Business spread on Graduates: Robert Barwell (R) and Peter Roome, web designers who decided set-up their own company within a few years of graduating.

A Norfolk web-design duo have spoken of the importance of university in helping them start-up a business just four years after graduating.

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Rob Barwell and Peter Roome set up PANDR after gaining experience and contacts while working for separate companies in London and Paris.

Mr Roome, 26, of Mattishall, near Dereham, said his year-long university work placement was vital for giving him the grounding he needed to start his own company.

The technical director, who studied at business information systems at Nottingham Trent University, said: “I still believe university is vital for opening doors to new opportunities and allowing you to explore your interests.

“Nottingham Trent University had such good connections and it gave you the chance to step back and decide what profession you were best suited to and how you wanted to move forward.

“Technology is developing all the time, and even outside of university you have to be learning.

“But because it changes so fast it can sometimes be difficult for universities to stay in touch. That is why it is important they deliver the basics well, such as the ability to problem solve, and the theory on how to manage projects.”

PANDR, an acronym for Peter and Robert, is a creative web design and development company which creates applications and business systems.

Currently, they are developing their own music service called Rakkit, which draws its inspiration from Twitter and Last FM by collecting music from blogs and organising them into play lists.

Based out of Mattishall, the pair are searching for a new studio space which will allow them to expand their business offering. Mr Barwell, 26, of North Elmham, who studied at the Norwich University College of the Arts, believes the rise in tuition fees next year could put more pressure on universities to deliver graduates into employment.

The creative director said: “I do think universities will try harder to get graduates into jobs if they are investing up to £9,000 a year in tuition fees. They will want a return on their money. But it is not just about employment, it is the social side of university and the independence of living on your own which helps builds character and allows you to grow as a person.”

PANDR are launching their new website next week at www.wearepandr.com. Meanwhile, you can follow their activities on twitter @wearepandr.