26 Years of Digital Innovation in Cambridgeshire: A Look Back
In the ever-changing world of digital, longevity is rare. But for over two and a half decades, Granite 5 has been a constant, evolving, adapting, and thriving at the heart of Cambridgeshire’s dynamic digital scene.
This year, we’re proudly celebrating 26 years of supporting local businesses, charities and membership organisations with specialist WordPress development and digital marketing. And while we’re focused on the future, this milestone offers a moment to look back, not just at how far we’ve come, but at how far the region has come with us.
From Start-Up to Staple: The Granite 5 Story
Granite 5 began life in 1999, in the city of Cambridge, a place already brimming with ideas, creativity and innovation. Founded by Jill Davies, the agency was built on a simple belief: that digital should empower organisations, not overwhelm them.
Back then, websites were static, dial-up was the norm, and SEO was barely a concept. But we saw the potential early and set out to help businesses across Cambridgeshire harness the web to connect with their audiences and grow sustainably.
From those first brochure-style websites to today’s bespoke WordPress platforms and AI-enhanced digital strategies, our journey has mirrored the region’s own transformation into a digital powerhouse.
Cambridgeshire: A Region Built for Innovation
Cambridge and the surrounding counties have always punched above their weight. From world-leading academic research and tech clusters to cutting-edge startups and creative hubs, the region’s unique mix of tradition and innovation creates fertile ground for digital growth.
We’ve seen this firsthand, supporting businesses in science parks, helping charities modernise their online presence, and partnering with ambitious SMEs across Ely, Huntingdon, Peterborough, and Bury St Edmunds.
Being here has never been a limitation. It’s been our advantage.
Highlights From the Last 26 Years
Evolving With Technology
From HTML tables to responsive design, content-managed sites to API integrations, we’ve stayed ahead of the curve so our clients could too.
Nurturing Local Talent
We’ve always believed in building a team from the region we serve. Today, every Granite 5 team member lives and works in or near Cambridgeshire, combining local understanding with national-level expertise.
Helping Clients Grow
We’ve proudly supported hundreds of organisations, from membership bodies and healthcare providers to engineering firms and education trusts, helping them elevate their online presence and embrace digital transformation.
Championing Community
Whether sponsoring events, hosting workshops or attending local expos, we’ve always looked for ways to give back to the community that shaped us.
Built in Cambridgeshire, Powered by Expertise
Today, we’re more focused than ever. Our offering has sharpened into what we do best: WordPress design and development, digital marketing, and our powerful DRIVE discovery diagnostic process.
We’re still proudly independent. Still focused on people, not just pixels. And still driven by a genuine commitment to helping organisations in our region do more with digital.
Why Local Still Matters
While digital is borderless, our clients tell us that local relationships still count. They value the fact that we understand the area, its challenges, and its communities.
They value that we’re not a London satellite, but a Cambridgeshire-based partner who can pop in for a planning session, speak at a networking event, or co-host a strategy workshop in person.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
We believe the next decade offers even more opportunity, and we’re excited to continue that journey alongside the businesses, organisations, and people that make Cambridgeshire so special. As a region rich in innovation, community spirit, and purpose-driven enterprise, Cambridgeshire continues to inspire us to evolve our services and sharpen our focus.
As we enter our 27th year, we’re not just celebrating our heritage – we’re looking forward with renewed ambition. The digital landscape is changing rapidly, and we’re committed to helping our clients stay ahead of the curve. That’s why we’re investing in key areas that reflect both emerging technologies and the values we believe in:
Accessibility and inclusive design
AI-driven marketing strategies
Modular WordPress solutions
Sustainability in digital delivery
Deeper regional engagement
Let’s Talk About Your Next 26 Years
If you’re based in Cambridgeshire or East Anglia and looking for a digital partner that understands your world, we’d love to chat. At Granite 5, we don’t just build websites. We build long-term partnerships that grow with you.
