichester & District Business Awards.
And yes, I'm rather chuffed! A little recognition goes a long way
After more than 40 years working in design, and over 30 years running WDA, you might think I'd have got used to this sort of thing. I haven't. Being recognised for something you genuinely enjoy doing is still a wonderful feeling. But I think there's something particularly appropriate about this latest nomination. Persistence.
It's a word I've talked about a lot over the past couple of years. In fact, it's become something of a personal mantra. Because running a small independent business isn't always straightforward. There are good years, difficult years, brilliant clients, challenging projects and the occasional moment when you wonder what on earth you're doing. But you keep turning up. You keep learning, adapting, building relationships, trying new things and, hopefully, getting better at what you do. And that's what persistence means to me. Not simply surviving, but continuing to make things happen.
Andy and I have never set out to build a big design agency. We've concentrated on doing good work, looking after our clients and building a business we're proud of. The fact that we're still doing that, and still receiving recognition for it, means a great deal.
The winners will be announced at Chichester Festival Theatre on 2 November, so we'll have to wait and see what happens. But whatever the result, being shortlisted alongside other successful local businesses is something worth celebrating.
Design + Persistence = 3.
Perhaps there's something in that daft little equation after all!