Rohallion

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work in knowledge management and communications for a climate change NGO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Our programme was founded in 2010, and since then had a Wordpress-based website. Ten years later, in 2020, we decided to commission a complete rebuild of the website to improve the performance of the website. We wanted to develop the new site on Drupal as it is more robust and better suited for developing content-rich and multilingual websites.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We had been recommended Rohallion by a colleague who had worked with them on a similar style of website. So we reached out to them to quote, and after assessing a few different service providers, decided to go with Rohallion as they demonstrated the best value for money, proven experience developing content-rich websites in Drupal, and had worked on a number of websites for low-bandwidth audiences with multilingual requirements.

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

We started with a discovery workshop and agreed on a scope document, which was important because we had limited budget but high aspirations! Rohallion then put together some page designs and, once we had iterated them, started developing the site on Drupal. They then migrated all the old content from the Wordpress site, which proved to be a big challenge. After a lot of problem solving, we finally went live about a year later with the new site.

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

Duncan, the Director, was our main point of contact, but there were also designers and developers who worked on the site too.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We do not have any measurable outcomes yet, but as a team we are very happy with the refreshed design of the site, and better functionality, especially on the homepage, which now displays a range of our latest work, not just news (as the old site did).

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

We mostly used Slack to communicate, as well as freshdesk for recording snags. Duncan is extremely responsive and always communicated any changes in the timeframe well in advance. They were a professional but personable bunch, and we really enjoyed working with them.

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

They clearly know Drupal very well, so we were in safe hands when it came to the capabilities of the CMS. And Duncan went above and beyond to problem-solve unexpected issues with the migration of the site from Wordpress.

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

We only realised too late that we hadn't seen mock-up designs for all the pages on the site, only the main ones, so there were a couple of surprises when we saw the final versions already developed. I think next time we would ask for more mock-ups in advance, to avoid any differences in expectation.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) is a non for profit voluntary regulator for Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners. RAMP is Committed to Protecting the Public and their Animals, and Promoting Public Confidence in the Animal Musculoskeletal Occupations it Registers. As Vice President on the RAMP council it was evident we needed to enhance our website offering.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Rohallion was engaged by RAMP to implement a new website, covering both the front and back end functionality. Our old system was very 'clunky' and becoming very expensive to maintain. We needed a robust platform, using modern technology that allows us to update as much of the information ourselves and to enhance the renewals process for registrants.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

A number of vendors were contacted and the requirements discussed in depth to obtain an estimate of cost and timeline. When the decision was made a number of factors where considered such as feedback we had received on the companies ability to deliver and the quality of work, the costs, when the work could be undertaken and how long it would take.

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

Following the kick of meeting and us providing Rohallion with our requirements, we had regular communication through out keeping us updated on the progress and any questions that they had. The core development areas where the website front end, back end covering renewals and applications and the migration of data from the old system.

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

Our main point of contact was the project manager and one of the developers. All communications were very positive and professional and we felt they listened to us.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our biggest process is the registrant renewals, following the implementation we ran the renewals process which went very well, whilst there were a couple of teething issues which Rohallion sorted very query we have received positive feedback from our registrants

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

Through out the project we had regular updates via email and videos showing the development progress

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

Having worked on many projects over my career, this was by far the best and easiest. Rohallion were very professional, took time to understand our requirements, kept us up to date on progress and delivered what we required. We were very impressed with the responsiveness of the team when things were identified that we had not thought about when writing the requirements and they took it on board and made some enhancements along the way.

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

We were really impressed with the responsiveness and professionalism of the team and can't fault the work and implementation.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I work for Robertson Group, the largest family-owned construction and support services companies in the UK. I am Group Marketing Manager and look after services from branding to web development for multiple group companies and initiatives.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Rohallion were challenged with creating a website for a partner project about a new development. They delivered a first-class website, that met complex demands of our partners and fulfilled the project always with true professionalism, determination and a solutions based approach. This site more than met expectations by the partners and was delivered on time and on budget, despite challenges that arose through the project.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We have worked with Rohallion successfully before and due to their customer service and approach they were our first and natural choice to help us with this project. The project was critical for on time delivery so we partnered with Rohallion for certainty on delivery

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

The scope of the work was to create a bi-lingual website that would provide a lasting communications tool for partners and stakeholders for a period up to five years. Deliverables including integration of mulit-agency chat support service Freshdesk and a platform that could scale for developments and the release of new content and new functionality that would arise through the course of the development.

A key part of the delivery was to ensure future proofing the site to ensure new additions could be incorporated. Training was also delivered for the inhouse team as part of the scope of work to ensure efficiencies and upskilling.

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

We worked with a strong team of two lead PM/technical specialist and also a senior graphic designer. Both were exceptional in their approach and enabled our in-house team and partner team members to realise the aspirations of the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

All our KPIs for the project are being meant in terms of the project and the site is optimized to achieve our goals.

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

Project management commenced with a kick-off meeting and planned meetings throughout the project timeframe. Meetings if needed out with the scheduled were accepted timely and as-an-when to deal with pressing queries that supported confidence by the parties and seamless integration of the web as part of the overall comms and marketing plan for our work.

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

Their problem-solving ability, providing solutions for our multi-partner website that we need to deliver in dual language English and Welsh with the integration of sophisticated inquiry service that would suit the requirements of the partners and activities required.

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

No, everything was first class. They delivered excellent customer service.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the revenues team leader of the Copeland Borough Council. We’re a local government authority delivering public services to the community. In my role, I look after the billing and collection of council tax, business rates, and debt coming into the council. More recently, I’ve been responsible for delivering the COVID-19 business grants response to the local businesses receiving government funding.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rohallion?

We required online forms in order for businesses to apply for grant support. Initially, we didn’t have the functionality to run a suite of online forms so we had to use PDFs. This process was okay, but it was an awful lot of work and administration. At the time of the second lockdown, we engaged Rohallion to shift our existing website onto a new platform and make it more user-friendly.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Rohallion worked closely with our internal IT team to do the platform shift. They gave us quotes and sorted what we needed so it was easier for the public to apply and easy to handle back-office administration. When a customer clicks on the apply now functionality of our website, they’re taken to the platform that Rohallion created. They gave our website a facelift and also worked on a form with our benefits team for the test and trace support application.

What is the team composition?

I work directly with Duncan (Director).

How did you come to work with Rohallion?

They’ve done previous work for our company. I was introduced to them.

How much have you invested with them?

We invest between £200­–£400 (approximately $300–$600 USD) per form.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing engagement started in November 2020.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve managed to start delivering around £7 million (approximately $9.6 million USD) in government money to local businesses in this area. We’ve paid out over 3,000 grants in rapid time. We’ve been one of the leading councils in the country to launch our schemes. A lot of that credit goes to Rohallion because they work in a rapid turnaround. Our team has never had to wait more than a day. They’re the reason why we’ve been able to deliver as fast as we have.

How did Rohallion perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management is outstanding. Every problem is addressed straight away. It’s nothing to do with them but more related to anything that’s needed attention or been required to change as a result of the government. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Rohallion again or recommend them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m most impressed with their speed, professionalism, and accuracy. They provide a gold standard of performance; I really can’t fault them. The evidence speaks for itself in what we’ve been able to deliver and manage with their help.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. They’re experts and know what they’re doing.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They provide outstanding service. Contact and speak to them. I’m sure they’ll be able to help you out.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the communications manager for the Copeland Borough Council. We are a local authority that runs services including waste collection, recycling, parking, street lighting, and things of that nature. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Rohallion?

We wanted to do a refresh of our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had some workshops initially, which various managers from our organization took part in, so Rohallion knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of the website functionality, design, and look. 

From there, Rohallion came back to us with various options, with various designs and looks. We went back and forth until we settled on a look and feel for the website that we were happy with. 

Then we began the switchover from our previous website to our new one. They oversaw the entire migration, designing the look of the website and then transferred the content over from our previous website to the new one.

It wasn’t so much functionality in terms of connecting to our back-office systems, it was more the presentation of the website and having a fresher presentation of the information we had on there rather than allowing the visitors to our website to do more. 

What is the team composition?

Duncan (Director) was our point of contact. We met a colleague early in the process as well, but Duncan was our go-to person.

How did you come to work with Rohallion?

Our ICT department put out the initial tender for the contract and they selected Rohallion. I was then brought in further down the line to be the liaison between what we wanted and how we wanted the website to look and feel.How much have you invested in them?

We have spent $10,000 to $25,000 USD.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our collaboration began in November 2018, and it is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We are delighted with how the website looks. It is difficult to show metrics simply because we were just about to go live with the new website just as the COVID-19 crisis started. We knew people would visit our website to obtain information related to the pandemic. We quickly wrapped up the last few strands very quickly to push it over the line in order to have it ready for our public when they needed it the most. 

As a result, hits to the website increased drastically. Whether that is as a result of it being a more user friendly and a more efficient website to visit, or if it is a natural increase of visitors to our website because of the nature of the situation we were in. It is probably a combination of both, to be honest, but the figures I have show a marked increase of visitors to the website.

We’ve also gotten really good feedback from our staff and from members of the public. It is an infinitely better product than what we had. As a communications professional, I am more than pleased with it.

How did Rohallion perform from a project management standpoint?

When we were going live there was a very quick turnaround in terms of questions from myself and my team and the response and that has been maintained right throughout the process. 

There have been a few glitches here and there as you might imagine when launching a website, but they have been solved as quickly as they have been raised by us. There have been no issues and we have been very, very impressed in terms of the efficiency and speed of response. We just used email and phone calls for communication.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Rohallion delivered on anything that was asked of them. They deliver quickly and efficiently, and they couldn’t have been more helpful to us in terms of our team’s dealings with them. I have been extremely impressed with everything I have been involved with for this project.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not from my point of view. I am very happy.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would just recommend them. Everything that we have needed from Rohallion has been delivered extremely satisfactorily.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Scientific Administrator for an autism related Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Rohallion?

Our Centre began in 2017 and we needed a new website for this. Rohallion programmed the website from scratch for us using designs provided by a graphic desinger.

They now host the website and provide ongoing support (incuding quarterly client update meetings).

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a user friendly website that was simple to use and easy to update. It needed to provide clear information in an easy to read format for both scientists and the general public.

SOLUTION

How did you select Rohallion?

We wanted a local firm, who had knowledge of IT services within Edinburgh Unviersity, and also had competitive rates. Rohallion were top of our list on all factors.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we chose Rohallion we had number of initial design meetings with the designer and Rohallion. The requirements of the website were laid out and both the designer and Rohallion worked together to achieve these.

Rohallion then programmed the website to these specifications. Within 3-4 months we moved from an on paper design to a fully functioning website.

What was the team composition?

We worked with the Director of Rohallion througout the entire project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The website is working well for us and does exactly what we need it to do for the Centre. Our millionaire US philanthropic funder of the Centre has given extremely positive feedback on the design.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Rohallion are extremely easy to work with and have answered all requests in a timely manner.

Some latter additional programming requests have been submitted with extremely short timelines (within days) and Rohallion have always responded.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The Director is very knowledgable about web design and alwasy provides workable solutions to any issues that arise.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a researcher at Supporting Evidence Based Interventions (SEBI) based at The University of Edinburgh. We specialise in the improvement in availability and application of data and evidence relating to livestock in Low and Middle Income countries.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We wanted to develop a website specifically for the improved access to and consumption of livestock related data and evidence. The website needed to be designed to cater for immediate requirements, but have flexibility for development to respond to growing and changing demands.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We advertised a Request for Proposals to several developers, based on recommendations. We interviewed a shortlist of three companies and selected Rohallion based on their past work with Drupal, understanding of our objectives and clarity in communication.

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

We had previously engaged with a consultant to design our Drupal website and produce a wireframe. We started with a kick-off meeting with Rohallion to share our designs and discuss how the project would progress. We then progressed through development using TimeHero and laterly GitLab.

Our interaction with Rohallion has been over two phases of development, the first to build the basic site; the second to make changes based on our experience using the site as designed. We communicated regularly and were given regular updates on development progress

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

Two, Director and developer, developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Rohallion met our expectations and provided a very reliable service. The product was delivered on time.

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

We used email and Skype to communicate. We then used Time Hero and GitLab to record and track activities and specific issues.

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

Rohallion were very engaged in our objectives, and were always approachable to discuss ideas and challenges. This was very much appreciated as we do not have web development expertise in our team of livestock specialists.

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

NA