A Leeds digital agency, a key player in digital accessibility for the NHS, celebrates 20 years with ambitious growth plans.
- Mixd aims to expand through a strategic buy-and-build approach, securing contracts across Wales and Scotland.
- Co-founder Shackleton emphasises the agency’s leadership in web accessibility and sustainable acquisition strategies.
- Upcoming government guidelines will enforce stringent accessibility standards, impacting public sector digital platforms.
- Mixd provides essential support for compliance, ensuring digital accessibility in healthcare services.
Mixd, a Leeds-based digital agency renowned for its focus on digital accessibility, is marking its 20th anniversary with plans for significant growth. The agency, which leads in accessibility design within the NHS and public sectors, is preparing to implement a strategic buy-and-build expansion strategy, covering the entirety of the United Kingdom with recent contract wins in Wales and Scotland.
Phil Shackleton and Mike Danford, the founders of Mixd, have built the agency into a respected entity over the last two decades, establishing it as a national leader in web accessibility. Shackleton stated, “We’ve built a fantastic team and business over the last 20 years with a reputation as leaders in web accessibility. Now, it’s time to take our company to the next level as we accelerate our growth plans with a sustainable acquisition strategy that will complement our organic growth.”
The agency has been pivotal in promoting web accessibility and user-centred design principles, creating digital services that are both intuitive and easy to navigate. These services form a robust foundation for Mixd’s future expansion, as the agency positions itself to support compliance with the UK Government’s upcoming Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, set to be enforced from October 2024.
These updated guidelines will introduce additional criteria aimed at improving accessibility for users with cognitive and motor disabilities, as well as enhancing mobile usability. As experts in the field, Mixd will provide auditing, training, and compliance advice to assist public sector organisations during this transition. Mike Danford highlighted the importance of this mission, noting, “With more patients relying on digital tools for appointments, prescriptions, and health advice, ensuring that these platforms are usable by everyone, regardless of ability, is essential.”
The potential for non-compliance poses significant risks, such as excluding patients from crucial healthcare services, possibly increasing health inequalities, and restricting access to necessary care. Mixd’s comprehensive approach underscores its commitment to making digital platforms accessible, a commitment influenced by its dedication to superior design efficacy over the past 20 years.
Mixd continues to lead in digital accessibility innovation, navigating future requirements to ensure inclusivity.
