Two city businessmen have gone back to their roots to advise the University of Exeter's communications chiefs on their use of social media.

Alastair Banks and James Dawkins, directors of web design and online marketing company Optix Solutions, graduated from the university in 2000 with degrees in computer science.

Almost 11 years on, their company has grown to become one of the largest of its kind in the area, and was last year ranked among the South West's top 100 creative agencies.

It claimed 87th place in the Top 100 South West Creative Companies 2010 list, with a turnover of £450,000. The survey, sponsored by the South West Regional Development Agency and Thring Townsend, ranked companies by their fee-based income.

With Optix establishing a growing reputation in the world of social media, Alastair was invited back to the University of Exeter to present to the marketing and communications team on the topic of social media and has now been formally invited to consult to the university on how best to use websites such as Twitter and Facebook.

It comes as the university – which was recently ranked among the top 100 fastest growing companies in Europe – looks to communicate with new audiences.

Stuart Franklin, director of communications for the university, said: "Social media provides a wonderful opportunity to engage both internally and externally with people and organisations globally."

"We're looking forward to working with Alastair over the coming months to develop this area of our marketing and communications."

Optix Solutions saw business increase by 25 per in the space of a year, with major projects including rebranding and website work for Devon Air Ambulance and Devon Wildlife Trust.

Alastair said: "To be asked back into the university that gave me three of the best years of my life to consult on something I feel so passionate about is simply fantastic.

"Social media will provide a wonderful channel to disseminate information, listen for opportunities to connect with other thought leaders and push the uni forward in its bid to get even bigger and better.

"I'm delighted to be working with the central communications team, who have some amazing stories to tell and opportunities to promote."

Optix Solutions are members of thebestofexeter - see their feature here