FAQ's

Datum FAQs

What does Datum specialise in?
Datum specialises in delivering high-quality creative, print, and digital solutions tailored for commercial and education sector clients.
What sectors does Datum primarily serve?
We work with businesses across various industries and have a strong track record in supporting schools, academies, and trusts in the education sector.
Where is Datum based, and do you work nationally?
We’re based in Cuffley, Hertfordshire and serve clients across the UK, with flexible remote collaboration and nationwide logistics.
How long has Datum been in business?
Datum has over a 30 years of experience supporting clients with creative, print, and digital projects.
What makes Datum different from other agencies?
Our ISO-certified processes, long-term client relationships, and ability to deliver across all marketing channels set us apart.
What creative services do you offer?
Our creative team delivers branding, logo design, social media templates, design and artwork, and animated content.
Can I get a logo and brand pack together?
Yes. Our Brand Pack solutions include logo design, brand strategy, and all the visual assets you need to present your brand consistently.
Do you provide animation or motion graphics?
We offer short-form animated content for use on websites, social media, and digital ads.
How many revisions are included in a design project?
All our packages include unlimited revisions within scope – we work with you until you’re satisfied.
What file formats do you deliver creative work in?
We deliver print-ready PDFs, editable design files, and web-optimised assets as standard.
What types of print services do you offer?
From business stationery and direct mail to point-of-sale and large-format event materials, our print service is end-to-end — including design, production, and delivery.
Do you manage print production and logistics?
Absolutely. We handle all production and logistics to ensure your printed materials arrive on time and to spec.
What is your standard turnaround time for print?
Turnaround varies by project, but we typically deliver within 3–5 working days. Urgent jobs can be expedited.
Can Datum design and print large-format materials?
Yes. We specialise in banners, signage, event stands, and more — all produced to professional standards.
Do you offer eco-friendly printing options?
We do. We offer recycled paper stocks, sustainable inks, and carbon-balanced print processes on request.
What digital marketing services do you provide?
We offer SEO, PPC, content strategy, social media creation, and full-service digital campaigns, plus website design and hosting.
Can you manage SEO and PPC campaigns for us?
Yes. We run targeted campaigns with clear ROI goals, regular reporting, and ongoing optimisation.
Do you build and host websites?
Yes, we design and build fully responsive websites and offer hosting, maintenance, and support.
What CMS platforms do you work with?
We primarily build on WordPress but can support other platforms like Shopify or Squarespace depending on the project.
How do you measure digital marketing performance?
Through detailed monthly reports, KPIs, conversion tracking, and performance dashboards tailored to your goals.
What is a design retainer?
A design retainer gives you priority access to our creative team for a set number of hours each month, at a predictable cost.
How flexible are your retainer packages?
We offer Standard, Professional, and Premium tiers, all of which are flexible and scalable based on your needs.
Can I cancel my retainer at any time?
Yes. Our retainers are monthly and cancellable with one month’s notice.
What’s included in your Premium Retainer?
Unlimited creative projects (excluding full brand identity), a dedicated designer, 80 hours per month, and strategic meetings.
Do you offer retainers for schools or trusts?
Yes, we have education-specific retainers tailored to marketing, admissions, and compliance communications.
How do you qualify new leads?
We assess fit based on sector, scope, timeline, and budget. Education and retained clients are a priority.
What’s your process for quoting a project?
We prepare tailored quotes using our custom MIS, based on a creative brief or consultation, usually within 24–48 hours.
How often do you follow up with leads?
We use a structured follow-up schedule via our MIS, checking in regularly until a decision is made.
How do you handle feedback from clients?
We welcome all feedback. It’s recorded, addressed in review cycles, and used to refine outputs and processes.
Can I request a pitch or proposal for free?
Yes. We’re happy to provide proposals or pitch creative ideas for qualifying leads without charge subject to prior conversation.
Who manages my project once it starts?
A dedicated account manager oversees your project from start to finish, ensuring clarity, communication, and timely delivery.
How are deadlines and deliverables tracked?
We use a custom built MIS to manage timelines, tasks, and milestones, providing regular status updates and weekly reports.
Can you work directly with my internal team?
Yes. We’re happy to integrate with your internal team or external suppliers for seamless collaboration.
What tools do you use to manage projects?
Scoro is our central hub for project planning, task tracking, file storage, time logging, and communication.
How do you ensure quality control?
We follow ISO 9001 procedures, including internal reviews, client sign-offs, and detailed checklists throughout production.
Do you have fixed prices or is it bespoke?
Some services, like branding packs and retainers, have set pricing. Others are tailored to your project needs.
What is included in your branding packages?
Branding packs include logo design, brand strategy, competitor analysis, visual guidelines, and asset toolkits.
How much does website design cost?
Website projects start from £1,500 and scale based on functionality, number of pages, and content requirements.
Are there any setup fees for retainers?
No setup fees apply. You pay only your monthly retainer, with the option to cancel any time.
Do you offer discounts for long-term contracts?
Yes, we offer custom pricing and added value for clients committing to 6-month+ or 12-month retainers.
How do I start working with Datum?
Simply contact us via phone, email, or our website. We’ll arrange a discovery call to understand your goals.
What information do you need to begin a project?
We typically request a brief, brand assets, any existing content, and key objectives or deadlines.
How often will I receive updates?
You’ll receive weekly email updates, plus bi-weekly calls if you’re on a Professional or Premium retainer.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Your account manager is your main point of contact, but our creative and digital teams are also available when needed.
Do you offer onboarding support for schools?
Yes, we have onboarding workflows tailored for education clients, including term-based planning and admissions campaigns.
How do you ensure data protection?
We comply fully with GDPR, storing and handling all client data securely and only with necessary access.
Are your marketing practices GDPR-compliant?
Yes. We follow ethical marketing standards and ensure opt-in consent for all digital campaigns we manage.
Do you sign NDAs or confidentiality agreements?
Yes. We’re happy to sign NDAs and have our own confidentiality policies in place for all client work.
What is your approach to sustainability?
We operate under ISO 14001 standards, prioritising eco-conscious suppliers, digital workflows, and low-waste production.
How do you ensure ethical design standards?
We follow accessibility best practices, source licensed content, and uphold brand integrity across all materials.

Do you create marketing strategies?
We offer bespoke marketing strategies aligned to your brand goals, audiences, and sector-specific needs.
Can you support campaign planning?
We plan and deliver multi-channel campaigns, from creative concept to delivery and performance review.
What industries have you worked with?
We’ve worked across education, property, finance, construction, hospitality, and public services.
How do you align creative with business goals?
Every project starts with a strategic brief. We define your objectives and tailor messaging, visuals, and channels accordingly.
Can you audit our existing brand?
We offer brand audits to assess visual identity, messaging consistency, and audience alignment.
What is Scoro, and how do you use it?
Scoro is our all-in-one system for quoting, project tracking, task management, and client communication.
How is my data stored and accessed?
Data is stored securely via encrypted cloud systems with access granted only to essential project team members.
What happens at the end of each month?
We run an end-of-month review, close outstanding POs, reconcile hours, and generate client reports and invoices.
What templates do you use for projects?
We have templates for proposals, creative briefs, status reports, invoices, and presentations — all custom-branded.
How do you manage supplier relationships?
We vet and manage suppliers via Scoro, keeping quote histories, delivery times, and performance records centralised.
Are your print materials environmentally friendly?
We offer recycled and FSC-certified materials and use carbon-neutral suppliers where possible.
How do you reduce waste in production?
We reduce waste by careful proofing, using digital previews, and consolidating print runs for efficiency.
What sustainable practices are in place?
We’re guided by ISO 14001 standards, reduce travel, use green suppliers, and encourage remote collaboration.
Do you use recycled paper or soy inks?
Recycled stocks and vegetable-based inks are available and can be specified at quoting stage.
Is your supply chain ISO 14001 compliant?
We prioritise suppliers with ISO 14001 credentials or those aligned with similar sustainability principles.
How do you keep your team up to date?
Through regular CPD sessions, industry webinars, workshops, and collaborative skill-sharing.
Do team members receive ongoing training?
We support self-initiated learning and provide resources for continuous upskilling in design, tech, and strategy.
Are you exploring new technologies like AI?
We are actively integrating AI into workflows where it enhances creativity, efficiency, or insights — responsibly and ethically.
How do you foster creativity within the team?
We run weekly creative huddles, idea-sharing sessions, and dedicate time for R&D and experimentation.
Do you run internal knowledge sharing sessions?
Each month we host ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions to share tools, trends, or case studies across departments.
What’s your response time for queries?
We aim to respond to all queries within 24 hours, with faster responses during working hours Monday to Friday.
Do you offer weekend or out-of-hours support?
While our standard hours are weekdays, we can arrange extended support for urgent projects or retained clients.
How can I request help with a project?
You can contact your account manager directly, email us at [email protected] or raise a request through our client portal.
What if I’m unhappy with the work?
We offer unlimited revisions within scope and will work closely with you to resolve any issues promptly and professionally.
How do you handle complaints or issues?
Complaints are escalated to senior management, logged in our system, and addressed through a structured resolution process.
How should I send you artwork or assets?
We recommend using Dropbox or WeTransfer for large files, and email for smaller items. We’ll confirm receipt every time.
What naming conventions do you use?
We use structured file names that include the client name, project, date, and version number to ensure clarity and version control.
Do you share files via cloud or email?
We use secure cloud storage for most projects and provide download links. Sensitive files can be encrypted upon request.
How do you ensure version control?
All versions are stored in Scoro with timestamped revisions. Only approved files are marked for production or publishing.
What happens to files after project completion?
We archive final files indefinitely unless otherwise agreed. Clients can request access or deletion at any time.
Can I get a breakdown of my quote?
All quotes include a detailed line-by-line breakdown so you can see exactly what’s included.
How do you handle project changes?
Scope changes are reviewed, priced, and confirmed in writing before work proceeds. Your quote is always updated accordingly.
Do you take deposits or staged payments?
Most projects require a 50% deposit with the balance due upon completion. Larger projects may use milestones.
How quickly are invoices issued?
Invoices are issued within 2 working days of project sign-off or on a fixed monthly schedule for retainers.
Can I set up a payment plan?
We’re open to discussing phased payment plans for larger engagements or retained services.
What’s included in your hosting packages?
Our hosting includes daily backups, SSL certificates, site monitoring, and technical support — all UK-based.
Can you transfer my existing website?
We offer full migration services including domain transfer, content import, and platform setup.
Do you offer SSL and backups?
SSL is included in all hosting packages, and backups are performed daily with 30-day restore windows.
How do I report bugs or issues?
Report any issues via email or your client dashboard. We prioritise critical fixes and resolve most within 24–48 hours.
What CMS platforms do you recommend?
WordPress is our go-to for flexibility and ease of use, but we also support Squarespace, Shopify, and bespoke builds.
Who will be my main point of contact?
Your dedicated account manager will be your first point of contact, ensuring all communication and delivery runs smoothly.
How is the creative team structured?
Our creative team includes graphic designers, brand strategists, artworkers, and animators — all working collaboratively on your project.
Do you have in-house developers?
Our digital team includes experienced web developers and technical leads to build and maintain your website.
Can I speak directly to the designer?
For retained clients and larger projects, we facilitate direct access to your assigned designer or creative lead.
How many projects do you run at once?
Our studio is set up to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with clear workflows to prioritise deadlines and quality.
Do you have case studies I can view?
You can explore our portfolio and client case studies on our website to see real results and project outcomes.
What results have you achieved for clients?
We’ve delivered improved brand recognition, increased web traffic, higher engagement rates, and strong ROI across sectors.
Can I speak to a past client?
Of course. We’re happy to arrange a reference with one of our existing clients, subject to their availability and consent.
What’s your proudest project to date?
While every project is valued, highlights include national campaigns for education trusts and complex digital transformations.
Do you showcase education sector work?
We feature education-specific case studies to demonstrate our expertise in schools, MATs, and sixth form colleges.

FAQ’s