Celebrating 30 Years in Business

26 Sep Celebrating 30 Years in Business

In October New Plymouth based boutique creative agency tgm celebrates 30 years in business.

tgm was founded in 1989 by Andrea Leadbetter, who, after studying and working for a number of years in the industry in Wellington, decided she wanted to follow her passion of working with clients, to make their businesses more successful.

“I always wanted to own my own business and first headed north to New Plymouth on a reconnaissance mission. At that stage, there were no design agencies in Taranaki and I loved what I saw of the region and its people.”

After that awe-inspiring trip, Andrea moved her business to New Plymouth, and hasn’t looked back.

“The lifestyle in Taranaki, and the fact that you can run a business, while maintaining a work-life balance is key to why the region is successful and why we love to live here. People are supportive, keen to collaborate and share a desire to ensure Taranaki remains a great place to live, work and visit.”

With a very hard working team of 12, tgm has clients throughout New Zealand, and offers a unique blend of creative and strategic services, and a passion to add value that helps clients to find the best customers for their business or organisation.

While client satisfaction is the best acknowledgment of a job well done, being a past winner of the TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Supreme Business Award is also an achievement Andrea is very proud of.

“Right from the start, I believed it was important to offer a full range of design services and be able to guide clients through the whole process from strategy through to implementation.”

And that vision has paid off, with a number of her original clients still very active. Not only does Andrea appreciate the loyalty of her customers, but a number of the team have been with her for more than 15 years, balanced by some wonderful, young talent.

“Relationships are key and I love being involved in the community. Over the years I have been invited to take part in all sorts of things from judging awards, to speaking to upcoming designers and sponsoring all sorts of events and awards.”

Andrea’s passion for the region is evident through her contribution, not only business-wise, but also her involvement in the community. She is a scout leader, Rotarian, former volunteer firefighter, business mentor, te Reo Māori student and mum, and very proud of the family business her and her husband David now run together.

“We are passionate about living and working in Taranaki, and we love supporting the community we call home.”