GB Web Factory

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and zoo director of a registered zoo charity. We hold the largest collection of owls on display to the public in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EWD?

Our website ran very slowly because it was built many years ago. We needed a complete site revamping to bring it up to 2022, and we hired EWD to do all the background work and tidying the site itself to make it look fresher and more in keeping.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

EWD is our web development and maintenance provider. Our most recent project was a website revamping. The team worked on our existing site and completely redesigned almost every page with a new layout. We worked collaboratively; they came up with ideas, and I had certain things I wanted on the site. A large portion of the backend was running very slowly, causing many problems with Google. The team addressed those issues. They’ve also worked to make the site work better on mobile. 

Currently, they manage our websites to ensure they’re running smoothly and provide maintenance.

What is the team composition?

We work with a director from EWD. 

How did you come to work with EWD?

I’ve known EWD for a long time and have worked with them over the last 15 years. Since I had been very satisfied with their previous work, I brought them on for the site revamp.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent around £2,000 (approximately $2,300 USD) a year with them, not including the recent website revamp.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in January 2003, and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

I’m extremely satisfied with EWD’s work. We don’t have any metrics on the site revamp because they completed the work only about four weeks ago. We’ll have to let it run a bit longer to get proper results. However, everyone who’s seen the website has found it easier to use and more up-to-date. 

Additionally, the site successfully runs on mobile, which we had previously been struggling with. Before the revamp, we faced many problems with Google; they were constantly getting in touch and pointing out issues. Now, we haven’t heard from them in the last six weeks. Overall, our collaboration with EWD runs seamlessly — it works extremely well. 

How did EWD perform from a project management standpoint?

They deliver on time. Although the site redesign project was extended a little bit, the delay was due to extra work they put in that we hadn’t asked for and hadn’t even thought of. They added a lot of further information to the site, which surprised and pleased me because it required a lot of extra work from them. 

Moreover, they still delivered the site within a reasonable timeframe at the price they had originally quoted. We communicate via email and phone calls. If there’s a problem, they immediately get in touch.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m impressed by the extra thought and work that has gone into my original request. The added value for money EWD has provided has been truly extraordinary.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything they need to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I highly recommend working with EWD. My advice is to discuss your project fully and give them free rein to come up with ideas themselves, which they’re very good at.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the voluntary chairperson of the North Wales Regional Athletics Council.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EWD?

Athletics in our region was very spread out, and there wasn’t enough communication or a cohesive overall image between the four running disciplines, which are long-distance running, cross country running, road running, and track and field. 

We wanted to put everything into one website so that there could be a central source of information where existing members or anyone new to the area could see what the other disciplines are up to. We hired EWD to help us with this challenge.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

EWD had worked on a completely separate project for North Wales Regional Runners Club (NWRRC), which is one of the running clubs in the region. With me, on the other hand, the team was involved with building the site for the North Wales Regional Athletics Council (NWRAC), which did not have an existing website prior to this project.

We started from scratch. The site needed to give an overview of all the events in the region. Because I’m not technical at all, I had to present my thoughts to EWD and describe how we could go about building the site. 

EWD then put forward some design suggestions based on our discussions: what the headings should be, what elements should be in the menu, and how much information we should place on each page.

The menu was slightly complicated to tackle. I generally find that many websites are hard to navigate, but I wanted people to immediately know where they were going on our website. EWD got my point, and we simplified the new menu to have only 5–6 options. This way, people could immediately get the information they need and move on and not linger too long.

From there, I went to each of my regional officials and asked them to contribute to the content. We provided all the photos and write-ups while EWD designed all the pages.

We also wanted a system for purchasing kits from the website since that had always been conducted person-to-person. We also didn’t have a logo, so I specified my requirements for the color to the EWD team, who then came up with a design. We went back and forth a few times to get something that everybody was happy with.

What is the team composition?

I worked only with Jonathan (Managing Director).  

How did you come to work with EWD?

I found them through a contact. My husband was involved in setting up a new company, and the person he was working with knew Jonathan. 

I prefer working with people who were personally recommended to me. Despite not having a gauge of EWD’s performance compared to other service providers, I found that they were completely trustworthy, attentive, and wouldn't overcharge me if I pushed for something complicated. In this instance, we weren’t necessarily after the best, but we wanted the most trustworthy partner who could give us the most value for our money and who was prepared to keep things simple.

How much have you invested with them?

The cost was under £1,000 (approximately $1,400 USD) . The project was funded by the government.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with EWD in April 2021, and the project was completed in the first week of July. They’ve taken on the maintenance of the site since we don’t have anyone technical in-house.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

I don’t have loads to compare the site with, but everybody who’s seen it has been very happy with it. With sports events starting to open up again, I intend to put out little bits of news and eventually open the site to all athletes in the region.

How did EWD perform from a project management standpoint?

Every email I sent EWD was answered either within the same day or the next. The website they delivered was spot on and exactly as I requested it to be.

I’m very picky with the way things are set out, and although I can’t set out tables, I know exactly what I want. What I liked about EWD is that when there were issues, they resolved those right away with no extra charge. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

EWD was efficient in dealing with queries, additions, or things that weren’t quite right. They came up with the basic stuff pretty quickly, and they didn’t take offense at the things we didn’t want. I also appreciate the help they gave us with the logo.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There was quite a lot of technical stuff thrown at me early on which I felt that it could’ve been put in laymen’s terms. To me, even something as simple as a domain needs to be explained in detail, including what I have to do for the annual renewal, and what sort of maintenance is going to be required.

Things could’ve been set out a bit more simply in the first instance. I had to get my head around everything before I started working on the project. Someone more technical might’ve thought it was too simple, but it was not the case for me.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I’d definitely tell them to go with EWD. If they want something similar to what we’ve done, they should look at the site, form an opinion, and approach the team. They might deal with much more complicated projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I operate the website for Charles Bell Art, a painter.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EWD?

Our website was somewhat outdated and boring, so we needed someone to build a new and modern one.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

EWD designed and developed a WordPress website for us. The key feature of the website was to show high-quality photos of the artwork that potential customers could zoom into. They could then purchase it through the site. 

What is the team composition?

We only worked with Jonathan (Managing Director).

How did you come to work with EWD?

We did a Google search for website designers near us. We spoke to three of them and discussed what we were looking for and the price we were willing to pay. In the end, we liked what Jonathan presented, so we went with him.

How much have you invested with them?

We paid £450 (approximately $600 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from April–May 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We got a lovely website that we were pleased with. EWD fulfilled all of our requests with care and attention. Whenever we had suggestions, they’d either accommodate them or explain why they couldn’t do it. It was very helpful to have that input.

How did EWD perform from a project management standpoint?

EWD completed what we asked for in a timely fashion. We communicated via email or phone call, and we were constantly in touch with them to discuss our vision. We also met in person a few times.

What did you find most impressive about them?

We were impressed by their promptness when it came to responding to requests and queries. They were also very kind and friendly. We’re on the older side, so some of the technical terms were bewildering to us, and EWD remained patient with us.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing they could’ve done better. We were thrilled with the results.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Listen to what they say and follow their advice.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director of Affinity Homecare Ltd, a social care business based in the Northwest of the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EWD?

I needed a service provider that could help me with my WordPress site and host it.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

EWD designed and hosted our website. I’m not a technical person, so they guided me throughout the process. When it came to updating the look and feel, I left it up to them to decide the design.

Since that project, they’d also built and hosted another website and email. That project allowed us to manipulate our data with a control panel. 

What is the team composition? 

I worked with two individuals.

How much have you invested with them?

These were pretty straightforward projects, so we only spent a few thousand pounds. I’m sure they have a host of other services, but we only needed a web presence for our business.

What is the status of this engagement?

We must have crossed paths 6–7 years ago. I believe the engagement lasted from January–July 2014.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

For us, the website is less a lead generation tool and more of an online presence. We don’t need to drive business with it since most of our clients are referrals. That being said, we did receive compliments on it.

How did EWD perform from a project management standpoint?

They did everything that I needed them to do. Our expectations and requirements weren’t particularly sophisticated, so we mostly just coordinated over the phone. I described what I wanted, and they would interpret it via examples. They were very efficient. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Compared to the people I dealt with last time, I appreciated that I could always get a hold of them and that they get what we’re trying to achieve. They didn’t plug us into a model that didn’t fit our needs. Instead, they provided an affordable solution. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they did everything that we asked of them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The main things are knowing what you want and budgeting it. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Director at Electroquest UK Ltd

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire EWD, and what were your goals?

EWD have complete control over all aspects of our e commerce sites. They carry out additions to stock listings, ironing out site issues and outages, SEO marketing and provides support whenever needed.

SOLUTION

How did you select EWD and what were the deciding factors?

A google search led me to him viewing their catalogue of clients and work carried out for them and after our first meeting I knew we could work together.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

They have designed all our websites from the ground up tailoring each one to meet the required specifics for each product and as mentioned earlier they have fed customers to them via extensive SEO.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I have direct contact with 2 personnel from the company and receive instant attention. Both directors of the company.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We have just on recommendation by EWD moved the websites over to a new platform, this has increase traffic to them by at least 50% concluding in a 40% increase in sales.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

EWD are very hands on and approachable, they can be contacted via email, text and phone most time, sometimes out of hours too.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The knowledge base for the industry they are in is unmeasurable.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a small, family-owned retail business. We sell Irish knitwear at shows and events. I’m the owner. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EWD?

EWD was hired to build and maintain our website. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

EWD created our website completely from scratch, and they’ve provided updates as needed as well. Now, users can navigate to the site and purchase our products from different manufacturers. They’ve created an online presence for us.

What is the team composition?

We work with two people.

How did you come to work with EWD?

We’re from quite a small area, and EWD is local. We either knew of them beforehand, or they were recommended to us by a friend.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since August 2012.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We do a majority of our business at shows and events, but ever since COVID hit, we’ve seen a lot more orders coming through the online shop. 

How did EWD perform from a project management standpoint?

EWD always has someone available to respond straight away. The emails the team sends us often include links and suggestions of things we can do to improve our website. They’re always there to help us.

What did you find most impressive about them?

EWD is a small, local business, so we really get that personal care. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We’re a health, safety, and environmental management company. I’m a director and senior consultant.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EWD?

We were looking for a solution for a provider to work with us to create a new website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built our WordPress site, including design and development. The team incorporated unique colors and graphics to make sure we stood out within our industry.

What is the team composition?

We had one point of contact.

How did you come to work with EWD?

We found them via an internet search. Their support package, location, and time frames all fit in with what we were looking for.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2019, and our work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

The site turned out great. There were challenges with the pandemic since we couldn’t do any face-to-face meetings, though.

How did EWD perform from a project management standpoint?

It was excellent, and the team was very responsive. We communicate via email, phone, and they’re even willing to come in person.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their willingness to adapt to what we need has been very impressive. With a lot of web developers, they have a single portfolio that they expect us to fit in with. With EWD, they excelled in presenting us with a lot of different choices and seeing what fits our needs the best.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, not at all. They’ve certainly met our expectations.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

No, it was an easy and professional process. They’re very knowledgeable, especially compared to a previous vendor we used who didn’t give us any advice or guidance.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Celyncoch, a felt business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with EWD?

My business was a hobby that took off very quickly. I needed a website to reflect my work and to sell pictures.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed my e-commerce website.

What is the team composition?

I only worked with the owner.

How did you come to work with EWD?

I’ve known the owner for 25 years. He set up our site about 20 years ago for another business of ours and it still runs today.

How much have you invested with them?

I spent about £500 (approximately $657 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2020, and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The website just went live. I have been so busy that I haven’t had a chance to really try it out. Aesthetically, I’m very happy with the site. The owner of EWD is very patient and kind. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. This is the third website he’s done for me.

How did EWD perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re always available if we need them. They would meet me in-person prior to COVID-19. Usually, if I have a problem, it’s something they can help me with via an email or phone call. We’re now doing emails only due to the pandemic, which I’m perfectly fine with.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our personal relationship is great. I’ve known the owner for a long time and he’s very clear and concise. They know what they’re doing. I trust them to hold my hand and make sure my website is secure and looked after. When I need help, they’re available to me. 

I like the fact that I know the owner personally. We have a personal relationship as well as a working relationship.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They’re more logical and corporate, and I’m a bit more fluffy and artsy. We see things in slightly different ways sometimes. We work together on it though, and it’s fine.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Make sure you have all your photographs and things ready for them and know exactly how you want it. If you’re a corporate client, they like that corporate kind of look, but it doesn’t suit my business. I’d recommend EWD to anybody. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of Dans Good Wood Shop

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Bespoke carpentry in handmade wooden and resin commissions.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire GB Web Factory to accomplish?

• Create a website
• Within website create an online shop

SOLUTION

How did you find GB Web Factory?

Referral

Why did you select GB Web Factory over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We approached GBWebFactory following receipt of a local grant via the UKSPF to create and design a website that showcases our work and allows for some online sales.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Jon and his team created and designed for us a website that showcased our business and products well. Our input and design ideas were listened to and recognised. The training received during and thereafter has been excellent. Our website has started to gain traction and it has been great to have this in place to signpost potential customers to it.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

All project items were delivered on time. We were kept up to date with next steps and timescales either daily or weekly depending on the size of the project.

What was your primary form of communication with GB Web Factory?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Communication is key to any company and Jon and his team were always contactable with any queries, suggestions or amendments we needed to make. Training is scheduled in to suit our availability which is very appreciated.The team at GBWebFactory don't talk at you when discussing the back office and how to amend information on a website they explain to you how to do it in terms you can understand and show you so you yourself gain little skills and knowledge along the way.

Are there any areas for improvement or something GB Web Factory could have done differently?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

a floristry business with on line shop

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire EWD, and what were your goals?

up dating an existing website and including word press training and webshop

SOLUTION

How did you select EWD and what were the deciding factors?

existing working relations

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

in person meeting, emailing, telephone calls

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

1

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

a more professional feel to the updated version of the website.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timelines.

the style was very personal and extremely helpful

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

they have created a website that I can update myself. They assured me that they would help if I encountered any problem.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

No.