As 2021 comes to an ignominious end, I would like to take a moment to thank all of our clients and partners for your continued business and support during yet another challenging year. 2021 carried on in much the same vein as 2020 did and generated its own unique set of hurdles for us to overcome.
While businesses & people, in general, have endured the ever-shifting pandemic environment, we have seen many industries across the globe reopen & adapt to new working environments. The resilience of Irish entrepreneurs, in particular, continues to impress, and we applaud all those who have used the current situation as an opportunity to succeed in their own enterprises.
As mentioned in last years Christmas message, we have been incredibly lucky here at Avalanche, our industry is one of the few to thrive in a COVID impacted world and 2021 has been a year of unprecedented growth at Avalanche.
We have published 93 full websites (67 of which are eCommerce led) in the calendar year, a new record for us and a rate of a new project being published every 3.9 days, all whilst retaining the Avalanche seal of quality we have come to be recognised for the world over. I do believe our process to be unmatched by any firm on the planet and it is only when you take stock of the year and the numbers involved you can really recognise how much we put into the days and weeks that fly by when we are in the full creative flow.
Personally speaking, a big goal of mine at the beginning of 2021 was to secure over 200 5 star reviews for Avalanche and at the time of typing, we are sitting on over 440 5 star reviews from satisfied clients.
Going above and beyond for every single one of our clients is one of our non-negotiables here at Avalanche and this shows with the fantastic feedback & love we have been lucky to receive from every single client.
With all of our many commitments to all our ongoing clients and the influx of exciting new people and businesses, I am ecstatic to say that Avalanche sites combined have processed over €13M worldwide in sales and have shown fantastic growth and character through what are very challenging times for all.
This has more than doubled from last year so even with the pandemic, it is encouraging to see those who adapt and pivot in business can still create opportunities.
Personal highlights include our charity work which has allowed us to donate over €100,000 in equipment, sponsorship & donations to charities, schools, clubs and communities all over Kerry. Being in a position to donate a whole range of Samsung tablets to my old school was a particularly nice moment during the year.
Avalanche was also lucky enough to move to the next level in the tech world becoming the lead design agency for two different unicorns in 2021 (companies with over a $1 billion valuation), something I did not even realise until I sat down to type this & what would have made my brain hurt just a few short years ago.
I would like to thank everyone who has chosen to work with us this year, new clients we were lucky enough to welcome & those who continue to place their confidence in us to create & push boundaries for them online. We truly build partnerships with all our clients and it so incredibly fulfilling to be a little part of their success.
Of course, all of this would not be possible without the fantastic team that we have together at Avalanche. A huge thank you to Steph, Francis, Tommy, James, Tara, Lisa, Matt, Niall & Conor for their work during the year, most notably for your endless patience in dealing with my madness.
The Christmas break will be welcomed by everyone, after a busy year, allowing us all to reset, take stock and plan the year ahead. 2022 will no doubt bring its own set of challenges & we look forward to what will mark a decade in business for Avalanche. A milestone that I am looking forward to immensely as I feel longevity is the mark of any real entrepreneur.
2021 was a record-breaking year with millions of lines of code, but as ever, we still feel like we are only getting started.
Merry Christmas & a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year to you and yours from all at Avalanche.
Aidan out.