About Upix
Our aim has always been to provide our customers with the ultimate visual content for their internet and printed marketing. We do this through our ability to innovate in our field and a determination to excel at our craft. Having built a thriving environment of creativity and teamwork, we are able to ensure the constant development of our standards and skills; consistently meeting our clients' needs through our expertise, commitment and enthusiasm and often surpassing even the highest expectations.
March 2007 sees Upix's 4th birthday and we have much to celebrate. Virtual tours form a major part of our business, but our original passion is photography itself and we have been just as busy on the stills front, creating bespoke canvases for corporate display, as well as commissioned work for advertising and marketing agencies in our region.
When the incredible Spinnaker Tower opened in Portsmouth, our images were chosen for an exclusive retail postcard range. These proved so successful that we now produce many other high quality print items, including greetings cards, posters and bookmarks. We oversee all the design and printing ourselves to keep quality control. Our clients appreciate this and feel safe in the knowledge that we are as proud of their products as they are. Word is spreading and we have been asked by several prestigious tourist attractions and organisations throughout the south of England to produce similar items for them over the coming year.
For a relatively new company, Upix has a distinguished track record. In 2004, we were recognised as one of the southeast's most promising new businesses by the British Chamber of Commerce; runner-up in the region's annual business awards.
In 2006, Upix was one of only three companies to be short-listed twice at The News Business Excellence Awards; reaching the final of both the “Innovation of the Year” and “Small Business” categories. We were up against some pretty stiff competition from companies across the south of England and our “Highly Commended” runner-up trophy for “Innovation of the Year” still has pride of place in the office!
Our growing list of virtual tour clients is also an impressive one, including the Greenwich Royal Observatory and Maritime Museum, London and Southampton International Boat Shows, Mark Warner Holidays, and the University of Portsmouth.
One of our most exciting projects was to virtually cover the renovation of Gipsy Moth IV for the UKSA and Yachting Monthly magazine's “Save Gipsy Moth Campaign”. Gipsy Moth IV is the 54ft sailing ketch in which the then 64 year-old Francis Chichester sailed around the world between August 1966 and May 1967. The voyage was the first solo, one-stop circumnavigation of the world and he was knighted on his return, in recognition of his extraordinary achievement. This year, Gipsy Moth IV completes her first round-the-world trip since being restored to her former glory. She will be based at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy, where she will continue to provide a classic training experience for underprivileged youngsters from around the country. Follow her progress at www.gipsymoth.org.
So - Who are we?
Stefan Venter
Originally from South Africa, Stefan is an accomplished professional photographer and Art Director. He spent 11 years in the South African film and advertising industries, involved in several major productions and commercials for, amongst others, Mercedes, Smirnoff and Coca Cola International. Stefan was inspired by the virtual tour concept and its possibilities in the late 1990s and in 2000 began an extensive programme of research, training and product development. He is our Artistic and Technical Director and our chief Photographer.
Sara Venter
Sara's post-degree background includes over 10 years experience in sales and luxury retail at senior levels, plus several years as a manager with a premier cruise line, where she travelled extensively and made good use of her considerable language skills. Responsible for logistics, client accounts and administration, Sara has also been trained in photography and multimedia production as part of the company's development programme.
The Support
Stefan and Sara are ably supported by a strong team of photographers, editors and technical professionals, all as dedicated to the quality and reputation of the company as the core team.
The Upix team love a challenge. Whether going to the top of the Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower, the centre of Stonehenge, or the inside of a Mini Cooper, we are always happy in our work — and challenge you to find a virtual tour provider any better at their job! We are always keen for feedback, so drop us a line and see how we can help your business do more business.
