Bowland Fresh new site goes live!

Bowland Fresh will be a familiar brand to shoppers at Booths and Asda with their expanding range of dairy products from the heart of Bowland.

As a long standing client of Interactive Dimension, Preston's digital agency, they entrusted us to update their web presence after the current one had served them for over 7 years!

The new site promotes all their products including their recent Organic line, and will highlight their cheese and butter lines when they come to market.

Users can find out where to buy Bowland Fresh produce and retailers can get in touch to enquire about stocking their delicious goods!

As with every Wordpress based website we develop for our clients the site is 100% designed around the brand, we don't take off-the-shelf designs or templates and slap a logo on it so our clients sites all look the same. We prefer to be proud of every site we build... and with over 17 years delivering digital (we were the first digital agency in the NorthWest btw) that makes us very proud indeed!

Have a look around the site, more importantly, try some of their milk!

New site for CORDA and AMS DE-RISC

Interactive Dimension have just delivered a new website for CORDA, a BAE Systems company who offer businesses, organisations and the public sector high-level business consultancy services coupled with innovative, proven models and techniques to inform decision making.

This is the latest project we've done for BAE Systems hot on the heels of the AMS DE-RISC site we delivered last month. AMS DE-RISC is a secure portfolio site for the use of BAE Systems, Thales, Augusta Westland, GE, General Dynamics and Selex Galileo to collaborate and demonstrate their joint projects to the MoD.

ID have a long-standing relationship with BAE Systems, right from their very first website and intranet the organisation ever had, so it's great to still be working so closely with them. It's evidence of our long-term relationship building approach, and a reason why we are the longest established digital agency in the North West.

CORDA's site is based on the Wordpress platform and we worked very closely with BAE Systems security to ensure the site met their very exacting standards. This was even more critical for AMS DE-RISC as it needs to satisfy the MoD too!

You can visit the CORDA site here - http://www.corda.co.uk/

Another new site for NST

After the successful redesign and rebiuld of www.nstgroup.co.uk we've been busy working alongside NST on new projects. This time we've delivered the site for the Ireland based NST business www.nst.ie.

The site is based on the main www.nstgroup.co.uk site but delivers the specific Irish portfolio of products.

We leveraged Wordpress as a starting point, but built a lot of custom functionality and taxonomy into the system so it delivers exactly what the client wants.

And now they have two sites working together, even to the point of sharing data between certain sections of the site, whilst retaining full autonomy in other areas. Making the best use of the resource NST have to manage the sites.

Working with the client on the specification means the end result is exactly what they want, it's something we always do and time and time again it proves itself to be the best approach.

The site is extremely search engine friendly and with it's proven architecture and design (we held many usability tests with teachers when building the www.nstgroup.co.uk site) we're confident the new site will continue to help develop NST Ireland's market share.

Preston's digital agency, Interactive Dimension, are proud to work with NST Group and feel this demonstrates our relationship building approach. To us, a project is only a part of what we deliver, the more we understand you the better the results! We work alongside you to make sure its a real partnership... no attitude, just reliability and added-value all the way.

You can visit the new site here - www.nst.ie

Fancy some Vintage Cheddar?

Well... SAY CHEESE!

We've just launched a Facebook app for the exciting Vintage Guild Weekend which is scheduled for the 1st and 2nd of September (find out more here).

The application is based around a photography competition where people can browse the submitted photos and vote for the ones they like the best! Or for the more adventurous you can submit your own and try to win the amazing 'money can't buy' prize!

Whether you are browsing or entering, you can share any of the pics on Facebook or Tweet them to get as many votes as possible.

Have a look, and share the best photos! If you can do better, either with an old photo, or a new one done in a vintage style, get it uploaded, you can add as many as you want.

We worked with Preston Guild on the competition in collaboration with Huddle Media who are delivering the online PR and Wash Design who worked on the Vintage brand.

ID, Preston's digital agency, then designed and built the Facebook application in less than two weeks!

Have a look at the app here - http://goo.gl/aE8OW

NST Group are going places!

We've just launched a new site for NST Group, a long-standing client.

New business is amazing, but there's something to be said for a client who recognises service and capability from their existing digital agency and doesn't judge them on what they have done 4 years ago... that said, the old site was still working really well for the UK's leading school trips and tours company.

A re-brand and new product portfolio along with high SEO competition in their sector made the decision to rebuild the site an easy one, and working with their existing partner, Preston's digital agency Interactive Dimension, made it far simpler for NST Group as we already knew their business and goals.

The site is a complex matrix of tours offered on a number of different user journeys including subject and destination. And we are bringing back taxonomy driven content on the tour pages using bespoke controls we developed into the Wordpress back-end.

It's a very ambitious site to deliver in Wordpress, but we believe the core product is an ideal starting point for most sites and offers a powerful engine on which to build and tweak to meet the clients exact requirements. And Wordpress offers a really usable CMS interface which the clients love to use.

There are hundreds of products on display, clear user journeys, bespoke forms, secure areas for teacher downloads and lots of other features.

The site went live Sunday night and was attracting inquiries at 7am the next morning... So we're happy with that, and so is the client!

The next phase is integrating reviews and comments and a rigorous SEO activity to make the most of the sites well structured and search optimised code.

You can visit the site on www.nstgroup.co.uk


Following on from this release, here's some client comments:

Hi ID,

I just wanted to drop you all an email with some feedback we’ve had on the website from people in the office. It wouldn’t be fair to keep all this from you!

‘Can I just say WOW! This absolutely blows all the other school travel company websites out of the water. It’s very clear and user-friendly.’

‘Well done – it looks fantastic!!! Worth all the hard work!’

‘Nice looking site’

‘Looks great’

‘I like it - a web site that’s easy to follow’

‘Wow! It looks awesome! You must have been working so hard on this!’

‘Looks amazing – you must be really pleased (and relieved!) to see it live. Brilliant job’

Thanks for all your hard work so far.

Helen

Latest Projeqt for Staniforth

Yesterday we launched Staniforth's new website. An elegantly simple but effective site based on TBWA's Projeqt product.

It was a challenge to take the storytelling platfrom and create user journeys and website'esq content within it, but the end result is an original site which embraces an unusual approach yet feels easy to use and tells the Staniforth story well.

It's the second in a three site launch Interactive Dimension, Preston's digital agency, are involved in for Staniforth and we're looking forward to growing our strategic relationship in teh coming months.

Have a look at the site and you'll quickly grasp how to use the platform, and you can sign up for a beta account too on www.projeqt.com.

Today we will be launching their new company blog, keep your eyes peeled for that one.

PR Media Blog goes live... part 1 of 3!

We're working on a series of projects for Staniforth, part of the TBWA group of companies. Staniforth are one of the leading PR companies in the UK and their PR Media Blog site runs a commentary on the PR and Media industry as it happens. It's a really popular site and the task for us was to bring it up to date whilst maintaining it's excellent positioning in Google and other SEO factors.

The next two launches we'll be doing are Staniforth's own web presence and their blog which will be covering different subject matter than the PR Media Blog of course.

The partnership between Preston's digital agency Interactive Dimension and Staniforth PR has been announced on How-Do and other online media blogs and signals a new set of opportunities for both companies.

Keep an eye out for the follow releases :-)

Time for something new!

We've just launched a new website in partnership with the great team at The Hub in Manchester supporting their 'This is Your Time' campaign.

As ever with the work we do with The Hub, we're extremely proud to be making a difference to people's lives rather than just commercial sites trying to sell something. We like those too, and are great at them, but the type of site which encourages people to better themselves or offers them the support they sorely need is rewarding on many other levels.

if you need a new website, get in touch with Preston based digital agency ID and talk to us about your requirements, we'd love to help.

Very nice site for Very Nice Things!

ID have just launched a new eCommerce site for Very Nice Things, an online retailer for all those lovely finishing touches on your home.

We've kept it really clean and simple, making it all about the products.

Very Nice Things is the brainchild of Emma Blackman and something she's been thinking about launching for some time.

We'd worked with Emma before and she knew working with ID the Preston based digital agency, she'd get excellent value for money and an eCommerce platform she can control herself easily and quickly to post new products as and when she gets them in stock.

The system has PayPal integration, top sellers, guest checkout, related products and all the features you'd expect from an online store.

We wish Very Nice Things great success and look forward to developing the site in the future with more new features as they are required.

A unique site for a unique event… Preston Guild 2012 website is live

As the countdown to Preston Guild 2012 starts to gather pace, the new website has been launched, created by Preston's digital agency Interactive Dimension.

The new website is closely integrated with social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter and will make it easier for users to have their say about events and announcements in the run up to the Guild.

The website will include information on volunteering to work on the Guild, opportunities to get involved and historical images from past guilds. People will have their photos featured on the site using Flickr, and there is a meet the team section so users can see who is working on coordinating the Guild and get in touch with them for more information. Street party packs will also be available which will help people to plan their own events for the Guild or even to celebrate the Royal wedding. It is also planned that the site will be used to sell Guild merchandise in the future.

Councillor Ken Hudson, Leader of Preston City Council and Chair of the Guild Committee, said: “The website is our international shop window for Preston Guild 2012.

“This is the first ever Preston Guild in the internet and digital world and we have to make the most of new technology. As well as finding a whole host of information about the Guild, people will be able to use the website to follow the Guild scrolls around the world, apply to be a Guild Burgess, register for one of the Guild processions and even buy 2012 Guild branded merchandise.

“I’m delighted that in the great enterprising and entrepreneurial spirit of Preston Guild, Interactive Dimension a dynamic Preston company has designed and created the website which will serve Preston well in 2012 and beyond.”



Jonny Wilde from ID commented - "This site was a major win for us, selected from a competitive pitch process we went in with ideas we'd not seen done before and an enthusiasm which obviously won the day! We're seamlessly integrating the site with the Facebook page so comments and attendees for each event are pulled into the site you can actually RSVP the event on the Guild site which will then let all your Facebook friends know, and of course this means the events themselves are fully synchronised. For us this was a perfect project to leverage Facebook for what it does best… People use it to talk about events and parties, get opinions about things and let people know what they are up to. The Guild will be all over Facebook in 2012, and we aim to make the official site the hub for that activity, it's a step change in how event sites should work in our opinion. There's also other cool bits like sms reminders, add to calendars, eNewsletters, video blogs, and all that good stuff. All the other social networks are catered for of course, but to some people moving forward Facebook is their 'social internet' so we really focussed on that".



The site will continue to be developed, including a mobile site and there's big plans to integrate Facebook Places and Deals for the Guild events…

Visit the site on www.prestonguild2012.com and check out what's coming up for Preston Guild 2012.

The global leaders in renewable energy solutions practise what they preach

ENER-G (www.energ.co.uk) based in Manchester, designs, develops and finances energy efficient and renewable solutions on a business-to-business basis globally. They deliver a comprehensive end-to-end service – from energy procurement and efficiency expertise through to renewable and low carbon technologies and services.

ID, the Preston based digital agency, have been working with ENER-G for over 5 years now and with their rebrand on the horizon and new requirements for the site it was time to re-scope and re-develop. Or so we all thought.

ENER-G had already invested in the initial website and CMS so the approach was planned to recycle the CMS and just develop new templates to represent and support the new brand. So in terms of renewable solutions this project delivered that promise always made when clients are looking at website development which is rarely delivered against. The site you buy will be able to be redesigned without having to buy a new website or starting from scratch.

There's been new features added to enhance the online presence for ENER-G like a jQuery hero area on the home page:


...and a deep linking SEO type footer which acts as a method of navigation when at the base of the page and highlights where the user is in the site. And obligatory social media sharing options handled by an AddThis widget:


A lovely jQuery based map of Europe helps promote their growing international portfolio via the CMS without getting caught in the messy Flash map scenario getting in the way of SEO and updatability:


And because this was ID's CMS in the first place coupled with our excellent development skills it didn't mean the system hindered the evolution of the site, which can happen with some CMS products. ENER-G could have exactly what they wanted.

ID created the online design after Happy Creative (www.happy-creative.co.uk) in Blackpool did an excellent job with the rebrand, having worked many times with 3rd party branding agencies and extending the clients brand online for the likes of United Utilities and BAE Systems this was an ideal project for Interactive Dimension.

"This is a demonstration of how important long term relationships are these days. 2nd and 3rd generation websites for clients is great for all involved, no need to get another agency up to speed and maximum cost effectiveness for the client and repeat revenue for the agency, it's a win-win situation for all.

"To top it all off, we're very happy with the site and feel it works well in our portfolio, they have a great team over there at ENER-G", said Jonny Wilde at ID.

You can have a look at the site on www.energ.co.uk.

New website for IFHTSE...

The International Federation for Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering (IFHTSE) is a not for profit body founded in Switzerland.

IFHTSE's central function is to promoter and generate international communications on important scientific issues.

Requirement
IFHTSE were looking for an easily maintained site that would provide clients with information about IFHTSE as well as up to date news on the company and events that were being held around the world.

The redevelopment
Since its redevelopment the website provides IFHTSE members and interested parties with a wealth of information about the company, its structure and education and training programmes.

Built using our CMS Express the site allows IFHTSE to add and update content quickly and efficiently. We also provided them with a bespoke secure members area, allowing registered users to log into the site to obtain more specific information on the company.

Visit the website

NST Ltd gets a new look...

We've given NST Ireland a bit of a makeover with new landing pages and homepage amendments!

Based in Dublin, NST Ltd specialise in organising tours abroad for Clubs, Schools and Universities.

Having been working with the entire NST Group for a good few years now we have been working closely with NST Ltd to redevelop their site. Last year we brought the website up to date with a brand new look and enhanced technology giving customers access to detailed and informative content.

The brief
After speaking to NST Ltd's Communications team early in 2009 it became clear that the site's homepage and individual landing pages needed to be amended to cater for the increasing amount of information available to clients.

Incorporating tabs into the pages now means that NST Ltd can communicate a wide range of information quickly and effectively to site visitors.

Visit the website

ENER-G gets a makeover!

We've redeveloped the ENER-G site, giving it a fresh look and enhanced features.

Based in Manchester, ENER-G delivers sustainable and efficient energy solutions for customers all around the world.

ENER-G brief
As their website hadn't been redeveloped for a number of years ENER-G wanted a new, fresh look and enhanced features, which would bring the site up to date and strengthen the ENER-G brand.
The company prides itself on its green credentials, and wanted the new site to reflect this in both style and tone.

Makeover
The site provides ENER-G with new and enhanced tools and technology. This gives their customers and prospective clients access to a vast amount of information about the products and services ENER-G provide.

The new site uses the ID Content Management System allowing ENER-G to keep their content up to date, and relevant to all their target markets.

Visit the website

New look for New City Software

When you've got 20 years of experience under your belt it's good to get a makeover every once in a while.

With that in mind New City Software approached us to create a new identity, as well as developing three brand new websites for them.



New City Software is the parent company of Insurance Data Migrations and Northwest Data Migrations. They were looking for an approach that would link the three businesses together, to unify their online and offline presence, whilst at the same time requiring each to be identifiable in it's own right.

The new branding clearly communicates with New City Software's target audience and builds on their already established professional status within the industry.

The project consisted of developing the brand, a range of printed stationery and electronic media templates, not to mention the three websites. Initially the emphasis was on designing a new website for Insurance Data Migrations, with additional websites required for Northwest Data Migrations and New City Software respectively.

IDM's new CMS driven website features a comprehensive overview of the company and their values. It also contains useful links to blogs and forums. Paul Johnson, IDM's Managing Director, aim is to create networking opportunities with other professionals and insurance sector service providers.

"We are committed to building long-term trustworthy relationships with our customers and partners and we will go the extra mile to find creative and innovative solutions to ensure our clients data integrity is assured,”

A real page turner

The latest issue of Yorkshire Water's Clear guide proves to be a real page turner!

Each year Yorkshire Water put together a printed magazine that they send out to their customers with their bills. It contains all the latest information on what they've been up to recently, as well as handy tips, great offers and fun competitions. For the last three years ID has been involved with the translation of the guide from print to web. Each year the guide has gone through a transition and, with the introduction of new development techniques, it's become far more interactive for online customers.

This year saw the introduction of a page turner mechanic giving us the flexibility to accurately mimic the offline guide more than ever before.

Check it out here

A facelift for University and College travel

As a leading provider of studytours at unbeatable prices, NST StudyLink required a website that could integrate well with the values of the existing offline tools.

Using the ID Content Management System, the redevelopment included a new design that tied in with the colourful, aspirational and lively brochureware, whilst providing Tour Group Leaders with a range of contact options to initiate sales. Through using the ID CMS, StudyLink no longer need to rely upon only their hard copy brochures to communicate their offer led messages. The site offers extensive flexibility, including easy updates, clear navigation and a wealth of country, subject and tour information.

Interactivity and a wealth of information on the homepage was very important to StudyLink and so the use of a tabulated area on the homepage allowed them to present 4 times as much information that would be possible on a traditional static homepage.

Ireland based NST site receives a new look

As part of the continuing development of their online presence, NST Ltd, has been the latest part of the NST family to receive the ID treatment!

Based in Dublin, NST Ltd specialise in bespoke tours for groups to the UK, Europe and Worldwide. All types of groups are catered for, including Schools, Universities, Clubs, Societies and Organisations.

Following on from the redevelopment of the UK's NST Travel Group back in January this year, a dedicated team at ID have been working closely with NST Ltd's Communications team to redevelop their site.

NST's brief
The website redevelopment was to provide NST Ltd with the tools and back-end technology to allow customers access to far more detailed and informative content.

As the website had not been redeveloped for several years, NST Ltd also wanted to bring the website up-to-date with a fresh new feel, much more in keeping with their current branding.

New features
ID's Content Managment System allows NST Ltd to keep their content up-to-date and as relevent to their target market as possible.

Fresh, clean new layouts allow NST to provide information in a more logical and concise way.

Kim Purcell, Product Development & Marketing Coordinator of NST Ltd, summarised the finished product, "I'm very happy with how the site has turned out and really impressed with ID's professionalism & the work they have done".