Case Studies and Testimonials
15SecondTV is a start-up company that creates innovative entertainment products and services for the global digital generation. They have developed an application which maps a still image of a person's face onto a target video.
InfoLab21 provided support to the company by setting up their network configuration in relation to security, printer services and secure access via a VPN. InfoLab21 produced a brief report outlining some recommendations and were available to assist in the set-up of the VPN.
This assistance was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and was completed in just over a week.
"We were delighted with the general helpfulness!"
Dominic Wood, Director, 15SecondTV Limited
Actions at Work Ltd are a new start-up company software company. They develop and provide management information systems that are simple, effective, and offer a cost efficient solution to industries compliance issues, inline with the new REACH guidelines for chemicals used in industry.
Over a period of 3 weeks, InfoLab21 upgraded the company’s Flash website in order to fix a number of functionality problems. As well as correcting hyperlinks and fixing the contact form, an interface was also developed which allows users to login and use the company’s software. The work was completed at no cost to the company and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“We were delighted with the speed of delivery and excellent support. Brilliant Service!”
Jonathan Lutwyche, Managing Director, Actions at Work Limited
Ahoy There is a dotcom start-up based just outside Lancaster. Their service was launched in 2007 and aims to transform the way buyers and suppliers of services locate and do business with each other. The main difference between ahoythere.com and a directory is the engagement process which is designed to remove the guesswork and speculation for buyers and suppliers respectively.
Prior to assistance from InfoLab21, Ahoy There had developed a prototype of its website. InfoLab21 assisted the company by producing a report detailing the results of a thorough review of the efficiency of Ahoy There's software architecture and database design. The report had a focus on meeting scalability requirements as the company expands. The assistance provided was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and completed in 7 weeks.
"This was a great value add to my business. The staff and students at InfoLab21 conducted themselves professionally and enthusiastically."
Christian Rayner, Director, Ahoy There
Bison Business Centre Limited are a newly formed Company that provides flexible office space, meeting rooms, conference facilities and a full self storage facility on one site. It provides a user friendly and cost effective way to store anything you haven’t got room for either in your home or in your business.
InfoLab21 provided Bison Business Centre with a web presence to provide a base from which customers can find out more information about the company and the services which they offer and the location in which they are based. The website included the ability to check the availability of space at the premises and an online reservations system. It also contains information about the benefits of using Bison, what they offer, pricing details, insurance details and an online space requirement calculator. The final site was professional looking and very simple to navigate. The work was carried out free to the company and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“We were absolutely delighted at the level of understanding of our business needs.”
Allan Jones, Director, Bison Business Centre
Brock Workwear, formally Brock Embroidery, is a small embroidery company based in Preston. They specialise in customising garments for all manners of companies and sports/social clubs.
InfoLab21 assisted Brock Embroidery by giving the company a presence on the internet which would tie in with the company’s overall marketing plan.
The implementation included an updateable website which was installed on the company’s host server after being completed in less than 8 weeks. The site incorporated a link to an online catalogue to check stock levels and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“Right from the start I received top class service and attention. In house visits were extremely convenient. The direct contact worked especially well for my circumstances.”
Mick Jenkins, Proprietor, Brock Workwear
Creative Languages Ltd is a language training company based in Manchester. The company was incorporated in 2006 and currently provides one-to-one language training to many corporate individuals as well as group language classes in five different languages.
InfoLab21 designed and implemented a user-friendly online computer
environment where users who speak different languages can verbally
interact with each other, without any previous knowledge of the target
language. The web-based prototype database of audio files allows users
to log in and learn a language of their choice. A competency profile
for each language learner on the system is created so that the right
level of material can be allocated to each learner. The site has helped
Creative Languages Limited consolidate its current market and further
make a significant contribution towards the company's growth in revenue.
The work was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"Professional!"
Gary Yiu San Tou, Director, Creative Languages Ltd
EnviroBoat Developments is a consultancy firm in the field of low pollution motive systems for small boats and launches, working both within the UK and elsewhere in Europe.
By installing a computer onboard a passenger ferry, data relating to boat location and passenger numbers could be transmitted, using a GPRS modem, to a central server at regular intervals. The GPRS modem used a mobile phone service with coverage of the area where the ferry would operate. A restricted access web site on the server allows registered users, such as the emergency services, to identify boat locations and current passenger numbers. In addition, a specialised interface installed in the local Tourist Information Centre provides an accurate indication of the ferry schedule for visitors. The work was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund
“Excellent team work and a real effort to understand our requirements. Also really helpful email exchange.”
Gordon Hall, Managing Director.
Farnell Photography Laboratory Limited
Farnell Photographic Lab is a photographic lab operating in Lancaster, specialising in photographic printing for the many fields of professional photography. They have earned a reputation for both outstanding quality and a personal service that enables the best possible results in the finished image, and are picking up both national and international work.
InfoLab21 developed a fresh new website for Farnell Photography Laboratory which allows the company to maintain and add/remove content as required, putting them in control of their online marketing.
The website, which was installed onto suitable web hosting of Farnell Photographic Lab’s choice, included a photo gallery to showcase the company’s work, as well as a contact form to increase the number of enquiries. The site was completed in less than 7 weeks and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“Kept well informed as to progress of project.”
David Farnell, Laboratory Owner, Farnell Photography Laboratory Limited
GlobiGames was a start-up company with its core activity being publication of quality mobile games in the fastest-growth markets including those of Smart-phone, FlashLite and Java.
A number of small scale single and multiple player games for mobile phones were designed and developed by the InfoLab21 Graduate Academy. The games can be sold and downloaded from a website to a compatible mobile phone. The customer is then able to run the game application and compete against others in their proximity where the game allows. The project was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“I was particularly delighted by the number of options available and the speed taken to identify the most suitable solution.”
Peter Melling, Director and CEO
House of Trix is a Design Agency in Blackburn who were looking for a new website to bring together both local and remote clients to one location.
The IGA provided a fully editable website allowing House of Trix to show off their portfolio, update news items and give clients the ability to log in to view samples of their work. The website was built using HTML, CSS, PHP and Flash and is powered by a backend MySQL database. The work was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund
"The support we recieved in developing the backend was invaluable - we would highly recommend InfoLab21 to other creative businesses."
Chris Trickett, Director.
ingeniosys - founded in 2002, and based in Lancashire - is a software and systems development business. ingeniosys' vision is to design and develop innovative smart systems that help businesses to run their operations more efficiently, competitively and sustainably.
In order to determine the feasibility of several concept projects, InfoLab21 organised a meeting with ingeniosys' proprietor and several academics. Technical advice was provided on the proposed projects, and collaboration opportunities were discussed. The meeting took place over one day, and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"I was impressed with InfoLab21 and its facilities, and the enthusiasm shown by the academics for the projects."
Peter McCarthy,Business Proprietor, ingeniosys.
The company specialises in making decorative and architectural glass pieces for both commercial and private customers. It is based on the edge of the Lake District has clients nationwide.
InfoLab21 implemented an online CRM database which is enabling the company to develop a closer relationship with its customers. Assistance also included a brief report outlining possible future improvements to the current use of IT systems, such as a suitable backup strategy and appropriate accountancy software. Assistance was free to the company, and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund
“Very good service, fast turnaround. Provided lots more help than could have imagined. Knowledge was amazing!”
Jo Vincent, Director, Jo Vincent Glass Design.
Lakeland Businesswomen’s Network
The Lakeland Businesswomen’s Network exists to provide support and subsidised training to female owner/managers based in the Lake District.
InfoLab21 developed an updatable website to promote the network and the support it offers and the individual company members throughout the Lake District. The website is co-ordinated by the members and allows the Network to add new members as they join. The website supports potential business sales through the active marketing of members through a shared facility. The work was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“We have all been very impressed by Lancaster University staff and expertise and are very pleased with the results.”
Lucy Barden, Co-Membership Secretary and Website Administrator, Lakeland Businesswomen’s Network
Patty's Farm Barn is a family-run business that is situated about five miles from Lancaster city centre. The business has quality self-catering cottages situated approximately one mile away from the family residence. They wished to add to the facilities by providing broadband access in the cottages via their separate office location.
InfoLab21 undertook a review of the existing network infrastructure at Patty's Farm Barn and provided technical consultative advice on tasks that had to be carried out to enable the broadband access in a rural area. This was delivered through consultancy visits and a final report was produced. This included details such as factors to consider and tasks that had to be carried out in order to realise wireless broadband access between the company's two sites. This assistance was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"Excellent rapport with both Paul and Sarah...really pleased with the results."
Chris Parry, Owner, Patty's Farm Barn
Penrillian provides software development for the fast growing mobile phone industry and undertakes all types of projects, including complete application development, porting and consultancy. They work with companies worldwide with a client list that includes Handmark, Vodafone and T-Mobile.
InfoLab21 sourced two students from Lancaster University to work with Penrillian over the summer vacation. The students' main task was to research and develop a more accurate time tracking system. One student produced a set of requirements for the system, and another worked on the software that could be used to record the company's billable time against various projects and associated tasks. The company went on to recruit one of the students to work with them on a full time basis. This project took 10 weeks to complete and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"Excellent students who exactly met our business requirements."
Tony Robinson, Project Manager, Penrillian
Regent Park Studios is a national stunt school, teaching people of all ages and abilities new skills. Run by Martin Shenton, a stuntman and fully qualified instructor in Indoor Climbing, Trampolining, Archery, Taekwon-Do, Gymnastics and Fencing; the company aims to allow adults and children the opportunity to experience the fun and thrills of many types of exciting sports.
InfoLab21 helped Regent Park Studios by creating a new website with easily updateable content, fully funded by the North West Development Agency and completed in just over 7 weeks.
The website allows Regent Park Studios management to give the most up-to-date and relevant information on each of the individual sports taught at the centre in order to maximise uptake. The work was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“Very good overall and very helpful people.”
Martin Shenton, Managing Director, Regent Park Studios
Sniff and Wag is the publishing imprint for Frog the Dog books. They are a small independent publishing company who aim to offer a quality and value service. As well as providing books through a trade sales channel, the company also sells direct to schools and the public through an online e-shop facility.
InfoLab21 developed a new web site for Sniff and Wag Publishing in order to expand Sniff and Wag Publishing’s online sales function to allow penetration into a national market. The site also facilitated the delivery of secure pdf documents so that one electronic publication cannot be passed from customer to customer. InfoLab21 also provided advice on back end automation that allows for automated customer registrations to receive e-shots and and electronic newsletters on specific dates. The work was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"The implementation was completely pain-free. We are delighted and impressed with the easy to use SUWS system that has freed up so much office time."
Helen McGlasson, Executive Director, Sniff and Wag Publishing
SP Signs provides commercial graphical services including wide format printing (on a variety of mediums), vehicle signage and sign writing. The company was established in 1998 and offers services to a wide range of clients, ranging from corporate contracts to individual one-off projects.
InfoLab21 helped SP Signs support the direct marketing of services to clients by producing an editable website with a consistent design and emphasis as a marketing tool. The website included the opportunity for cross selling from one product to another which was vital for the promotion of the newer product ranges.
As well as re-developing the company’s website to include additional products, a content management system was introduced to allow the editing of main pages. All this was provided free and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“Huge thanks for the funding. Hopefully now with my website I can look forward in all areas of my business.”
Scott Patterson, Director, SP Signs
Stop Searching Limited are a legal services company that was established in 2005. Based in Lancaster, they specialise in 'right to buy' mortgage arrangement, business marketing data, corporate training and Loan Reclaiming.
InfoLab21 helped Stop Searching Ltd by assisting them in the initial setup of a new office space. Recommendations were given on the hardware the company would need to adequately set up their new office and make full use of the network that was installed. A report was also produced to describe how the network has been set up and how the company could expand its IT facilities in the future to generate further business benefits. The assistance was completed in 3 weeks and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"The whole thing ran very smoothly and quickly."
Dale Stephenson, Director, Stop Searching Limited
The REACH Centre is a new business start up arising from a new Regulation setting out the strategy for the management of chemicals in the European Union. The REACH Centre aims to provide consultancy services to any company or organisation which requires advice in dealing with the administrative burden necessary to meet the new regulation.
InfoLab21 helped The REACH Centre by developing a website which will feature as one of the key tools for marketing the company. This ensures that the company has an international presence and adds credibility. The website has been based around a brochure style design that will be used to market their services and post industry specific information. As part of the support a company logo was also designed. An overview of the content management system was provided to give the company full control. The work was completed in 6 weeks and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"Simple, clear and efficient content managed website. Excellent response from Adam Rowntree (our contact point and developer)."
Jonathan Lutwyche, Director, The REACH Centre
The Research Engine is a specialist company which provides research related services to the academic community in the UK. The company works with academics in both data collection and data analysis via an online tool which they have created.
InfoLab21 provided assistance to The Research Engine by producing a user interface for a software tool called Wmatrix, used for analysing text. After identifying potential improvements in the original user interface, a more user-friendly design was developed. The user interface was intended to be simple so it is usable by a variety of people who are likely to have different levels of technical knowledge. The work was completed in less than 4 weeks and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“We were delighted with the speed of response.”
Paul Rayson, Director, The Research Engine
Timothy Marris Limited is a Life Coaching company run by Timothy and his partner Inessa.
InfoLab21 assisted Tomothy Marris Ltd by designing and building a new company website which established a web presence through which clients and prospective customers can now find out about the company and their services. The website, which was completed in just over 6 weeks, can be easily updated by the company and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"The web-site has been very professionally produced and the system seems easy to modify ourselves."
Timothy Marris, Director, Timothy Marris Limited
Turf Surfer Limited are a company based in Cumbria who design and build “Saddlechariots”. These are one man vehicles which can be attached to ponies, allowing people to exercise animals which would otherwise be too small to ride.
InfoLab21 helped Turf Surfer Limited by producing a fully editable website which provides details of the Saddlechariot, user testimonials, an enquiry form allowing people to easily get in touch with the company and photos of people using Saddlechariots. A news section has also been incorporated allowing the company to provide details of where he will be demonstrating the Saddlechariots. All the work was completed in 5 weeks and was part financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
“Could not believe it could be so easy - it has transformed my life. Find a way to tell more businesses about this program.”
Simon Mulholland, Managing Director, Turf Surfer Limited
UK Good Deals Ltd was established in 2004 and specializes in e-commerce through three web-sites each of which specializes in one product type.
InfoLab21 helped UK Good Deals by replacing their outdated stock control methods with a new system which provides up-to-date information about the stock levels in the warehouse. This was done by specifying, designing and developing a stock control system with electronic bar code scanning functionality. The assistance was provided free and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and took 12 weeks to complete.
“Everything done to our specification without any problems.”
Adam Patel, Director, UK Good Deals Limited
Unfair Dismissal Direct Ltd is a new start-up company based in Lancaster which specialises in assisting employees throughout the UK who have been unfairly dismissed or have been the victim of unlawful discrimination in the workplace.
InfoLab21 helped Unfair Dismissal Direct Limited to streamline their claims assessment process by evaluating and modifying the company's previous website. This helped to speed up the claims assessment process and generally improved the website's functionality and integration into the process. Assistance was completed in 4 weeks and free to the company,part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
"Everyone involved in the project was very helpful and pleasant. I found the project to be very professional and very useful indeed"
Victoria Moran, Managing Director, Unfair Dismissal Direct Limited
Case Studies Index
- 15SecondTV Limited
- Actions at Work Limited
- Ahoy There Limited
- Bison Business Centre
- Brock Workwear
- Creative Languages Ltd
- EnviroBoat Developments Ltd
- Farnell Photographic Lab
- GlobiGames
- House of Trix
- Ingeniosys
- Jo Vincent Glass Design
- Lakeland Businesswomen’s Network
- Patty's Farm Barn
- Penrillian
- Regent Park Studios
- Sniff and Wag Publishing
- SP Signs
- Stop Searching Limited
- The Reach Centre
- The Research Engine
- Timothy Marris Limited
- Turf Surfer Limited
- UK Good Deals Limited
- Unfair Dismissal Direct Ltd
