Wayne
2024 is moving along like a steam train, so much so that I didn’t even get the chance to write my monthly blog in July. As the business very much runs me these days, any chance of five minutes to sit down and write something is a rarity.
My time has been filled with onboarding new clients, writing briefs and specs, integrating new employees, and exploring what the next couple of years looks like for me and Twilo.
We’re currently busy working on a range of exciting websites for our clients. One of our most long-standing clients, British Made Interiors, is currently having a brand refresh, which means we’ve been updating the appearance of their website. To fit with their fabric suppliers, we’ve been tasked with delivering a more muted design while maintaining the structure and functionality of the existing website. This project has been quite different from other website designs, as we’re not only designing for the target audience; we’re designing to keep suppliers happy too.
Another of our super clients is currently going through an acquisition, and we’ve been supporting them with website updates and messaging across their digital marketing channels. This has been another interesting project that has not only been to provide a smooth transition for existing customers but also to deliver on requirements for new stakeholders.
The pupdates have been less frequent from me, but Fred recently turned 1! He still has some four-letter nicknames, but not as many as he had at the start. He’s becoming the loyal and playful companion that Labradors do best.
A quick trip to Essex earlier this month was another highlight as I went to see Richard Ashcroft, Ocean Colour Scene, and (Tom from) Kasabian. This was in the picturesque setting of Audley End House and Gardens, a great place for a gig!
Next year is shaping up nicely for gigs with Oasis finally getting back together and Glastonbury tickets on the horizon; I’m currently typing with fingers crossed for both!
Matt
A Nonstop MonthAugust’s been an exciting month for me at Twilo. I’ve started to work with a mentor to expand and grow my Google Ads skills, and it’s been a useful experience. This new knowledge has meant that I’m able to bring new skills and ideas to Twilo’s clients and provide even better results for them.
Outside of work, August has been a very busy and exciting month! At the start of the month, Team Twilo had our summer social in Manchester. We smashed The Crystal Maze Experience and then went for some delicious food at Dishoom. It was great to interact with the team outside of work.
My local pub had its first ever ‘Hoedown’ where the whole pub was transformed into a Western-style saloon, with country singers, staff dressed as cowboys, and BBQ food. It was a great day and something different from the usually small village pub.
Additionally, I’m training to complete a 10k in Leeds in October, and in August I ran a 10k in 48 minutes; this has me well on my way to my target time for the race of 45 minutes. In September, I’m also taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge with my sister for her work, so over the Bank Holiday, we took my dog and walked up one of the peaks to prep. We smashed it, walking Pen-y-ghent in just over two hours, despite being battered by the wind and rain in the horrendous weather conditions!
Andrew
Laravel, An Escape Room and Alien: RomulusI’ve had a new learning opportunity in August as we have begun developing code with Laravel and React. This is not a stack we have used previously but have seen it become increasingly popular. Though the learning curve is difficult, it is a great opportunity for us to evolve how we develop applications and is a great opportunity to expand my knowledge. I am impressed by the performance of this stack and look forward to seeing what we can do with it in the future.
To prepare for the eventual house move (still not knowing when the sale will go through), I’ve spent some time clearing out my current belongings and dedusting the house. I then spent the weekend with friends in Leeds. We went to an escape room that was themed like a space station. That was good fun and was a very challenging room. We only managed to make it out because someone brute forced the final puzzle with five minutes remaining. We then finished the trip watching the new Alien: Romulus film. I found this to be an enjoyable addition to the Alien franchise, keeping true to the original films but also adding some new flavour.
Aleena
Lots of Creativity and Celebrations!August has been an exciting month filled with creativity and celebration. I had the pleasure of starting work on a new design project for British Made Interiors’ website, which has been incredibly fulfilling.
I also celebrated my birthday with friends and family, which was a highlight, along with a weekend getaway to Windermere, which offered the perfect blend of relaxation and fun. As the month wraps up, I’m grateful for these experiences and eager for what’s next.August has been an exciting month filled with creativity and celebration.
