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The best way to learn is working
Cambridge Agenda - September 2008

Jane Horwood is a web designer. She runs her own company Catfish Web Design, building sites and development services for small businesses and charities. She also runs Cambridge Women.

How did it all begin?

It started about 10 years ago when my son was small. I wanted to work from home so I gave up my job, did a few courses and launched myself into the world of web design. Although I took a course, I found the best way to learn is working on projects. Every hour that I wasn't at college I was trying to persuade friends to let me design a website for them so I had something to work with.

Who do you sell your business to?

Mostly small businesses - people selling clothes, life coaches, local artists and photographers. My first ever job was for a well-known charity that I used to work for. I love doing work for charity.

How did you set yourself up in Cambridge?

I really wanted to make my mark locally. I meet quite a lot of women through the Cambridge Women networking group - and when you start meeting people locally they will recommend you to others. Word of mouth is the greatest source of advertising.

What advice would you give you someone wanting to set up a business?

Have good communication skills - especially with web designing: you need to get over in just a few seconds 'this is us'. It's a shop window to someone's business.

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