Pictured above: (left to right is: Lee French, Director
of iSEV; Richard Sheehan, Managing Director of Shropshire Chamber
of Commerce; and Leon Blair Creative Director of iSEV)
A Telford-based design and internet solutions provider has just
been selected, amongst stiff competition, to complete a total
redesign of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise
website www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk.
iSEV Ltd presented a fresh and innovative multi-media website
design based firmly on user accessibility and functionality. "We
approached the project as experienced website designers but also as
Chamber members, so were able to combine the technical requirements
with an awareness of the end-user experience" explained Creative
Director of iSEV, Leon Blair.
The team was asked to create a site which would attract
additional new members but also reduce the administrative burden
currently on the Chamber's in-house team, however iSEV's solution
went significantly further. As well as a password-protected
members' only area where chamber member details could be accessed
and amended, a member-to-member testimonial system which allows
prospective customers to see if other members have used an
organisation's services was proposed, and even a function where
videos will be played in real time was included.
"The new site will be fully interactive and ever-changing thanks
to a comprehensive content management system, so customers can book
and pay for training and events online, take part in polls and
surveys, and even access a members forum where they can do
business, share leads and seek advice and guidance" explained Leon.
"There are a wealth of talented businesses in the area, and the new
site will allow them all to work much closer together and access
even faster support from the Chamber's expert team" he added.
Other features of the new site will include online access to the
Business Matters magazine, a frequently changing news section, a
training and events calendar and even a photo gallery. "The focus
is very much on the end user and accessibility for all" explained
Leon. "We've worked for organisations like the Walsall Society for
the Blind, and the unique insight we were given through these
projects has allowed us to ensure that the Chamber's new site will
engage effectively with all users, especially those who are
partially sighted or blind".
Shropshire Chamber took the decision to award the prestigious
contract to iSEV after an in-depth pitch process. "We were
certainly impressed with both iSEV's proven track record of
delivering innovative and successful websites which met challenging
briefs, and their infectious enthusiasm and obvious passion for the
project" explained Richard Sheehan, Managing Director of Shropshire
Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise. "We're very much looking
forward to them starting work on the new site and hope to have it
live later this year."