Tag: small business

7 Big Mistakes Businesses Make Online

By on 29th December 2015in Local Biz

Chester-le-Street based Design & Marketing Agency Jak Inc share their insight into making the most of your online presence…

 

As veteran website designers and experts in mobile optimisation, we often get to see behind the scenes of some of the best and worst web presences.

In doing so, we’ve identified five of the biggest mistakes that businesses are making online. Read on to find out what they are…

1. Websites aren’t mobile-friendly.

Let’s start with a biggie. On average in the UK, we each spend nearly two hours per day browsing the internet on our mobile devices, and in the last few years, mobile shopping has surpassed desktop shopping.

The trouble is, users are still being turned away by sites that aren’t optimised for mobile screens. If a site isn’t intuitive to use on the devices that are now becoming the standard, potential customers are inclined to go elsewhere.

Mobile-optimisation isn’t an option or a recommendation anymore. It’s a necessity.

Plus, Google has recently begun penalising non-mobile-friendly websites by moving them further down in search results. It’s a big price to pay for failing to keep up with digital trends.

2. Web and social media is rarely updated.

The internet is a fast-paced environment, and users are always hungry for new content.

The really successful web presences are the ones that are never short of an update or two, and the ones that are well-practiced in delivering fresh, exciting, entertaining, and original content. As you’d expect, it keeps audiences coming back for more.

Unfortunately, however, keeping content moving is a time-consuming process, and is difficult to keep consistent. If you haven’t already lost your audience thanks to your non-mobile-friendly site, chances are your lack of updates will do it, so make sure you set aside some amount of time every day to update your presence.

3. Imagery isn’t utilised where necessary.

They say a picture can say a thousand words, and the phrase has never been truer than in the context of the internet and social media.

These days, users have neither the time nor inclination to read more than they have to. The web is endlessly scrollable, and nothing can make a viewer click the ‘next’ button faster than a wall of text. Images, however, are far more effective at grabbing attention and communicating a message.

Don’t take your audience’s attention for granted.

A great place to utilise imagery is Twitter. Thanks to the platform’s 140 character limit, a well-chosen photograph or graphic can help get across a message that wouldn’t otherwise have fit!

4. Websites aren’t user-friendly.

When somebody visits your website, there are usually only a handful of things they’re really looking for. In most cases, they want to know who you are, what you do, and how they can obtain your services.

This is the information that should be immediately available to your visitors, and not buried behind a slew of pages and hyperlinks. If it takes more than five to ten seconds to have their questions answered, you may have lost their interest for good.

Assess exactly what your own visitor’s objectives will be, and ensure you meet them. Check out our guide to a great homepage for more tips.

5. Call-to-actions are vague or non-existent.

Let’s assume that you’ve successfully lured visitors to your website or social media pages. Now what? What exactly do you want them to do?

Your call-to-action will depend on your business, but it could be that you want visitors to book an appointment, buy a product, or download something. Too often, visitors have no immediate indication of how to do any of that.

Let’s say you want visitors to fill in an appointment form. That form needs to take centre-stage on your website homepage, right next to a brief explanation of who you are, and why anyone should fill in this form.

6. Download speeds are unnecessarily slow.

This one is a classic.

Designing your first/new website can be exciting, and there’s often the urge to fill it with as many fancy images, videos, and widgets as possible. All of those things are great, but are they really worth slowing your website down?

Simplicity is often key with website design. Implement what you need to implement. Slow loading times caused by extra content can very quickly put a visitor off returning.

7. Stuck in the past.

If you’ve made it this far into this article, chances are that this one doesn’t apply to you, or that it doesn’t apply to you anymore. By now, you’re already considering whether or not your own website is ticking the right boxes, and wondering how you can use our advice to improve it.

But despite the now considerable age of the internet, there are still a lot of business owners out there who write it off as a luxury. The truth is, however, that an online presence is now critical to success, and ignoring that fact can be a big mistake.

If you aren’t already doing so, keep on top of the ever-changing digital landscape. It’s a business owner’s best friend.

Not sure how to avoid these mistakes? Want to find out exactly how to best utilise your digital presence?

At Jak Inc, we’re putting the #DigitalRevolution into motion. Book a consultation to find out how you can become a part of it, and how we can reinvigorate your online marketing.

Disabilities Support Service Backs 20mph Speed Limit Campaign

By on 28th December 2015in Have Your Say

A group of people with disabilities, and the service which supports them, have backed the roll-out of 20mph speed limits throughout County Durham…

 

Durham County Council is introducing the lowered speed limits near 33 schools as part of its Slow to 20 for Safer Streets campaign.

The aim is to reduce road casualties and provide a safer environment for children who walk and cycle to school, also helping them to be more active.

The campaign has now received backing from Bishop Auckland-based Innovations, which supports people with challenging behaviours, provides specialist services for people with physical and sensory needs, and community support for people who are more independent.

The organisation works with the council’s road safety team to train its 124 drivers to drive more safely and efficiently through its Safe and Fuel Efficient Driver Training programme, thanks to funding from the Local Motion project.

Trisha Leonard, office manager, said: “Innovations is supporting the campaign because we believe it is important for all those who rely on our services and everyone else in the community to be able to get out and about safely.

“Our drivers cover thousands of miles each year, and we welcome any measures to improve safety on the roads for them and their passengers.”

Colin Heaviside, 64, from Shildon, who is partially sighted and has relied on the service for more than a decade, is also supporting the campaign.

He said: “I really enjoy coming to Innovations, and have made a lot of friends over the past 12 years.

“Being partially sighted, I rely on the staff at Innovations to help me stay independent – if I wasn’t able to get out, I would be stuck at home most days. That’s why it is great that the 20mph speed limits are being brought in, as they will help make it safer on the roads for all of us.”

The part-time 20mph speed limits are being set up at schools in the county where child accident rates have been identified as twice the national average.

So far they have been introduced outside St Cuthbert’s Primary School in Chester-le-Street and Etherley Lane Primary School in Bishop Auckland.

The campaign also involves providing road safety education to children, including road awareness and safe cycling programmes, offering healthy lifestyle initiatives to encourage walking and cycling, and providing speed awareness schemes.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “We are delighted that Innovations are backing our Slow to 20 for Safer Streets campaign – they provide vital services to those who need them the most, so it’s a real bonus to have their support.”

John Reed, the council’s head of technical services, added: “The support of local organisations like Innovations is key to encouraging the whole community to sign up to slower driving near schools and in the surrounding areas.

“We would urge any other businesses or organisations who would like to support the campaign to get in touch.”

For more information about the Slow to 20 for Safer Streets campaign, visit www.durham.gov.uk/slowto20.

Gateshead IT Company Expand Team Following Rebrand

By on 27th December 2015in Local Biz

A North East business has added four new team members as it continues to grow its client base and services…

Aero Networks – which specialises in cloud computing and IT services – has taken on Ben Curry, Lewis Jopling and Chris Nichol as IT support engineers, and Shanice Morgan as a Business Development Associate.

The talented quartet begin their employment in what is an exciting period for the Gateshead-based company, which has seen the recent launch of a new website as part of a major rebrand.

Managing Director Paul Curry believes his new employees compliment his existing team and help to highlight the ethos of Aero Networks.

He said: “Employing young people adds a new level of diversity and enthusiasm to the business. They are all positive thinkers, full of fresh ideas, all focused on delivering a high level of service to our clients.

“I think companies are sometimes put off taking on young people, but not Aero. The level and speed at which the team can adapt to new technologies and concepts has been outstanding since day one.

“First impressions go a long way with myself, and while I originally only wanted to take on one apprentice, Lewis and Chris impressed, so I hired them both.”

A move to Aero has been a huge change of career for Shanice – who previously worked as an air hostess – but she is certainly enjoying her new role.

She said: “It’s an amazing opportunity to be working for Aero Networks, particularly during the time of this rebrand, and on a personal note, it’s been nice coming to work and seeing the same people every day.

“We have a great team here. Everyone is enthusiastic and friendly, and it’s been fun getting to grips with all the cloud computing and IT language.”

For Ben, working at Aero Networks means more than just landing his first job after finishing his A Levels, as he has seen his father, Paul, build the company from a standing start.

He said: “Working for Aero makes me feel proud, as it is the family business my dad started up.

“Having the opportunity to work for Aero is also exciting, especially at this time, when we are making positive changes to the business.

“I am excited about the future for Aero. There is a great buzz around the company, and the team morale is high as always. I get the feeling that everyone is on board with the direction the company is going in.”

Established in May 2006, Aero Networks has worked with companies all over the country, and due to its belief that the future of business is in the cloud, makes use of the latest cloud technologies.

It is this forward thinking, modern approach which first attracted Chris to the company – which saw the first stage of expansion plans made last year, with a move into a larger office premises.

He said: “Since working at Aero, I have enjoyed myself more and more, and really believe in the ethos of the company, as does everyone who works here.

“It is a leading-edge company, and it’s great to be part of such a friendly and professional team, who can offer such a specialist service.”

Lewis added: “More and more people are starting to see the benefits of cloud computing for their business, so to be working for a company which has been delivering this service for nearly 10 years – and is one of the best in the region when it comes to it – makes me proud.”

With cloud services becoming increasingly more popular with businesses on a daily basis, the sky really is the limit for Aero Networks, and Paul, who plans to strengthen the team in 2016, and who maintains the company’s success is down to his staff and the relationships they build and maintain with clients.

He said: “No matter how big or small the company is we are working with, we are always able to adapt our style and approach to suit its needs.

“This is down to the professionalism, experience and knowledge of all of the staff, as well as the fact it’s rare to find a family IT business, which is friendly and knows how to look after clients’ needs – no matter what the job entails.”

For more information about Aero Networks and its services, visit www.aero.net, or keep up to date by following @aeronetworks on Twitter.

A Little Progress Every Day: The Jak Inc Story

By on 27th December 2015in Local Biz

Now in their 10th year, Chester-le-Street Design & Marketing Agency Jak Inc are pushing forward, but not forgetting their roots…

 

Back in 2004, father and son John and Andy Knowles found themselves in the enviable position of possessing a great idea, and having the means to put it into motion.

Keen to showcase the diversity of North East business, they founded JAK Publications, and published the first issues of the In & Around magazine. Despite operating out of a humble spare bedroom, the magazine was an instant success, and the foundations of a great business were laid.

Fast-forward to 2009, and JAK Publications had become JAK Print, now offering great value print and design to the North East. The team had bolstered its ranks with some of the region’s finest Graphic Designers, and moved into larger premises in Chester-le-Street and Darlington.

Crucially, JAK also purchased wholesale print website Full Colour Cards, which took the business from local to national. With the introduction of the Print Partner Affiliate Scheme, www.fullcolourcards.com became one of the UK’s leading online print suppliers.

In 2014, JAK closed the doors of their Darlington office, and consolidated the team under one roof in Unit 4 Station Road, Chester-le-Street, rebranding the business as Jak Inc Ltd. Now comprising a print and design agency, a print wholesaler, a marketing agency, and an online caricature website, a portfolio business was finally nearing completion.

Notably, Jak’s Station Road premises overlooked the site of the famous Horner’s Sweet Factory. The Jak team immediately identified with the fabled creativity and passion with which Horner’s had approached their work. In homage to the shared work ethic, Unit 4 was dubbed ‘The Sweet Factory’.

Today, Jak Inc continue to undergo extensive growth and continued success, forever looking to the future, but never forgetting the spare bedroom in which everything started. As they say, “a little progress every day adds up to big results.”

To find out more about Jak Inc, or to discover how they can revolutionise your business, visit www.jakinc.uk.

St James’ Park Scores Awards Hat Trick

By on 24th December 2015in Local Biz

Staff at one of the sporting world’s most popular stadia have won a further prestigious award – making a hat trick of wins for 2015…

The Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events team, which manages conferencing and events at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park stadium, scooped the Better Tomorrow Plan award at the annual Star Awards, organised by Sodexo.

The Star Awards ceremony is the highlight of the Sodexo calendar, and recognises the most outstanding of its 34,000 employees across 23 categories.

The award recognises the team’s commitment to building on the stadium’s success as a conference and event venue, and was presented to general manager Frankie Angus and his team by comedian and television personality Patrick Kielty at London’s Westminster Park Plaza Hotel.

Neil Murray, regional chairman, Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: “The Star Awards is the pinnacle of our year because it gives us, as an organisation, the opportunity to truly recognise and thank our people for their hard work and dedication.

“Every day should be about making our employees feel valued and involved in the organisation’s progress. As a services company we truly rely on our people to deliver quality services to our customers and clients.”

The Star award win follows the Sodexo team’s gold award in the Access for All category at the prestigious North East Tourism Awards 2015.

The awards were set up to highlight the regional visitor economy, which is worth an estimated £3.9bn and employs more than 55,000 people in the North East, and the stadium was recognised for the quality and range of facilities it provides for elderly and disabled visitors.

And, earlier this year, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events at St James’ Park won the Operations Team of the Year category at The Stadium Events and Hospitality Awards 2015.

The awards celebrate the hard work and dedication that make stadia events and hospitality run seamlessly, and the Newcastle team’s award was one of several won on the night by Sodexo Prestige.

For further information about Sodexo Sport and Leisure and its conference and banqueting facilities at Newcastle United, call 0191 201 8525 or e-mail candb@nufc.co.uk.

Secret Santa Donates £10,000 To Durham Trinity School

By on 23rd December 2015in In & Around

Pupils at a Durham school have received an early Christmas surprise – thanks to a £10,000 gift from an anonymous donor…

 

During her year in office as Mayor of Durham City, Cllr Jan Blakey, who is also chairman of Durham County Council, has been raising money for Trinity School and Sports College, which is hoping to buy a new minibus.

And her Mayoral Appeal received an unexpected boost thanks to a mystery donor.

Cllr Jan Blakey made a recent visit to the school at Aykley Heads.

Cllr Blakey, said: “I was absolutely staggered when I received the donation of £10,000 to my fund for Trinity School.

“It was a truly incredible gesture, and the timing could not have been better. I knew that Trinity School were trying to raise enough funds to purchase a new minibus for their pupils.

“When I told the school of their windfall, everyone was absolutely delighted and they are now ready to press on with the purchase of the minibus, which will be ready next year and will be a wonderful boost for the pupils.”

Alison Jefferson, business manager at Trinity School has already written to the Lord’s Taverners to inform them of their fundraising exploits.

The organisation provides accessible transport for schools catering to young people with disabilities.

The iconic green minibuses enable schools to engage pupils in sporting and recreational activities, and help them develop life skills such as visiting shops and interacting with people in the local community. Most importantly, the minibuses provide transport to and from school.

Since 1976, the Lord’s Taverners have put almost 1,100 accessible minibuses on the road across the UK.

Alison said: “The gesture from Cllr Blakey came totally out of the blue – a complete surprise. We cannot thank her enough, and the person who made this wonderful donation. I can’t express how much this means.

“The Lord’s Taverners told us when we started fund raising last April that they would more than match the funding once we reached £17,000, which is what we have now achieved thanks to a lot of hard work and generous donations.

“I am waiting to hear back from them, as the mini-bus will be specially adapted to accommodate wheelchairs.

“I can’t imagine a better Christmas present.”

Middlesbrough Youngster Wins Miller Homes Christmas Competition

By on 23rd December 2015in Local Biz

Christmas has come early for one Middlesbrough schoolboy, who is helping Miller Homes celebrate the holiday season…

Shaun Cheall, aged 10, beat tough competition by impressing the leading housebuilder with his Christmassy drawing of a winter wonderland scene.

Shaun’s winning design has been incorporated into Miller Homes North East’s 2015 Christmas card, which will be given to friends and partners of the leading housebuilder and homeowners moving into their new Miller home in the region this month.

Shaun also received his very own pack of the Christmas cards to hand out to his friends and family, as well as £50 worth of Toys R Us gift vouchers. His festive design is also on display in the sales centre of Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough, Shaun’s local Miller Homes development.

Shaun said: “When my mam told me I had been chosen as the winner of the competition with Miller Homes, I couldn’t believe it. I love drawing and colouring in, and really enjoyed designing my entry.

“It feels great that Miller Homes will be wishing people a Merry Christmas by giving them one of the cards I designed, and I can’t wait to give them out to my friends and family this Christmas.”

As part of the competition, Miller Homes asked children across the region to design a colourful picture for the front of a Christmas card, portraying what Christmas means to them, and what they love most about the festive season.

Andrew Somerville, Miller Homes North East’s regional sales manager, said: “This year we wanted to give the region’s youngsters the chance to be part of Miller Homes’ festive celebrations and add a personal touch to our Christmas well wishes.

“We received a great response to the competition, and were overwhelmed by the fantastic artistic talent which we have right here in the region. Shaun’s entry really stood out to the judges, as it is festive, colourful and very well drawn – well done Shaun!”

Committed to creating sustainable communities that cater for a wide range of buyers, Miller Homes has developments located across the North East. With prices starting from £129,950, homebuyers can choose from Clairville Grange in Middlesbrough, Acklam Woods in Acklam, Wheatlands Chase in Redcar, The Meadows in Framwellgate Moor, Park View in Gateshead, Wheatfields in Seaton Delaval, The Acres in Bedlington, and Portland Wynd in Blyth.

For more information on Miller Homes in the North East, call 0808 250 6426 or visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/locations/north-east-of-england.

Christmas Coming Twice For Seasonal Workers

By on 23rd December 2015in In & Around

Winter workers from across the North East are being given a second chance to celebrate the festive season…

On Saturday January 9th, 1879 Events Management will host a Post-Christmas Party at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The event, starting at 7pm, is designed specifically for those who were too busy working or had other commitments in the run up to Christmas, offering them a second chance to celebrate with family, colleagues or friends.

Guests will enjoy a live performance by The Wolcott Band, covering hits by artists such as David Bowie, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson and Take That, as well as a mouthwatering four course meal.

This includes traditional Northumberland broth, roasted turkey paupiette with all the trimmings, cranberry and white chocolate cheesecake and coffee with sweet mince pies.

David Moses, General Manager at 1879 Events Management, said: “There are so many people who are unable to celebrate Christmas during December, from care workers and the emergency services, to those who are based away from home.

“This year we wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to mark the season in style, and hope that our event on January 9th will offer those missing out this month a much-needed opportunity to get together with their loved ones.”

The Post-Christmas Party night at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light will run until 1am, with every guest receiving a complimentary half bottle of wine.  Places, priced at £24.95 each, can be booked by calling 0871 9111555.

Lumley Castle Offer Perfect Post-Christmas Break

By on 22nd December 2015in Lifestyle

One of the North East’s best loved hotels is coming to the rescue of couples, friends and families in need of a post-Christmas mini break…

Six-hundred-year-old Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street, is offering a two night Twixmas stay, between Christmas and New Year, with one condition… that guests allow staff to wait on them hand and foot.

Not only will guests spend two nights in a sumptuously furnished courtyard bedroom, formerly the stable block of the 14th century castle, but they will also be served dinner in the hotel’s renowned Black Knight restaurant and a full English breakfast on both mornings.

They will also be able to enjoy long walks in the nine acres of historic woodland surrounding the four star hotel, overlooking both the Emirates Cricket Ground and the River Wear.

“Then, when they return, they can curl up in front of a roaring log fire with a mug of chocolate or afternoon tea, or explore the ancient corridors of the castle and find out a little more about its fascinating history,” said director of sales and marketing, Nola Collinson.

“However they choose to spend their time, we can assure our Twixmas guests that they won’t have to lift a finger; their stay with us really will be the perfect, post-Christmas treat.”

The two night Twixmas break is available from 27th to 30th December, and costs from £60 per person per night.

The offer includes accommodation, based on two people sharing a room, a £30 per person allowance towards dinner in the Black Knight Restaurant on one evening, and full English Breakfast both mornings.

For more information call 0191 389 1111, email reservations@lumleycastle.com or visit www.lumleycastle.com.

Sunderland Ice Rink To Remain In Place Until New Year’s Eve

By on 22nd December 2015in In & Around

Christmas fun in Sunderland is set to continue, with plans for the city’s Frost Village to remain open…

The ice rink at Keel Square was due to close on Christmas Eve, but the attraction has been such a success that it will now stay in place until New Year’s Eve.

The rink will close at 4pm on Christmas Eve, as originally planned, but will reopen until 8pm each day from December 27th to December 30th, and until 10pm on December 31st.

This means visitors attending the city’s firework display on New Year’s Eve will also be able to enjoy early evening entertainment.

More than 5000 people have already visited the ice rink, which has also brought a huge economic boost to the city, with traders reporting an increase in sales.

“We’re delighted to be able to keep the ice rink open until New Year’s Eve,” said Ken Dunbar of Sunderland BID, which organised the Frost Village.

“The ice rink has been particularly successful, and even the bad weather didn’t put people off from coming along and enjoying the city’s first ever Frost Village.

“Our special characters, The Frostlings, have also proven really popular with families, and have brought their own special magic to the attractions.

“We’ve also had some very positive feedback from retailers in the city who have seen a real upsurge in trade.”

The BID’s social media campaign around the Frost Village has raised awareness to around 400,000 people across Facebook and Twitter.

“The Christmas programme has been a great success, and we’re thrilled that the fun is able to continue for another week,” said Ken.

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