[148] Today is the revamped Tinbasher’s official first birthday.

[149] It’s exactly a year to the day that I responded to the mention that Jackie Danicki gave to the old, disused Tinbasher by moving to some new premises and seeing what might develop.

[150] If I’d personally been more settled and certain of the exact timing of my move to America then there’s every chance I wouldn’t have bothered. There were no big boardroom discussions – to be honest you can only fit three people in the Butler Sheetmetal electricity cupboard masquerading as office/boardroom anyway. If we’ve all had a big lunch that number goes down to two.

[151] John and Matt were quite happy to let me mess about so long as I answered the phone and I preferred the idea to taking some crappy little temporary job until my visa came through.

[152] I was also taken by the romance of the task. If ever there was a company that didn’t seem to fit into the hi-tech world of the internet and blogging it was a small sheet metal shop in East Lancs.

[153] This all might sound terribly gormless and haphazard, and to a certain extent it was, but don’t be mistaken into thinking that it all came about by accident. The boys were very clear about the market (London/bespoke/architectural) they wanted to tap into – it was only a case of realising it.

[154] It was nothing ventured nothing gained with a bit of no nose skin lost if it didn’t work out.

[155] And how do you work out if it’s worked out?

[156] Well, until the blog was brought in to support the other sites (a bit like a web gusset if you will), not one penny had been earned from our web presence. Since the blog, exactly a year ago, we’re talking between 35-40% of last year’s turnover. It really isn’t that difficult a thing to track.

[157] Now I don’t throw these figures around to show off by banging on about how much we make – that would be desperately ungracious. I mention it only to give the blogging naysayers one in the bread basket.

[158] The moral of the story is that if we can do it then any company can and you don’t need to be some web guru, ’cause I certainly wasn’t. Plus, you don’t need to spend a fortune, ’cause I certainly haven’t been paid one (not that I’m bitter). Yes, there’s the odd caveat or two, but you can ask about them in the comments or email me.

[159] From a personal point of view it’s also been something of a boon. For most of the year I’ve had all types of media sniffing around like dogs round their own vomit. Don’t be too surprised if in 2006 ‘The Tinbasher – When Linishing Belts Attack’ is in a movie theatre near you. Also, don’t be too surprised if it never gets another mention anywhere. I’ve also met some great people along the way.

[160] As for the future?

[161] Well, like most one year olds, you’d be hoping to move onto solids and start walking and talking by the end of next year.

[162] And to everyone who visits or has visited this blog, left a comment, just lurked, hated it, loved it, sent an enquiry, asked us to quote a job or asked us to do one – thanks.

[163] And I’ll just leave you with the following from my blog compadre Mr. Streight:

[164] blogging for fun not profit