Case Studies
Connecting West Sussex has already helped thousands of companies switch to broadband, and has provided so many different solutions. Following are six typical examples of the kind of requests we receive -and their different solutions:
Heavy Horse World
Sherman Project Services
Libra Dolls Houses
Whole Being
Sussex Heat Care
DiViNe Curtains & Blinds
D W Bond & Sons
Furniture and Mirror
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Heavy Horse World
Contact:
Diana Zeuner
Publisher Heavy Horse World
+44 (0) 1730 812 419
heavyhorse@mistral.co.uk
Diana Zeuner is a professional journalist and publisher of specialist
magazines.
Her late husband, Chris Zeuner OBE, was Director of the Weald and
Downland Open Air Museum from 1974 until 2001, where he introduced
heavy horses as part of the interpretation of the museum’s historic
buildings, and both developed a special interest in these very special
animals.
The owners of heavy horses needed a forum to communicate and a small
circulation magazine was not meeting needs, so Diana took it over
and developed it into “HEAVY HORSE WORLD” which now boasts an international
circulation of over 3500, of which more than 10% are in the USA, Canada,
Australia, and the Continent.
Diana was not slow to see the necessity for an Internet presence,
and there has been a Heavy Horse World website since 1995, but its
progress and development has not been without problems!
Diana carries out all aspects of producing and marketing Heavy Horse
World, and other magazines from her home office in West Sussex. The
magazine is now in its twentieth year of publication, and has had
a web presence for twelve years.
When illness prevented her website designer from continuing, it was
a crisis for the website, and Diana called for assistance from Startup
Co – the West Sussex Enterprise Agency, and delivery organisation
for the Connecting West Sussex project.
Under the project’s Specialist Advice Service, advisor Cliff Carter
visited, and helped Diana develop her website editing and updating
skills, uploading text whilst retaining formatting and style, adjusting
and uploading images, and when necessary, outsourcing image content
maintenance.
Diana has written two books on heavy horses. “The Working Horse Manual”
describes all aspects of owning, training, working and showing heavy
horses, and is much in demand internationally.
Fortunately it, and many other heavy horse books, DVDs, video tapes
(in various formats) and other heavy horse related items are available
on the website’s online store.
Diana says “Cliff Carter’s excellent technical and
communications skills - he avoids using jargon - and his fast response
has given Heavy Horse World a better, and more easily updateable website.
It appears to be increasing interest and subscriptions – especially
from abroad”.
Related Website: http://www.heavyhorseworld.co.uk
Sherman Project Services Ltd
Contact:
Barry Sherman MCIOB
Managing Director Sherman Project Services Ltd
+44 (0) 1730 812 419
sherman-sps.com
When Barry Sherman heard in the mid ‘80s that Portugal was to join
the EC he saw a commercial opportunity – “the Last Frontier in Western
Europe”.
He decided to take his experience as a Construction Surveyor south
and climbed aboard his covered wagon and reined up his horses – well,
an MGBGT and a caravan actually, and headed to Lisbon.
He soon secured instructions to manage the setting-up of new and refurbishment
of existing offices for Eagle Star, and spent happy years building
a sound reputation in Construction Project Management.
Sherman Project Services started in 1986, providing professional multi-discipline
management, contracting and maintenance services for international
finance, insurance, industrial and tourist organisations, as well
as embassies for various countries both in the UK and on the continent.
But – he still needed a website for both marketing and for secure
client communication.
Barry Sherman has two companies – one in the UK, and one in Portugal.
This is because much of his work is split between both countries.
Barry was ahead of most in recognising the business benefits of IT
and was using the earliest IBM pcs as soon as they were available.
Using computer programs as management tools for project budgets, programmes
and documentation, gave him an edge in the earlier days.
Broadband was available in Portugal before the UK, and Barry quickly
saw the potential for improving his international communications.
When Broadband came to his rural location in West Sussex, he applied
and received a Connecting West Sussex Grant, and, after meeting the
CWS Project Manager at a breakfast meeting, he pursued further assistance
to create a rather specialised website.
An Exploitation Grant was secured, and the Connecting West Sussex
Advisor /Consultant developed the Sherman Project Services site which,
as well as a complex, and targeted marketing tool provided, through
a secure restricted access methodology, a means of providing up to
date Management Reporting and information to clients, consultants,
contractors and suppliers for each project. Also through secure restricted
access Professional Development Profiles are accessible for Interim
Management resourcing or project structuring.
Barry banks online, like many of us, but he conducts his financial
transactions internationally and by accessing his server in the SPS
offices in Portugal, he can manage all aspects of his activities in
Europe and the UK remotely online.
International travel is both costly and time consuming, and Barry
takes full advantage of the Skype © Video telephone service to hold
virtual meetings internationally with corporate, commercial and diplomatic
clientele, project participants and local staff.
Barry says “Cliff Carter, the Connecting West Sussex
advisor/consultant enabled Sherman Project Services to establish a
modern, professional Internet image, with the added benefits of secure
access to client information.”
Related Website: http://www.sherman-sps.com
Libra Dolls Houses
Contact:
Kim Marsden
Proprietor Libra Dolls Houses
+44 (0) 1243 830 753
Kim.marsden@tiscali.co.uk
When ill health ended Kim Marsden’s career as an international commissioning
engineer, he made doll’s houses for friends and neighbours. With encouragement
from friends and family, Kim built a “Show House” to show at a craft
fair to see if there was any interest. There certainly was! Such
was the response, that Kim determined to turn his hobby into a small
business, and sought advice from “Startup Co”., the Enterprise Agency
for West Sussex, who also deliver the Connecting West Sussex Project.
Kim discussed possibilities with his Connecting West Sussex IT advisor,
who encouraged him to take up Broadband. He used his £100 Broadband
connection grant to part funded his website – www.libradollshouses.co.uk
constructed by Dovesign : www.dovesign.co.uk/ Kim realised that it
was not sufficient to set up a website and await clients; he actively
markets both products AND website at craft and special interest fairs
throughout the UK.
Kim knows his market demographic – ladies of a “certain
age” who missed having a doll’s house as a child - some even say they
are buying for grandchildren ! He encourages clients (or grandchildren)
to use the website to peruse the remarkable detail options of his
houses to enable them to design their own unique house. Through
the website he has received five orders from the USA. Three have already
been shipped, two more are in build. Indications are that the USA
presents sound market potential. Still in his first year of trading,
things are looking very positive for Libra Dolls houses and as Kim
says – “I could not operate this occupation as a business without
the website, and I would not have had that if it were not for the
help and assistance provided by Connecting West Sussex”.
Related Website: http://www.libradollshouses.co.uk
Whole Being
Contact:
Graham Constantine & Claire Towers
Joint Proprietors
+44 (0) 845 241 0490
Info@wholebeing.co.uk
Related Website: http://www.wholebeing.co.uk
This two person practice began trading in January 2005, offering stress reduction strategies, workshops and one to one coaching.
By May 2005 they had also achieved a diploma in Performance Coaching at the Newcastle College, and they have already assisted many local District, Borough, City and County councils as well as private individuals and local businesses.
When the business started, both Graham and Claire realised that they needed a website, and met the Project Manager of the Connecting West Sussex Project – at a networking meeting held by the Enterprise Centre - now Startup Co – and subsequently benefited from a £100 connection grant and advice and guidance from the Connecting West Sussex advisor.
The first incarnation of the website was as Graham candidly admitted was a simple brochure site, however, as the business and client base grew it quickly became apparent that there were more opportunities to pursue.
During 2006, Graham worked with the Connecting West Sussex advisor to add to the website an E-zine (simply put – a periodic online magazine) discussing the latest information on NLP and related strategies and disciplines, aimed at current and past clients, as well as for potential clients.
Websites, although a marketing tool, need to be marketed themselves, and whilst Wholebeing had established a reasonably large client database, they needed to mail to clients to tell them of a new edition of the website without their e-mails being seen as spam? Again the CWS advisor proved invaluable.
The plan for 2007 is to further develop the intercommunication of clients using the already active (or inter-active) forum that has been established using weblog and pod-cast tools. This is a 21st Century approach to CPD (continued Professional Development) for the clients.
Sales are still vital, however, and this year (2007) will also see an online trading aspect for the easy purchase of CDs DVDs and the Mind-Spa ™ - an improvement obtained, using open source software, and again through the help and advice of the Connecting West Sussex Broadband and IT advisor.
Graham says "We simply could not have achieved the growth and success that we have experienced in the first two years of trading without the help and assistance of Connecting West Sussex!"
Sussex Heat Care
Contact:
Elizabeth Taylor
Company Secretary 01243 841 464 sussexheatcare@openworld.com
Doug Taylor did his apprenticeship in London and spent many years
with a large cooker and heating company before he and Elizabeth decided
to branch out and create their own business on the south coast.
Doug’s wide practical expertise and Elizabeth’s administration, and
design talents combined well to enter the competitive field of customized
Bathroom Re-fits and Central Heating Services.
Originally, they had a dial-up connection in the office but found
they were missing client telephone calls whilst online, and so took
advice from Connecting West Sussex, who provided practical advice
as to the most suitable service for their requirements, and a connection
grant. Soon, their broadband connection was a reality.
As many have found, once broadband is available the usage increases
in ways not previously anticipated and enabled them to secure contracts
with two large letting agents who send them urgent orders for maintenance
and re-modeling of rented premises. These can be seen immediately
in the office and an instant response with lead times is provided.
A website has since been developed which has proved an effective marketing
tool, but with the assistance of the Connecting West Sussex advisor,
a re-write is currently under way.
Like so many young business women, Elizabeth juggles running the business
and raising a young family. Therefore many administrative duties have
to be done after hours and over weekends.
Again, with the assistance of Connecting West Sussex, Elizabeth can
access the office server from home and run payroll, schedule and acknowledge
orders, and liaise with suppliers remotely.
Such has been the demand for their services that Sussex Heat Care
now employ five other plumbers and sales advisors/administrators.
This three year old company surely has made itself a service business
to be reckoned with and they are extremely grateful for the support
they have received from Connecting West Sussex.
Related Website: http://www.sussexheatcare.co.uk
DiViNe Curtains and Blinds 
Contact: Deena Northey Proprietor
+44 (0) 1243 601 791
deena@divinecurtainsandblinds.co.uk
Deena’s previous profession meant that she was aware of the potential
of the Internet for creating awareness, but the detail was a challenge.
She applied for a Broadband grant from the Connecting West Sussex
website and took advantage of their free advisory service. The advisor
helped Deena determine the look and content of the website, discussed
search optimisation, and Google and Yahoo options for attracting potential
clients.He also assisted with regard to appropriate hardware, software
choices for the new business, including the “open source” options,
and re-assured her that her initial purchases would be both suitable
for purpose and reasonably future proof. The website was completed
and went online.
She had recently moved into the area, and needed to create an awareness
locally and so arranged a localised “Pay-Per-Click” sponsored search
on Google and Yahoo, as part of her initial marketing campaign.Individual
client relationships developed and contact was made by Interior Designers
who have since become good clients.Broadband access has proved invaluable
to enable quick and easy supplier research and materials are ordered
online.
In turn, Deena’s clients book places on her successful blind making
and soft furnishing courses and order Roman blinds – all online from
her website. Whilst the majority of her services are provided face
to face, Deena sends all clients a monthly newsletter which creates
repeat business and provides an easy way for satisfied clients to
refer her to others.DiViNe Curtains and Blinds is now a successful
micro-business which, has recently outgrown it’s current premises
and seeking to expand by relocation.
Deena says that the Broadband grant and the advisory services
of Connecting West Sussex has enabled her to maximise the potential
to attract business, to keep in contact with clients, and to run a
cottage industry using the latest technology.
Related Website: http://www.divinecurtainsandblinds.co.uk
DW Bond & Sons
Contact:
Chris Bond
+44 (0) 1903
Info@dwbond-sons.co.uk
Related Website: http://www.dwbond-sons.co.uk
“I didn’t know you could
still get those !”
This is an oft heard comment from buyers and customers when
they see the tablecloths, chair backs, and arm caps, which
are but a small selection of the products supplied to the
retail trade by DW Bond and Sons.
Many traditional businesses fail to see the opportunities
offered by modern technology, but DW Bond senior, and his
three sons, are taking full advantage of the commercial benefits
of a website to promote their traditional products.
When D W Bond started trading in 1963. It was a modest beginning
– with, “twelve dozen dusters under the family sideboard”.
Now very much a family concern with Mr Bond senior and his
three sons they offer over 5000 various lines that are available
to independent retailers nationally.
In all areas, methods of spreading awareness of products and
services and methods of sourcing and purchasing are changing,
and the first place to go is the internet – even if you are
searching for "anti-macassars"!
Despite changing trends in furnishing and the large high street
names, DW Bond & Sons products are still in demand – and they
have just made their third move to larger premises.
"We carry an extensive range of products, a combination of
U.K manufactured and imported goods and we have had to increase
our capacity for stock holding. To increase our customer base,
we needed a strategy to reach a larger audience."
A marketing campaign was necessary, and that’s where Connecting
West Sussex came in. DW bond had gone on line with the assistance
of a connection grant in the previous year, and received an
offer of further assistance just at the right time.
The Connecting West Sussex Consultant attended and an Exploitation
Grant was agreed for the design and creation of a brochure
website, with E-trading capability ready to be switched on
at the appropriate time – i.e. shortly after the move.
So – with a new marketing campaign drawing attention to www.dwbond-sons.co.uk
The future is bright for a larger, dynamic, but still traditional
business.
“….and we just could not have done this without the technical,
business and financial assistance of Connecting West Sussex”
said Michael.
Furniture and Mirror
Bill Priddy
Sole Proprietor
01243-783960
bill.priddy@btconnect.com
Website: www.furnitureandmirror.co.uk
"Chichester’s Best Kept Secret" – is not a phrase one would normally associate with marketing a retail business, but Bill Priddy’s Furniture & Mirror business is reaping the benefits of a rather different approach to bringing his products to the attention of the public.
Bill has successfully run his antique furniture outlet on a large industrial estate in Chichester, but times have changed for the antique business - the demand for fine Victorian furniture. The younger generation is buying houses with smaller rooms and they prefer simple modern designs in oak.
Bill saw the writing on the wall and re-invented his business to meet today’s demand - but how to tell the public?
Bill Priddy had a sound reputation in the Antique market, and his client base knew his location, quality products and service, but this counted for little when he decided to offer contemporary furniture to a wider market.
No marketing strategy can work without a website, but the complexity of the Furniture & Mirror requirement was economically and technically challenging.
Bill knew of Connecting West Sussex, because his antique company had benefited from a Broadband connection grant in 2004, and the advisory service was most helpful. He contacted Connecting West Sussex, in October 2006, to ask for further advice. A meeting with Cliff Carter, the Connecting West Sussex advisor followed, and Cliff suggested options, strategies and costs. He also advised of the Exploitation Grant option and this was agreed and commenced.
Much work had to be done, in line with the other aspects of marketing, including registering the domain name, setting up a web hosting account appropriate to the content management system. Then the hard work began – from basic design, to obtaining and uploading images, product descriptions, dimensions, and prices. There is provision for e-commerce on the site, which can be switched on at will.
The attractive new website is now up and running, and it’s address is a large part of all other marketing aspects. Visiting clients typically shop around, and tend not to take vital notes as they do so. However, with the address in every local magazine and newspaper and clearly marked on a specially designed Furniture & Mirror Notes slip given to all visitors, they can review the product lines at leisure. As Bill says, "my new website brings my showroom to my client’s home".
Bill enthusiastically states that without Cliff Carter’s superb assistance and the Exploitation Grant from Connecting West Sussex, this vital element of his new marketing strategy would not have been possible!
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