Click
here for Internet News Archive
Stuga
Relaunches Website
British fabrication machinery fabricator Stuga
Limited has re-designed its web site and has just re-launched
it. The new site has the facility for customers to log on and collect
information on machinery and maintenance training for Stuga products,
as well an on-line spares ordering system.
Whilst the old site was very successful and generated a lot of leads
from numerous hits the new one has been designed to be more flexible
with regard to updating of information regarding products and news.
This means the site will become as useful to current customers as it
is to potential new ones.
Stuga recently signed up for Flowline number forty two and three current
Stuga Flowline customers have an extra machine on order after expanding
following the previous purchase. In one case the new Flowline will be
Flowline number two and in two cases it will be number three.
Tel: 01455-554203
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
HansenGroup gets Serious about its .BIZ
Founded in 1909, HansenGroup is a Northern European construction specialist with 1000 employees and annual sales of £100 million. HansenGroup is a market leader in curtain wall, commercial windows, fire resistant and structural glazing. It has a sales, design, contracting and production network across five main markets - Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom - most of which operate under separate websites. HansenGroup's UK projects include the Natural History Museum, Microsoft HQ, Canary Wharf and Canada Water Underground.
The Challenge
Before the .BIZ website, HansenGroup had 13 different businesses with inconsistent or no web presence. This meant it suffered from missed opportunities to sell, inconsistent branding of its business units and products, and was unable to leverage the HansenGroup's substance and heritage. Therefore HansenGroup decided it needed to brand all business units under the same web site, thereby supporting the group's marketing and brand strategy.
With business units throughout Northern Europe, HansenGroup decided it needed a domain name that was not country specific and would easily identify the nature of the company as a business.
The Solution
Designed specifically for businesses, .BIZ is the most geographically diversified top-level domain name. It distinguishes companies as a business, ensuring its customers, and potential clients can find them easily on the web.
HansenGroup decided it needed a solution that provided a single multi-purpose, multilingual website with all business units across Europe linked to a single corporate site. HansenGroup's CEO, Laurence Maguire commented, 'HansenGroup.biz was conceived to promote the Hansen brand to external customers, partners and internal employees, as a substantial international company offering a wealth of products and services for the construction industry across Europe territories.' He continued, 'We wanted to appeal to a wide variety of potential users, who have different needs and expectations from the site, whilst still trying to promote sales. By standardising and integrating the business units on one website, the company can boast a single brand with an established reputation and market itself more easily and consistently'.
The Benefits
'This single multi-purpose .BIZ website has helped HansenGroup achieve a number of corporate objectives. Not only does it improve sales through better brand and offer presentation, but also through the ease of cross selling from many different business units. In addition, the one website provides employees with a sense of self worth and team spirit, through helping them feel more informed and motivated about each other', stated Maguire. He added, 'It is envisaged that in the future HansenGroup.biz will form the foundation for the company portal; offering more advanced products and services to employees and partners. The new .BIZ website has and continues to contribute to cultural change across the group, through the continuous development and sharing of information content.'
Web: http://www.hansengroup.biz
The Contemporary Glass Society Website is Live!
The
Contemporary Glass Society encourages
excellence in glass as a creative medium and aims to develop a greater
awareness and appreciation of contemporary glass world-wide.
In February 2003 with the support of the Arts Council England the Contemporary
Glass Society (CGS) launched a new website http://www.cgs.org.uk
This fully interactive and easy to navigate site hosts a wealth of up
to date information on contemporary glass, including features, reviews,
news, events and listings. Visitors to the site can discover information
regarding the latest glass exhibitions, conferences, demonstrations and
lectures across the country, alongside commissions, job vacancies and
opportunities to exhibit.
A fully comprehsnsive Iinks' section provides valuable contact details
of other glass related organisations including suppliers, societies, galleries,
museums, organisations and educational institutions.
The 'Members List', found in the Membership section gives detailed descriptions
of current members and their work.
The 'Forum' provides an opportunity to openly enter into discussion with
other members/visitors/ individuals regarding glass issues. It can be
used to ask technical queries, source information, network or simply to
chat with like-minded people. The forum offers debates on current glass
topics and will forge greater links within the glass community.
CGS actively encourages regular contributions of articles, reviews and
news and details of listings and events to ensure that the site remains
a useful and current tool. Contributions to the website can be made through
the contribute page in the Magazine section. The Contribute page has a
list of headings with direct links to relevant contribution forms. Once
details for contributions are entered, it will go live on the website,
within a matter of days.
CGS is a relatively young organisation, representing a membership of talented
and recognised glass artists. It is also working with museums, galleries,
industry, institutions & education to raise the profile of contemporary
glass. Through the facility of the new website it is making greater steps
towards a dynamic future and
representing Contemporary Glass to the wider public.
Email
Ordering Facilities at K2
A
more efficient method of ordering conservatory roof components will soon
be available from K2, as the company
introduces its new electronic stock management system.
The system utilises the automated 'just-in-time' purchasing system, meaning
that K2 dealers are able to forecast their purchase orders as and when
stock is required.
Apart from offering significant financial advantages in terms of procurement
and stock holding, the new system allows for batch, minimum or manual
ordering options, PDA driven 'smart stock takes', global price changes
and customised reports.
K2's software engineer, Justin Fletcher, explained: 'The efficiency of
K2's new stock ordering system will help provide a more productive means
of stock control.'
'Dealers will also be pleased to learn that the new system can be used
to purchase both K2 and L2 in a Pack components.'
Tel: 01204 554554.
Pilkington
Commended in 2003 Investor Relations Best Practice FTSE 250 Website Award
The
Pilkington corporate website, http://www.pilkington.com,
received a commendation in the 'Grand Prix IR Best Practice Website FTSE
250 Award' at the 2003 IR Best Practice Website Awards announced at a
gala dinner at Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London on 10th April.
Andrew Hawkins, Chief Executive of the Investor Relations Society said:
'I would like to congratulate all the winners of this year's awards. We
received more than 500 nominations for the eight Awards so competition
has been really fierce, with standards extremely high.'
'There is no doubt that companies are rising to the challenge of 'connecting'
with investors and potential investors through their websites. What was
considered best practice for last year's awards has become more standard
practice this year. To win in 2003 companies needed to show an outstanding
commitment to high standards and offer investors access to a range of
information that went beyond the norm.'
In 2002 the Pilkington site won the 'Most improved IR website' award and
a commendation in the FTSE 250 category.
James
Harcourt Portal Goes Live!
James
Harcourt is launching a fast and friendly online price guide for consumers
as an addition to its refreshed Internet presence.
Announced at Glassex on 23rd March, the James Harcourt website and instant
price guide claims to incorporate several unique features - including
user privacy protection and a text magnifier to assist the visually impaired
- that place it a cut above rival portals.
Commenting on the innovation, Jason Currall, Marketing Manager for James
Harcourt said: 'With nearly half of all UK households now online and over
eighty percent penetration of high income homes, the Internet is a vital
means of providing discerning cash rich but time poor customers with a
means of accessing accurate prices - fast.'
The James Harcourt instant price guide enables customers to specify the
size, style and quantity of windows and doors required and then provides
a price. Crucially however, each user can obtain a cost without divulging
their personal details - one of the major barriers influencing online
buyer behaviour.
Jason Currall added: 'Customer satisfaction is paramount. We receive a
quarter of all enquiries online and have had many requests from customers
submitting detailed measurements via e-mail asking for quotations.
'We have listened to our customers needs, which are reflected in these
changes to our website. Visitors can now source multiple, obligation-free
prices 'on the spot'. Only then do we give customers the opportunity to
leave their details. This ensures that the customer does not receive unwanted
sales calls and allows us to devote more time to genuine prospects.'
All enquiries are handled through the James Harcourt Approved Network,
providing customers with the additional reassurance that they will be
handled promptly and professionally whether or not a subsequent order
is received.
The James Harcourt website is now easier to navigate, making it even more
consumer friendly and future developments - including an online brochure
and photographic downloads, enabling customers to see virtual impressions
of their home post installation - are already being investigated.
The James Harcourt website and online price guide can be found at: http://www.jamesharcourt.co.uk
Log
on to the Latest at New Look www.titon.co.uk
Get
the latest information from Titon in seconds, by logging on to the trickle
ventilator and window fitting manufactures new look website, http://www.titon.co.uk
The new website features: News, Product, Company and Contact information
split into four easy to navigate areas. Downloadable versions of the Titon
product catalogue are also available, including the ranges of trickle
ventilators, window handles, espagnolettes and shootbolts, hinges and
hinge systems.
Colin Eade, National Sales Manager, Titon, is excited about the opportunity
the new website offers: '24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our customers
will be able to access information about our products quickly and efficiently.
The website will expand over the coming months and will become a complete
information source on all aspects of Titon and its products.'
Tel: 01206 562400
Email: mailto:sales@titon.co.uk
PVCu
systems supplier, Duraflex, has launched a new website. By logging onto
http://www.duraflex.co.uk
fabricators, installers and consumers can now get instant access to
the latest information on the company's range of products and support
services.
Navigation around the interactive site has been made quick and easy
with click on buttons and hotlinks to help guide Duraflex customers
and homeowners to the relevant pages for their particular needs. Starting
at the home page, visitors can select from a choice of seven sections,
ranging from a company profile to detailed specifications on doors and
windows currently available in the fully integrated Diamond Suite.
Specifically for Duraflex customers, the Fabricator section provides
exclusive access to a host of technical and marketing support material
at the touch of a button. The latest product updates can be printed
and a handy structural calculator to take the guesswork out of reinforcement
calculations can be downloaded. In addition, promotional items such
as mailers, adverts and photos which are available on the company's
Kit 2 CD, can be viewed on screen or saved to disk. This section also
contains a list of contact numbers for getting in touch with key members
of the Duraflex sales and technical team.
Other pages on the new site include information on the 65mm and 70mm
PVCu systems, details of the BBA and BSI standards to which Duraflex
systems comply, and there's a selection of recent company press releases
and coverage for visitors to browse through.
From the website's Consumer pages, homeowners considering replacement
windows can contact the team via an e-mail hotlink for more information
on the company's home improvement products, or request details of their
nearest Duraflex fabricator/installer. 'More and more households now
have access to the Internet and use this powerful information tool to
check out products for their home. That's why we've designed the new
site on two levels, so both consumers and fabricators can get the information
they need about Duraflex products 24/7,' explains Neil Roberts, Director
of Marketing.
Contact: Neil Roberts
Tel: 08705 351351
Email: mailto:duraflex-info@cdw.co.uk
New
Marketing Opportunity for Home Improvement Sector
As
consumers flock to a newly-launched website that aims to find answers
to even the most difficult home improvement questions, companies in
that sector are being invited to take advantage of the marketing opportunities
the site offers.
http://www.ask-questions.com,
a question and answer forum covering conservatories, replacement windows,
kitchens, bathrooms and other types of home improvement, offers first-class
advertising and promotional opportunities to companies in these sectors.
Like its sister sites - including http://www.conservatoriesonline.com
- the new website is confidently expected to attain high search engine
positions.
Within three weeks of its launch in January, the site already had well
over 200 members. Nearly 250 different topics had been generated, resulting
in 476 postings. Questions being asked include 'Who sells mini kitchens
including fridge, microwave/hob and sink?' and 'How do you judge the
quality of uPVC systems?'
Site developer Barry Dunlop, whose home improvement websites have been
taking the sector by storm over the last few years, is delighted by
the response to www.ask-questions.com.
He said: 'At this rate we will have 2400 members and 5712 separate postings
by the end of the year - creating one heck of a resource! However, I
believe we will do far better than this - in fact, it wouldn't surprise
me if we exceeded 10,000 postings.
'This means that advertisers on the site can expect a steady and growing
audience with exactly the right profile for their products and services.
Not many media can boast that!'
Suppliers can contribute to the site by posting answers to queries or
by taking advertising on the site. For further details contact Barry
Dunlop on 01903 856679 or email him at mailto:barry@ebuilders.co.uk
Schüco,
supplier of metal and PVCu window and door systems, has launched its
first UK specific website. And in addition to all the advice and information,
there’s one added extra! By adding an e into the more familiar
spelling of Schüco the new site can be accessed at http://www.schueco.co.uk.
Designed
with the needs of specifiers, contractors, developers and fabricators
in mind, the site is clear and up-to-date, giving users answers to any
questions they have regarding Schüco’s systems. The site provides
information on the full range of products, services and training opportunities
offered by Schüco. It is simple to navigate and quick to load,
allowing users fast and easy access to the information that they require.
In addition to providing general details of Schüco’s products
and services, schueco.co.uk offers technical information and solutions
to specific problems for different trade sectors. Dedicated areas for
architects, fabricators, contractors and developers are available by
registering through the site, giving them access to information specific
to their needs.
Schueco.co.uk also offers individual consultations, and there are plans
to add a full list of Schüco fabricator partners and details of
Schüco’s training and testing facilities. The company claims
the site will prove to be an invaluable business tool for all those
involved in the specification, fabrication and installation of window
and door systems.
'Schüco is confident that users of the site will benefit from the
same high standards of service and precision that has made Schüco’s
name synonymous with quality throughout Europe: The spelling may be
different but www.schueco.co.uk is as perfectly engineered as every
other Schüco system'. says the company.
Building
products retailer Direct4Trade has recently added over 100 new products
to its website http://www.direct4trade.co.uk.
In addition. special offers and clearance products are also promoted
on the site.
Specially targeted towards the trade and keen DIY enthusiasts, all of
the products on the website are colour coded by category as in the company's
catalogue, making all the items easy to find just when you need them.
Once you have found the category that you require, the sub indexing
system allows you to drill down to product type and then to each individual
product line. By clicking on the product line listing adjacent to the
photograph you can find extra technical details about the product.
Clicking on the photo itself will allow you to see an enlarged view
of the product concerned. For urgent requirements the search facility
allows you to find what you need at the click of a mouse.
Once you have chosen the products that you wish to purchase, simply
click the update trolley button to add them to your shopping trolley.
This function allows you to build up your order over the course of a
week, as all items selected remain in the trolley for seven days. The
shopping trolley also gives you the option to request faster deliveries
for those urgent jobs, at minimal cost to yourself.
Once you have decided what you wish to purchase, then you can proceed
to the payment screen which accepts all major credit and debit cards.
The payment screens have been set up in conjunction with Netbanx, ensuring
that your card details remain secure at all times.
As with all orders placed with Direct4Trade before 6.30pm, website orders
are despatched for delivery next working day to most areas of the UK
mainland. Orders over £45 ex VAT are delivered free of charge,
with a small delivery applicable for orders under this amount.
http://www.direct4trade.co.uk
also contains information about Direct4Trade along with informafion
on current promotions and competitions.
Tel: Freephone (08000) 348348.
Email: mailto:info@direct4trade.co.uk
The
new look Synseal website is live and ready to welcome online visitors.
Interactive and easy to navigate, http://www.synseal.com
has been designed with the browser in mind. As well as having fast and
easy access to information on the entire product range, a comprehensive
FAQ section and technical manuals are available 24 hours a day at the
click of a mouse.
There is also a photographic and presentation library where Shield customers
can access resources for use in their own sales and advertising. For
visitors wanting to keep up to date with UK Conservatory Sales trends,
the Shield sponsored Conservatory Quarterly Trends report is updated
online monthly.
Synseal is keen to hear what you think, so when you sign up for the
online ezine updates to keep you up-to-date with the latest Synseal
developments, let the company know your views.
Tel: (01623) 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Windows
on the Web
The
Clement Windows Group Ltd, the steel window company, has recently launched
its new interactive website http://www.clementwg.co.uk.
The website offers the opportunity to view the company's range of products,
including its range of steel windows, glass & glazing, CAST rooflight
and home improvement products.
The site is equipped with a section which enables its users to download
CAD drawings, full product specifications and 3D models. Visitors can
also find out more information about the Part L regulations governing
the use of steel windows in new build and refurbishment projects. Information
on Clements new range of EB24 Part L compliant steel windows can also
be found and product specifications downloaded.
The site also displays Clement Windows' recently revised Environmental
policy. This section of the website demonstrates in graphical form,
the radical re-think currently taking place concerning the way in which
we use and waste energy.
'Clement Windows Group Ltd was established nearly 100 years ago and
has risen to become a pioneer in the industry, with the introduction
of its new web portal the latest indication of its supremacy and innovative
approach within the marketplace. The site, packed with a number of case
studies, media stories and useful links, has already proved to be an
invaluable search tool for many; 'very clear, comprehensive yet uncluttered
unlike some I have been to!' one client commented on the site' says
the company
.
For further information on Clements' range of steel, PVCu and home improvement
products visit http://www.clementwg.co.uk
UK
Business 'More Strategic Approach' to E-Business - Half of UK Firms
now Ordering Online
UK
business is making good progress in the e-business arena according to
a new report published on 3rd December 2002 by DTI-led UK online for
business. The International Benchmarking Study 2002 revealed that half
of businesses in the UK are ordering online and there is evidence that
businesses are adopting a more strategic approach and making more sophisticated
use of new technologies.
E-commerce Minister Stephen Timms said:
'UK businesses are beginning to make the best of, and get the benefits
from, new technology, but we must not stop here.
'Companies understand that e-business is no longer just about having
a website or e-mail and that they must now focus on using technology
to transform all their business processes.
'The report showed encouraging signs of more sophisticated use of, and
strategic approaches to, e-business, and that we are well ontrack to
developing an advanced e- economy.'
The study showed that the take up of e-business technology has remained
steady against figures from last year, with 91% of business having access
to the internet, and 80% have a website. While the proportion of businesses
using information and communication technology (ICT) has not increased
greatly this year, UK business is making more sophisticated use of the
technology available to them. The study showed that technology is helping
to improve communication and transactions between and within businesses.
There was a large increase in businesses ordering online and greater
use of technology to track and check availability of goods. More businesses
also provided information to customers and suppliers online and shared
information internally.
Key findings from the study include:
- half of firms now order goods and services online, a 52% increase
on 2001;
- nearly two thirds (63%) of these companies already, or plan to, integrate
services into their internal systems; and
- nearly one fifth of firms now pay online, an increase of nearly 20%.
E-business technologies are helping to transform other business practices.
Nearly half (47%) of companies use ICT for research and development
purposes, placing the UK third out of the ten countries surveyed.
The study also showed that firms are feeling the benefits of e-business.
87% of firms who adopted e-business solutions to reduce costs and improve
efficiency found that ICT had realised a positive impact in this area.
Confidence in ICT security had increased, as fewer firms (1%) were concerned
about confidentiality and fraud.
Web: http:// www.dti.gov.uk
Free
Starring Internet Role for Conservatory Projects - Website runs 'Project
of the Month' Feature
Conservatory
website http://www.conservatoriesonline.com
is offering conservatory suppliers a free starring role on its website.
The website, which attracts up to 2,000 visitors a day, is incorporating
a 'Project of the Month' feature, for which suppliers are invited to
submit photographs together with some background information. The selected
project will also be featured on the sister site http://www.conservatorybuyersguide.co.uk.
Criteria on which the projects are chosen include the design and use
of the conservatory, any particular challenges or difficulties overcome
during the construction and the quality of the photograph submitted.
Barry Dunlop, who heads up home improvement website specialist eBuilders
- owner of the two sites carrying the feature - will make the selection
each month from the projects submitted.
'It's a great opportunity for suppliers to demonstrate their capabilities
to their exact target audience,' Barry said.
'Conservatoriesonline.com, launched two years ago, has produced thousands
of leads resulting in millions of pounds-worth of revenue for suppliers
taking advantage of free listings on the site, buying low-cost hyperlinks
to their own sites and taking banner advertisements.'
Suppliers who want to submit projects for consideration can contact
eBuilders on 01903 856679 for more details or email mailto:barry@ebuilders.co.uk
Aztec
Conservatory Roof Systems has launched a new website aimed at helping
fabricators, installers and consumers through the process of specifying,
designing and building a conservatory.
The new site - http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk
- features separate sections for each market, so consumers can understand
specification considerations, and the benefits of choosing an Aztec
roof, without being able to access market-sensitive information, whilst
fabricators and installers can work out the detail of each project.
As well as covering the features of the Aztec product the site covers
issues such as choice of style, roof glazing, planning considerations.
It also includes the facility for fabricators and installers to request
costings for specific projects.
Says Colin Bennett, managing director of Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems,
'We all know the frustration of not being able to locate a specific
site, or it taking so long to download we give up and go elsewhere!'
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
New
Shepley WWWebsite is now Online
After
months of development, the new look Shepley.com website is now live.
As well as informing customers and the market on all aspects of Shepley
business, the main focus of the website is to keep customers 'in the
know' by offering over 100 pages of relevant information. The site hosts
a news section of product and service developments, press releases and
articles.
It also has a password protected Customer centre, allowing selected
companies to take advantage of the following services at the click of
a button:
* Technical Resource. A source of technical information
to replace Shepley's technical manual. Features include advice on how
to order, down-loadable system drawings and order forms.
* Business Advice. This feature offers retail advice from a variety
of industry experts, including best practices and business development
solutions in bite-size articles
* Marketing and Sales. Customers are offered the convenience
of ordering a range of marketing support online.
Visit http://www.shepley.com
to see it for yourself. Shepley customers can log onto the members only
Customer Centre simply by entering their company name and Shepley account
code.
Faster
Fastener Website from Seac
Seac,
manufacturer and supplier of specialist fasteners to the construction
and manufacturing industries, has re-launched its web site.
Designed to be quick and easy to navigate, the site offers new features.
Full product information is available on all fixing and fastener ranges,
plus technical information to assist architects, specifiers and design
engineers in selecting the right fasteners for each application.
An interactive colour chart allows viewers to see Polytops injection
moulded fasteners in 48 different colour options, and downloadable brochures
mean that product information and technical details are available immediately.
A contact form allows visitors to order product information and free
samples in one step.
The site is updated with news releases and new product information as
it becomes available, plus visitors may also keep up to date with Seac's
products by adding their names to an online mailing list.
Tel: 0116 273 9501
Email: mailto:enquiries@seac.uk.com
Web: http://www.seac.uk.com