case studies
Follow these links to find out how businesses in Oxfordshire are using the power of the internet.
Hawthorn House
Alison Smallman took over Hawthorn House on the 1st Feb 2007. Her first impression was that: “even though the business was doing OK, the previous owners didn’t realise the full potential due to other family commitments.” To begin with she then searched the internet to check which sites her newly acquired business was advertised on. The results of her search proved that the sites Hawthorn House appeared on weren’t very “user friendly.”
Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business
imCARtial
imCARtial is a locally based business offering its customers impartial advice and complete car buying assistance. Justin Denno, the owner of the company, has recognised that in order to run his business successfully, grow his customers’ base, and compete in the current market he will have to introduce his business to the online customers. He had registered a domain name and kept a holding page. His plan was to allow his customers to learn about the service on his website, encourage them to get in touch with him, and eventually to make a purchase.
Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business
Pottering About
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Pottering About Ltd started as a small hobby enterprise in November 2003 with a simple one-page static website with contact information only. Since that time they have grown and continue to extend the range of services and events offered to a constantly growing audience. Last year the decision was made to prepare the business as a licensed opportunity for others to start their own Pottering About under their brand.
Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business
Den Boer Wines & Hospitality
When Donna Rogers, from Den Boer Wines & Hospitality, applied for the Broadband Exploitation Grant, the grant awarding panel read the following statement in her application: “I conduct wine appreciation evenings from home and feel somehow isolated from the business world and new potential customers. I make most of my contacts via network meetings and personal referrals. The most common question I am asked would be: ‘Do you have a website?’ So, Donna decided that it was time for her to establish an online presence, and applying for the grant was her first step in that endeavour. Her intention was to utilise the facilities of e-mails, on-line invoicing and on-line financial transactions such as BASC and PayPal. She planned to use the internet to market and sell her wines online and finally to implement a monthly e-newsletter.
Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business
Video Testimonials
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Setting up a business is always the most capital intensive stage. During previous business ventures, Mark McDermott and Sebastian Stern came upon the idea of high quality, cost-effective Internet video services. They then began setting up a new company, Video Testimonials Ltd, towards the end of 2006. Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business |
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Riverbank IT Management
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Riverbank IT Management Ltd provides IT support for businesses. As they describe themselves on their website: “We take responsibility for everything to do with IT in your business, providing the quality of service you would expect of an in-house IT department.” In order to take the business forward they have decided to move from a rather static website to a dynamic site, loaded with useful information for people who could be considering using their services or needed help with their business IT. Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business |
Lord & Leverett
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Mark Lord & Tristan Leverett are award winning wedding photographers based in Henley on Thames. They are both very passionate about their work and proud of their creativity and the service they offer their clients. Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business |
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Petit Enfant
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Petit Enfant Ltd is a flexible day care nursery. Their main aim is "for all children to enjoy their day and flourish in a stimulating environment, to find their own personality and to express their feelings and emotions through day to day activities. Children are encouraged to value themselves and respect one another whilst learning effectively in an environment where they are happy". |
Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business
www.smalldudes.co.uk
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AER Marketing was originally set up as a marketing company providing marketing consultancy and interim management services. However, since having a child the business director, Ann, planned to launch an online business. She recalls: "I wanted to take the company in a new direction, which I could operate from home. I decided to set up a retail website offering foreign baby clothes and accessories to the UK and EU market. I purchased a range of clothes in anticipation of setting up a retail website." That is when Small Dudes came to life. Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business
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The Tree Hotel
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The Tree Hotel belongs to a group of locally run hotels and guest houses in the Oxford area. They wanted to update their website to have better visual impact and usability for all user groups, including people with disabilities, whilst making sure it complied with privacy policies and regulations. They also wanted to offer more functionality and interactivity by encouraging visitors to contact and book with them, simply by giving their customers the chance to log enquiries and bookings through the site. |
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Please click here for more information on how the broadband grant helped this business
