Ulster University | Enterprise Placement Year 2024–2025

CraigMillar | Digital Marketing & Web Design, operating under CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd, is a creative digital agency based in Benburb, Northern Ireland. Specialising in website design, SEO, social media management, and branding, the business supports small to medium-sized enterprises across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and beyond. With a hands-on, founder-led approach, I’ve developed digital solutions for over 110 clients ranging from hospitality venues and trade suppliers to wellness brands and agricultural firms. Every client receives a tailored experience through tools like Squarespace, Shopify, Canva Pro, Google Analytics, and Meta Business Suite — supported by a dedicated client portal offering performance reports, invoice access, and content calendars. Over the past year, I’ve secured multiple grants, including the Ulster Enterprise Bursary and SWEF Enterprise Grant, while also being recognised as Ulster University’s Best Social Media Management & Web Design Company of 2023.

Founded on the mission of making digital marketing accessible, strategic, and personal, my vision is to become Ireland’s go-to digital partner for SMEs. I aim to continue expanding the business through monthly service packages, custom-built websites, and authentic brand storytelling. Whether designing a powerful online shop, launching a rural business into the digital space, or mentoring future entrepreneurs through programs like the UMD Summer Institute, my goal is to combine creative flair with commercial strategy. As I grow CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd, I remain committed to community impact, client results, and building a brand that puts people at the heart of digital success.

When I applied for the Enterprise Placement Year, I was already running a growing digital marketing business with 3 full-time staff and 5 freelancers supporting projects across web design, social media, and branding. On paper, things were going well — but I knew there was more I wanted to learn, refine, and achieve. I saw EPY as an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day grind and strategically work on the business instead of always working in it. My goal was to tighten up operations, formalise my processes, improve my financial planning, and position CraigMillar | Digital Marketing & Web Design for long-term sustainability. I didn’t want to treat EPY as a break from business — I wanted to use it as a launchpad to turn my growing brand into a scalable, structured company with clear goals, smarter systems, and an even stronger reputation.

Introduction

💼 What my Business Does?

CraigMillar | Digital Marketing & Web Design is a multi-service digital agency focused on helping small-to-medium-sized businesses grow online through:

  • 🌐 Website Design & Development
    High-performing, SEO-optimised websites built on Squarespace, Shopify, and GoDaddy Website Builder, tailored to business goals.

  • 📣 Social Media Management
    Strategic content creation, scheduling, and engagement across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & LinkedIn, with a focus on local reach and real engagement.

  • 📍 Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
    Local SEO strategies for Google My Business, on-page optimisation, keyword targeting, and backend improvements.

  • 🧾 Marketing Campaigns & Brand Development
    From launch strategies to seasonal promotions, we build eye-catching visuals and brand stories that drive leads and loyalty.

  • 📊 Client Reporting & Portals
    Clients get access to a custom-built portal to track campaign performance, receive invoices, and view their content calendars.

Craig Millar Representing Ulster University Business School at NI Social Media Awards 2024.

🔭 Vision Statement

To build a leading multi-brand creative enterprise that empowers businesses and individuals to grow online, tell their story, and connect with the world. What started as CraigMillar | Digital Marketing & Web Design has grown into CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd, a dynamic umbrella of ventures: CraigMillar (digital services), WebsiteIreland.co.uk (web solutions for Irish SMEs), The Journey to Self (a global self-discovery retreat), and the upcoming EasyWebsites.com — a revolutionary website editor powered by AI, created in collaboration with Stelios, founder of the easy® brand. Our vision is to make professional digital tools accessible to all, and to continue growing from a small village in Northern Ireland to global impact — one idea, one brand, and one voice at a time.

🎯 Mission Statement

At CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd, our mission is to inspire possibility and deliver practical, powerful digital solutions for businesses of every size. Whether it’s building standout websites under CraigMillar, helping Irish businesses (and businesses that just want an Irish Website!), thrive through WebsiteIreland.co.uk, guiding individuals through transformation with The Journey to Self, or launching lightning-fast AI-built websites via EasyWebsites.com, our work is driven by purpose. But behind every service lies a personal story — of resilience, belief, and gratitude. Coming from a background where university was never encouraged, and facing bullying in school, I found a place at Ulster University that changed everything. Their support, mentorship, and belief in me helped turn self-doubt into self-employment. Now, through every brand I build, I carry a passion not just for business — but for proving that with the right support, anyone can rise, create, and succeed.

My Enterprise Placement Year Timeline

This showreel captures the highlights, milestones, and memories from an incredible year of growth, learning, and entrepreneurship. From client projects and pitch days to behind-the-scenes moments and brand launches, this video reflects the journey of building CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd during my Enterprise Placement Year.

It’s a celebration of progress, people, and purpose — showcasing the highs, the hustle, and the lifelong friendships made along the way.

📘 Business Strategy & ABC of My Business Plan

During one of our first EPY workshops, we explored the foundations of building a business that reflects who we are and what we stand for. The session focused on the ABC of business planning — Audience, Brand, and Communication — and really encouraged us to think deeper about our values, our messaging, and the experience we offer clients.

We looked at how important it is to build trust early. As a digital marketing and web design business, I realised that clients aren’t just buying a website or a social media strategy — they’re buying the way I make them feel: supported, understood, and confident in their business. This session made me take a step back and re-evaluate my client journey, tone of voice, and how I communicate across every platform. I started refining proposals, redesigning my onboarding, and improving the clarity of my brand story across CraigMillar, WebsiteIreland.co.uk, and The Journey to Self. This workshop helped me position my business not just as a service provider — but as a partner to my clients' growth.

🔺 The Story Behind the CraigMillar Brand

One of the most impactful EPY workshops focused on personal branding — the idea that your business should reflect not just what you do, but who you are. It pushed me to look beyond colours and logos, and instead ask: what’s the story I want people to feel when they interact with my brand?

The CraigMillar logo tells that story. The bold triangle represents a mountain, symbolising progress, strength, and the journey every business takes to reach new heights — and it's a direct reflection of my mission: to lift brands upward through digital design, marketing, and strategy. But the design has personal roots too. The angled red line on the left is inspired by my first ever job at Spar Tree — a reminder of where it all began, and the work ethic that’s stayed with me from stacking shelves to building a business.

Today, that triangle also represents the three ventures under CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd:

  • ▲ CraigMillar — Creative services in digital marketing & web design

  • ▲ WebsiteIreland.co.uk — Giving Irish businesses visibility and voice online

  • ▲ The Journey to Self — A transformational retreat program for personal growth

Together, they form a peak — a strong, ambitious, and unified brand that’s grounded in where I came from, and built to take others forward. For me, branding isn’t just visual — it’s personal. And this brand? It’s me, built from the ground up.

📄 Becoming a Limited Company

One of the biggest milestones in my Enterprise Placement Year was registering as a limited company. In October 2024, I officially formed CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd, marking a major step in my journey from solo freelancer to fully established business owner.

This decision wasn’t just about status or formality — it was about structure, scalability, and trust. Becoming a Ltd company allowed me to separate my personal and business finances, build more credibility with larger clients, and start planning for long-term growth. It also meant I could begin trading under multiple brands, all connected under one legal entity:

  • CraigMillar — for digital marketing, social media, and web design

  • WebsiteIreland.co.uk — helping Irish SMEs grow online

  • The Journey to Self — an international retreat program combining self-development and storytelling

The process involved learning about tax, liability, and compliance — but it also gave me a deeper sense of ownership and pride. It felt like a turning point: this wasn’t just something I was doing during university — this was now a real company, with real systems, and a real future.

💷 Becoming VAT Registered

In early 2025, I made the decision to register CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd for VAT — a move that marked a major milestone in the maturity of the business. While I was operating under the VAT threshold initially, rapid growth in both client numbers and contract value meant that it was the right time to take this step.

Registering for VAT wasn’t just about meeting thresholds — it was about positioning the business to work with larger organisations and higher-value contracts, especially those that expect a fully VAT-compliant supplier. Many of the clients I work with, particularly in trade, construction, and ecommerce, are VAT registered themselves — so this allowed for smoother transactions, greater trust, and cleaner invoicing from both ends.

Now, all services — including web design, digital marketing retainers, SEO packages, and consulting — are subject to VAT. I provide fully itemised VAT invoices, and the VAT element is clearly detailed on all client dashboards via my subscription-based billing system. This allows clients to reclaim VAT where eligible, while also keeping my own financial processes transparent and compliant.

On the backend, I track VAT through QuickBooks, which links directly to my business account and automatically prepares my quarterly VAT returns. I also track input VAT from purchases such as software subscriptions, hardware, outsourced freelancer costs, and mileage — allowing me to claim back VAT on relevant business expenses.

Becoming VAT registered was a big administrative shift, but it also marked an important stage of growth: it positioned CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd as a professional, credible, and future-facing company capable of working with clients at every level — locally, nationally, and internationally.

📣 Marketing the CraigMillar. Brand

Marketing has been at the heart of growing CraigMillar | Digital Marketing & Web Design. From day one, I’ve treated my own business as a client — applying the same creativity, strategy, and structure that I deliver for others. My goal has always been to build a brand that feels approachable, creative, and results-driven — one that reflects trust, modern design, and small business empowerment.

I’ve built brand awareness through a combination of organic and paid campaigns, including:

  • 🔁 Weekly value-based social media content (tips, wins, projects, testimonials)

  • 📸 Case study posts showcasing real websites built, before/after comparisons, and insights into results

  • 💬 Storytelling through behind-the-scenes clips, real-time updates, and founder-led voiceovers

  • ✉️ Email campaigns and project-based newsletters using Mailchimp and Squarespace Email

  • 🟡 Yell.com sponsored listing campaigns with keyword targeting to attract web design and SEO clients in NI/ROI

🧲 Lead Generation & Campaign Performance

The core of my marketing strategy is consistency and relevance. I’ve used Instagram and Facebook to share portfolio work, highlight client wins, and build connections within local industries — especially trade, hospitality, health, and retail. Most of my early leads came from word-of-mouth and referrals, but as the business grew, I integrated lead capture funnels via my website, including:

  • 💡 “Free Website Audit” lead magnet

  • 📅 Online consultation booking using Calendly

  • 💬 Instant WhatsApp/DM links for easy client contact

  • 📥 Monthly analytics report opt-in for existing clients

To support paid reach, I ran a targeted Yell.com campaign focused on “Web Designer Northern Ireland,” “SEO Services for Small Businesses,” and “Affordable Website Packages.” These ads led to a dedicated landing page built to convert, resulting in several client enquiries per month from local trades and service-based businesses.

I also monitor Google Analytics to track conversions, bounce rates, and keyword data — helping to refine campaigns and content based on real behaviour. Over time, this has allowed me to better understand who my ideal client is and what platforms they’re most likely to engage with.

📈 Results So Far

  • Generated over 100 qualified leads in less than 12 months

  • Converted 90+ website design clients, with many on monthly retainers

  • Grew Instagram by over 500 organic followers

  • Built a newsletter list of 200+ contacts

  • Secured regular referrals from Yell.com visibility and SEO placement

📽️ Here was one of our campaign videos launched in December 2024. This video was incorporated across multiple platforms — including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and our website — as part of a wider brand awareness strategy for CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd. It showcases our mission, growth, and commitment to helping businesses thrive online.

One of the greatest parts of the Enterprise Placement Year (EPY) wasn’t just the business growth — it was the people. I made lifelong friends through this journey, including April and Bethany, pictured here with me on Pitch Day. We met as students with big ideas, and left as like-minded entrepreneurs who supported, challenged, and inspired each other. EPY gave us more than experience — it gave us a community.

💼 Portfolio of Work

Over the course of my Enterprise Placement Year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients across Northern Ireland and beyond — from trade businesses and hospitality venues to wellness brands, event organisers, and community projects. Below is a snapshot of the work I’ve delivered under CraigMillar | Digital Marketing & Web Design, and the brands developed under CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd.

🌐 Website Design & Development

Designed, built, and launched fully responsive, SEO-optimised websites tailored to each client’s goals and industry. Platforms used include Squarespace, Shopify, and GoDaddy Builder.

  • JJM Trade Sales – Automotive dealership with real-time vehicle listings

  • Bluewater Powerwashing – Exterior cleaning brand with e-commerce store

  • Halo Lung Function Ltd – Medical site with contact portal and booking forms

  • Grange Design Kitchens – High-end interiors with social-led conversion

  • WebsiteIreland.co.uk – Local business mini-sites and landing page bundles

  • EasyTan – Rebrand and redesign aligning with easyGroup’s visual standards

📱 Social Media Management & Campaigns

From content calendars and ad copy to reels, stories, and influencer outreach, I’ve helped clients grow and engage their audiences.

  • The Bottle of Benburb – Hospitality content: events, live music, community

  • Farmer Joe Show – Sold-out theatre campaign (800+ seats, 10k+ reach)

  • Thyme & Time Catering – Event promos, food styling, and brand positioning

  • Hughes ATV – Agriculture-focused social ads with product showcases

  • JJM Trade Sales – Branded car listings + storytelling-based captions

  • Polished by Lauren – Beauty and wellness Instagram activation

🔎 SEO & Google Business Optimisation

SEO services delivered for both new builds and existing sites, including metadata optimisation, keyword planning, and GBP setup.

  • Martin Illustrates – Shopify + Faire + Etsy SEO for online card sales

  • Squeaky Clean Cleaning Solutions – Local SEO & citation building

  • CraigMillar.co.uk – Personal site SEO to support ongoing client lead generation

  • EasyWebsites.com – Early-stage SEO strategy for upcoming AI website builder

🎥 Video, Branding & Campaigns

Delivered short-form video content, ad graphics, and brand identity work to support new launches and client growth.

  • CraigMillar Enterprises Campaign Video (Dec 2025) – Multi-platform brand awareness launch

  • The Journey to Self – Full brand design + retreat video trailer + digital promo pack

  • WebsiteIreland.co.uk – Logo design, tone of voice, and lead generation content

  • Farmer Joe – Campaign posters, ads, social content, ticketing materials

  • Event Photography – Captured footage for Action Mental Health’s Stand Up NI

This portfolio reflects the diversity of clients I’ve had the privilege to work with — and my ability to adapt creatively across industries, goals, and platforms.

🎬 America: Here, Now & Then — Award-Winning Short Film

In 2023, I created a short film titled “America: Here, Now & Then” — a reflective piece exploring identity, cultural shifts, and the complexities of the American experience through a poetic and visual lens. What started as a passion project quickly gained attention for its depth, originality, and emotional impact.

The film was shared with the University of Minnesota Duluth, where it resonated deeply with staff and students. As a result, I was offered a creative contract with the university to continue developing visual content for intercultural and global learning programs. This opportunity became a turning point in my career — proving that storytelling, when done with intention and clarity, can open doors and build meaningful partnerships.

The video went on to win Best Film within its category and is still used as a learning tool across UMD programs. It reflects my broader mission as a creative: to tell stories that connect, challenge, and inspire across borders.

🎞️ A snapshot of some of the amazing brands we've had the privilege to work with — from web design and social media to full-scale digital campaigns. At CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd, every project is a partnership, and every client story matters.

💬 Testimonials

Hear what clients and collaborators from around the world have said about working with CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd — from Northern Ireland to the United States.

🏴 Northern Ireland

“From day one, Craig and his team brought energy, creativity, and clarity. Our business website not only looks amazing but performs brilliantly — we now rank on Google and get real enquiries weekly. Highly recommend!”
— Emma L., Armagh
Founder, Prime Cleaning Solutions

🇮🇪 Ireland

“WebsiteIreland gave us the confidence to put our small café online for the first time. Craig’s team handled everything from branding to launch, and the result was better than we imagined. Great service, real heart.”
— Colm & Aisling, County Meath
Owners, The Meadow Café

🏙️ Coventry, England

“The whole CraigMillar team brought vision and structure to our online strategy. From brand storytelling to lead funnels, we’ve seen an increase in both traffic and conversions. A true partnership, not just a service.”
— Raj S., Coventry
Managing Director, VisionPro Legal Ltd.

🇩🇪 Germany

“We collaborated with CraigMillar on branding and digital storytelling for our education project. The process was smooth and collaborative. What stood out most was their intercultural understanding and the ability to translate emotion into design.”
— Hannah K., Berlin
EdUnity Europe

🇺🇸 United States

“Craig's video storytelling captured something unique. The film he produced sparked conversations across our campus and ultimately led to a longer-term partnership with his team. He brings creative excellence and real global insight.”
— Dr. L. Anderson, Minnesota
University of Minnesota Duluth

🚀 Beyond EPY: The Journey Continues

As my Enterprise Placement Year comes to an end, what began as a student-led business idea has evolved into a fully functioning company with multiple brands, international clients, and real impact.

Through EPY, I not only strengthened my business foundations — I discovered my voice as a creative entrepreneur. I registered as a limited company, became VAT registered, expanded my client base across Northern Ireland and beyond, and launched three core brands under CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd:
🔺 CraigMillar – Digital Marketing & Web Design
🔺 WebsiteIreland.co.uk – Helping Irish businesses grow online
🔺 The Journey to Self – Transformational retreats blending storytelling and culture

Looking ahead, I’m continuing to scale operations, develop new digital tools, and collaborate globally — including a joint venture with Stelios Haji-Ioannou (founder of easyGroup) to develop EasyWebsites.com, an AI-driven website builder platform designed to give small businesses powerful, smart websites in minutes.

Beyond EPY, I remain committed to the mission that started it all: helping businesses rise with clarity, creativity, and confidence. The journey doesn’t end here — in many ways, it’s only just beginning.

In January 2025, I was delighted to be invited back to Integrated College Dungannon — the second school I attended after changing due to bullying. IDC became a turning point in my life, offering the support, belief, and environment I needed to thrive. Being asked to return and speak about my journey into entrepreneurship and the founding of CraigMillar Enterprises Ltd was an incredibly meaningful moment. This school didn’t just educate me — it helped shape my future.