10 years of Black Nova: what we’ve learned along the way
In case you’ve missed it, this year we’re celebrating something big. Black Nova Designs is turning 10! That’s a whole decade of helping business owners make the most of IT and designing amazing websites for our customers.
It’s hard to believe that what began as a dream for Kyle back in 2015 has grown into a thriving business supporting more than 1,000 clients across the UK. From sorting out dodgy Wi-Fi (and isn’t that just the worst…) to delivering fully managed IT solutions and web design, we’ve evolved, adapted and learned a lot along the way.
We knew we wanted to mark this milestone with a celebration, and we want to do it with the people who’ve helped us get here.
Save the new date: Friday 18th October
We’d originally planned to throw our 10th birthday bash later this month. but when lots of you told us about clashes with exams, prepping for summer holidays and general chaos, we listened.
That’s why we’ve moved the party to Friday the 18th of October, still in the evening and at the brilliant NSBRC in Swindon. It’s going to be a fantastic knees up with plenty of food, drinks, great conversation and inspiring stories – most notably from Jamie McAnsh, an adaptive athlete and TEDx speaker who shares a powerful message about resilience and determination.
Tickets are £75 per person or £90 if you’d like to promote your business with a banner on the night. A table of 10 with added sponsor perks is £850. All the money we raise will go to Best Mates, our 2025 Charity of the Year, who do amazing work supporting mental health in our local community.
Book your tickets here: events.blacknovadesigns.co.uk and please note that bookings close at the end of September.
Our 10 lessons from 10 years in business
A decade in business has gone quickly, and it’s definitely been a rollercoaster. To mark the occasion, we’ve pulled together 10 lessons that have shaped Black Nova Designs as a business and Kyle and Danielle as founders.
We hope they inspire you, whether you’re running a business, learning more about IT or just figuring out how to start your own brand.
1. Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility
It’s easy to assume that big security threats only happen to big companies, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how small businesses can be targeted by ransomware, phishing and hacked accounts. Being proactive rather than reactive is key. Strong systems, secure password, and reliable backups are a must for every business, no matter your size.
“It’s often overlooked until it’s too late,” says Kyle. “You must have strong systems and backup plans in place.”
2. Don’t fear being ‘too expensive’
Pricing can be one of the hardest things to get right, and that’s especially true when you’re starting out. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: if someone tells you you’re too expensive, they’re probably not your ideal client. The right people will understand the value you bring.
“You’re the right price for the right people,” says Kyle. “And we’ve learned not to apologise for that.”
3. Stay curious… IT never stands still
This industry moves fast. What’s cutting edge today could be outdated tomorrow, which is why we’ve committed to always learning through training, testing and (sometimes expensive!) mistakes. The learning never ends, and that’s a good thing for businesses in any sector.
“Yes, it often costs more than you’d like,” Danielle shares. “But staying up to date is essential in this industry.”
4. Cashflow is king
Even when business is booming, you can’t afford to take your eye off the numbers. We’ve learned the value of checking bank accounts regularly, planning for quiet periods and being honest about what we can afford. It’s not about being perfect- it’s about being prepared.
“Tougher months will come,” Danielle says, “but knowing your numbers gives you stability.”
5. Self-acceptance is part of the process
Running a business is personal and often there’s no clear line between your work life and your mindset. You are the business, so looking after yourself is part of the job. That means giving yourself permission to grow, time to rest and accept that you won’t get everything right the first time.
“Mindset matters more than you realise,” Kyle comments. “Personal growth goes hand-in-hand with business growth.”
6. There’s no ‘perfect’ routine
As working parents, we’ve learned to let go of the idea that each day needs to follow a neat schedule. We’re a little more unusual as we both work full time and for the same business, which takes a lot of juggling to get right. Some days are productive; some are a bit of a scramble and that’s OK. The trick is consistency over time, not perfection in the moment.
“Give yourself grace,” says Danielle. “Do what you can and take one day at a time.”
7. Being different is a strength
Over the years, we’ve often found ourselves doing things differently from other IT companies and at first, we questioned it. But in hindsight, some of our best decisions have come from going against the grain, like having a trade stand at horse events. You don’t have to do things the way everyone else does. In fact, it’s often better if you don’t.
“Trust the process,” says Kyle. “And don’t be afraid to do things your own way.”
8. Community is everything
Working for yourself can be isolating, especially when you’re juggling roles and wearing all the hats. But connection makes all the difference. Through networking groups, collaborations and the support of our clients and team, we’ve built a network that’s kept us going even in the tough times.
“Surrounding yourself with like-minded people makes a huge difference, both emotionally and professionally,” Danielle shares.
9. Comparison is the thief of joy
Social media makes it easy to fall into the trap of comparing your progress to someone else’s highlight reel. But the truth is, every business journey is unique, and progress doesn’t always look linear. We’ve learned to keep our heads down and focus on our path.
“Success isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Danielle reminds us. “You’re doing just fine.”
10. Old tech slows you down so upgrade with purpose
One of the biggest hidden costs in any business? Outdated tech. It’s not just about performance, it’s about security, energy use and team morale too. We’ve seen time and time again how a few smart upgrades can make a big difference to productivity and peace of mind.
“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it?” Kyle says. “That doesn’t apply in IT.”
Join us this October
We’re so proud of what we’ve built and even more grateful for the people who’ve supported us along the way. It doesn’t matter if you’ve worked with us from the beginning or only just discovered us, we’d love to see you at our birthday bash.
Let’s raise a glass to 10 years of tech, tenacity and community – and look forward to what’s next.