Oliver Andrews

Oliver has started his own web design and search engine optimisation business after achieving a BA Hons degree in Graphic Design, which he studied as a mature student at our Ardleigh Green campus from 2015 to 2019.

After gaining two A Levels in Art and Photography from a sixth form in Maidstone, Kent, where he lived, he started an apprenticeship in Sign Making and then worked in various roles at different printing and graphics companies.

But at the age of 22 he decided that the only way to a better paid job or to realise his dream of starting his own business, would be to study for a degree.

He enrolled with the Havering Colleges because it was the only place that offered the Graphic Design course part-time, enabling him to carry on working while he studied. Although it was quite a distance from his home in Maidstone, he said it was well worth the journey once a week.

He graduated in summer 2019 and set up his business called OA Design Services, which offers Search Engine Optimisation (getting businesses to page one of Google) and Website Design. Because it is an online business, it gives him the freedom to work when and where he wants to, rather than having a set location or office.

He says everyone should have the self-belief to achieve the success they want: “I was nothing special at school, just your average student and I didn’t know where I wanted to go in life. There’s a lot of pressure on young students to make decisions on what career they want, but there’s not much information about becoming an entrepreneur, most of the emphasis is on getting a job. There’s nothing wrong with working hard for a good job but everyone should consider that there are other paths that may suit them better.”

Now his business is up and running, he has high hopes for the future. Oliver says: “For me this business is all about extending my learning so I can then go on to build more businesses. I hope to uncover needs and problems that need solving, so I can build something that will make a real difference to people’s lives. My ambition is limitless.”

See Oliver’s website at: https://oadesignservices.co.uk/