Catch Design Management
This June marked a remarkable milestone for Catch Design Management as owner Sue Thompson celebrates 20 years in business.
Catch Design Management has spent two decades helping businesses across North Yorkshire grow their confidence online. Through practical social media training, management and design.
I caught up with Sue to look back on the journey so far. Discovering how a business that began around the dining room table became an award-winning agency helping hundreds of small businesses find their voice.
It was never meant to be forever
Like many successful businesses, Catch Design Management wasn’t part of a grand masterplan.
“What started as something to keep me busy while my kids were small enough to still need me at home – with one eye on eventually getting a ‘proper job’ – has continued way beyond my expectations,” laughed Sue.
“I’ve gone from the dining room table to my own office at Terry Dicken Business Park, and I still love it. Especially as the business has evolved.”
At the time, Sue was drawing on her experience working for the Forestry Commission. Offering graphic design and interpretation projects. However, as both technology and customer needs changed, so did the business.
Evolving with the digital world
Over the last 20 years, Catch Design Management has transformed from a graphic design business into a specialist social media training and management agency.
Rather than standing still, Sue has continually adapted alongside the fast-moving digital world.
“When I started, social media didn’t really exist as a business tool,” she explained. “Facebook was in its infancy, LinkedIn was barely used, and your website was your entire online presence.”
Since then, she’s watched digital marketing transform how businesses communicate.
“The biggest shift isn’t technological, it’s behavioural,” said Sue. “People now expect to find, research and connect with a business online before they ever pick up the phone. Your digital presence isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. It’s everything.”
Today, Sue works with organisations including York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, Enterprise Nation, Coventry University and private training providers, helping businesses navigate that changing landscape with confidence.
Helping businesses find their voice
Although social media platforms have changed dramatically, one thing has remained constant – Sue’s passion for helping small businesses succeed.
“Seeing someone go from feeling overwhelmed by social media to genuinely confident online is what I love most,” she said.
“Small business owners are brilliant at what they do. Digital marketing often feels like a completely different language.”
“When I help someone cut through that confusion and find their voice online, then watch their confidence grow alongside their business, that’s the most rewarding part.”
That commitment to supporting others extends beyond her own business.
In 2022, Sue was named Digital Women Educator of the Year, recognising her contribution to digital skills training.
She also founded Thirsty Thursday Stokesley, a free networking group connecting more than 300 businesses across the region.
Looking back with pride
Reflecting on the last two decades, Sue is proud of how the business has evolved while staying true to its North Yorkshire roots.
“Building Catch Design Management from a traditional marketing business into a digital agency is my proudest achievement,” she said.
“Twenty years ago, I never imagined running training courses, creating digital products or managing social media for clients across so many sectors.”
“Adapting, learning and staying relevant has been key. Winning Digital Women Educator of the Year in 2022 showed that small businesses don’t have to stand still.”
Sue is equally proud of founding Thirsty Thursday Stokesley.
“I believed local businesses were stronger together than apart. Twelve years later, that’s still exactly what it’s about.”
Looking ahead
Despite celebrating such a significant milestone, Sue isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Instead, she’s focused on building on everything Catch Design Management has achieved. While continuing to help businesses across North Yorkshire navigate an increasingly digital world.
“As Catch Design Management enters its third decade, I’m looking ahead with optimism,” she said. “I want to continue supporting small businesses with practical, down-to-earth social media training and expertise.”
Life at Terry Dicken Business Park
Having moved to Terry Dicken Business Park in 2018, Sue believes it was one of the best decisions she has made for the business.
“Mark and Sue have created something genuinely special here,” she said. “It’s a supportive, community-minded place rather than simply somewhere to rent an office.”
Having a dedicated workspace has also transformed the way she works.
“Moving out of my home office made an immediate difference. I have somewhere I can properly focus and separate work from home life.”
It’s also enhanced the experience for her clients and trainees.
“Having a professional, welcoming space for meetings and training sessions really matters. It creates the right first impression and the right environment for learning.”
20 years on…
Finally, I asked Sue whether she ever imagined, back in 2006, that she’d still be running Catch Design Management 20 years later.
The answer was simple.
“No!”
Thankfully for hundreds of businesses across North Yorkshire, she kept going.
Congratulations to Sue on an incredible 20 years in business. Here’s to the next chapter!
Catch Designs can be found at office 19, Unit 2 Roseberry Court, Ellerbeck Way, Terry Dicken Business Park, TS9 5QT
Email Sue at sue@catchdesigns.co.uk
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