It's a Mixd marriage of sorts - and it's a good one.

It happened when Phil Shackleton, 28, and Mike Danford, 38, got together to form Mixd, a digital design consultancy, in Northallerton.

They had a lot in common. Both were graduates of York College, both worked for the same communications consultancy in Leeds and both had the talent and determination to offer to small and medium-sized firms a service that demystified the digital process.

More to the point, both understood that too many organisations had to choose between small, affordable, traditional design consultancies or IT companies offering web support. In which case the forced option was too often between beautiful, but functionally limited, design or a technically competent solution which lacked design flair.

Mixd, as the name implies, has both.

The result was a growing client list with most new business through referral and rapidly expanding turnover, which stands at more than £200,000.

Now Phil is hoping to become The Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in The Press Business Awards 2006, while Mixd has entered the Small Business Of The Year category.

Phil said: "It's hard work setting up a new business, but far more rewarding when you are in charge of your own destiny.

"Mike and I are optimistic that we can continue to grow because we do great work, but have a refreshingly down-to-earth approach - and so far this is proving a winning formula."

A highlight for both men was a return to York College, offering their experience as creative consultants to students on its BA (Hons) Graphic Design Programme.