socialinvestments.com

Socialinvestments.com provides an information portal for prospective investors in the UK social and ethical business sector. Mercury1 were approached to develop the website for this important launch.

The website is fully dynamic, allowing staff to add and edit new companies, including various financial indicators etc. Nearly every aspect of information presented on the site can be managed through the backend.

There is also the capability for companies and general public to add or propose corrections and modifications to information. Requests of this type are then queued for review internally by socialinvestments.com staff (with automatic email notification).

Highlighted features that the website provides to staff and end users include:

• Instant surveys - providing immediate response to user, and results tracked in backend
• Automatically created PDFs to allow users to easily save and print information
• RSS feeds - both syndicating information from other feeds, and providing a feed of its own

Mercury 1 provides a professional and 'emotionally intelligent' service to small businesses. Whilst building socialinvestments.com, Natalie was not only patient with us as we made last-minute changes but also came up with innovative and well explained solutions to the various problems we had with data presentation. We are now considering using them as an IT support service.

- Julia Meek. Project Leader, socialinvestments.com

henchman

Innovative gardening product supplier Henchman required a new website to better represent their portfolio of products, and showcase their key "safe working at height" product range.

The website was required to provide full ecommerce capabilities and allow order tracking in the backend database. Additionally products can be added and categorised, including uploading a selection of product images (which are presented as a flash slideshow on the customer facing website).

Accessories can be created by Henchman staff in the backend, and associated with relevant products - giving customers the option to purchase suitable accessories for their main purchase quickly and easily.

Payment online is provided through integration with mercury1's partner Protx - allowing fully secure payment provision, with call back mechanisms to update order status within Henchman's database.

Finally, Henchman engaged mercury1 to run a Google AdWords campaign to drive traffic to the site, especially focussing on search terms for which the site was naturally lower ranked.

Mercury1 were chosen after careful investigation of different options and a lot of questioning. We let them know we expected them to act as sole guardians for our website and all that entails. This is what inexperienced, small companies need from experienced IT professionals, but so often don't properly get. A new site was built from scratch; the end product, cost and the process itself have exceeded our expectations. We're very pleased with their work to date and have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

- Tom Kitching. Managing Director, Henchman

sushi 101

Innovative sushi company Sushi 101 required a website to represent their new restaurant in North London, and provide a facility for secure online ordering of takeaway/delivery sushi.

The deadline for the project was extremely tight, due to the imminent launch of the delivery service - mercury1 were able to commit to delivering the solution in line with the key dates.

As well as the website and secure online ordering, the project included producing backend management tools to allow Sushi 101 staff to edit the website content, and manage the online menu - by way of adding/editing/deleting menu categories, and adding/editing/deleting dishes and other menu items.

Online ordering was secured by way of SSL encryption.

Finally, part of the project required product photography of the entire new menu, which mercury1 arranged.

Quote pending

wild frontiers

Adventure travel company Wild Frontiers were looking to relaunch their website to reflect the cutting edge trips the company offers. At the same time, their existing booking management system was creaking at the seams, and as the business grew, manual tasks were taking up increasing amounts of staff time.

mercury1 proposed integrating the new website with a new backend application, designed from the ground up to simplify many of the tasks that were taking large amounts of time.

The new application allowed staff to create and edit trips, destinations, regions, activities etc - reflecting all changes dynamically on the website, and tying in to customer and booking records.

Mail merge functions were included - bulk mailing selections (or all) of the companies customer database of tens of thousands of customers.

Automated reminders featured in the application - rules regarding the management of trip logistics are defined by the company, and reminders on aspects of trip logistics are sent out to relevant staff each day.

Quote pending

communitychallenge

Existing customer Charity Challenge wanted a new website to highlight their community challenge offerings. Charity Challenge had existing systems from mercury1 in place, providing quite complex functionality - managing every aspect of their booking process and website in a single integrated application.

mercury1 leveraged the data from the existing system, building a new website front end, and tying both website together. This means that bookings placed online on either website automatically update trip availability on both websites, and the back-office application.

In adddition, new editing tools were built into the backend application, for example, allowing staff to upload and group collections of images which are then presented on the selected page on the website as a flash movie.

The deadline for the project was extremely aggressive, due to other marketing commitments Charity Challenge had in place. The full suite of functionality, and some last minute additions(!) were successfully delivered in the timescales required.

I have been proofing and adding content for the website all night. I have to tell you - its ******* brilliant. You guys are very talented.

- Simon Albert. Director, communitychallenge

gane and marshall

Travel specialists Gane and Marshall wanted to rebrand their website, and to have the ability to manage the destinations and trips presented online.

the website design used strong imagery to capitalise on the stunning destinations and sights that the company is able to offer.

A secure backend was also developed, allowing the company to update the website themselves, including adding countries, trips and accommodation. The website is fully dynamic and trip information is instantly updated.

Two screen shots are shown here, the first is the homepage, and the second shows a destination page, with the currently associated accommodation options shown at the foot of the page.

Additionally mercury1 designed an e-mail template for use through the backend application, allowing Gane and Marshall to select text and images and send to contacts held in the database.

The contacts database is updated with customer requests through the website, and also allows export to excel etc.

Quote pending

art of exposure

Art of Exposure required a new website and online store for their erotic art.

The project included the design and development of the front end including shopping cart/checkout functionality, as well as backend features to allow the company to manage their product catalogue.

m&m chauffeurs

Luxury taxi and private hire company m&m needed a new website to promote the business online.

The website fits the feel of the brand, and echos the silver and leather of the all-Mercedes fleet m&m insist on.

Just had a look and it looks great. Thanks for all your hard work!

- Nadeem Munir. m&m chauffeurs

sundial worldwide

Sundial Worldwide are a new company offering travel itineraries for the discerning traveller. They specialise in Africa, Crusing, Weddings & Honeymoons and Golfing holidays.

We were approached before their official launch to provide them with a striking design and a well written user friendly site which would be their key marketing tool.

The project also included backend system functionality, allowing staff to update the website text and images (content management) and manage itineraries, special offers, testimonials etc.

Finally we designed a clean e-mail newsletter template for Sundial to help with launching the new brand.

I will always be thankful that mercury1 was recommended to me for the design and development of our new website. From our first meeting Natalie interpreted my ideas and requirements perfectly and has been a great source of information, support and advice throughout the process. I am delighted with the finished product and sincerely thank mercury1 for their professionalism and assistance.

- Liz Newell, Managing Director, Sundial Worldwide Limited

tardis productions

Tardis Productions were organising a stage production in aid of Cancer Research, mercury1 offered our services to donate the website.

The website is clean and clear, whilst retaining an interesting design.

Just seen the website up and running and it looks fabulous :-) Thank you so much for all your hard work on it!

- Vickie Bruce. Tardis Productions

raglan hotel

The Raglan Hotel is located in Muswell Hill, North London. It was recently taken over by new management, who have reinvented the hotel and wished to have a new website to reflect the changes.

The site incorporates online booking facilities and dynamically (automated) generated downloadable PDF menus for the in-house restaurant.

The project also included backend system functionality, allowing staff to update the website text and images (content management) and manage room rates, availability, add-on packages etc.

The backend application is cleanly designed, providing a straighforward way to manage the site.

Quote pending

quaero solutions

Quaero Solutions provide targeted hospitality management and operational recruitment services.

mercury1 had previously worked with Quaero to develop a backend application managing their operational data, but the website was pre-existing at the time of engagement.

This project involved redesigning the website to fit with a slight change of direction for the company.

mercury1 interpreted our brief precisely and very quickly came up with original, clever and creative eye-catching ideas. They delivered a new, fresh website, on time and within budget - who could ask for more?!

- Debbie Smith. Managing Director, Quaero Solutions Ltd

canvin brown

Canvin Brown are a new search and selection firm recruiting in the hospitality sector.

This is our second project with Director Jeff Brown, having previously worked with him at his previous company.

This project involved designed, developing and hosting the company website. The company logo was designed through our partner graphic designers, etre-avoir.

The website includes the facility for Canvin Brown to edit the latest news section and, significantly, interfaces with their backend systems (also provided by mercury1) - allowing the website to display latest available vacancies. Candidates can also register and apply for positions online.

Just a quick email to say how delighted I am with the website. Once again you've done me proud!

- Jeff Brown. Director, Canvin Brown

wood n beyond

Wood N Beyond are a company specialising in exotic timbers for flooring, worktops and decking.

The project was to design and develop a website reflecting the company's clean and clear image.

The site is currently under development; the image shown is the agreed design.

Quote pending

wood n beyond

Quore Solutions are next generation mobile (telecoms) business specialists.

The image shown to the right is the original design.

This project involved redesigned and hosting the company website.

The brief was to use the existing branding (logo and colour schemes) to produce a professional and easy to use website.

The image shown here is the final design after iterations with the customer. The same basic structure was used, but the customer decided on a darker styling.

Quote pending

charity challenge

Charity Challenge are a market leading adventure travel company who organise fundraising trips for charities.

mercury1 were approached to develop a large backend application to manage all aspects of the business, including information about different challenges, online and offline bookings, authorisations, automated production of marketing marerials and more.

This project was particularly challenging because the original project had been given to another firm, who could not deliver in time, meaning mercury1 were bought in to start from scratch with half the time already gone. The project was sucessfully delivered on time. :-)

mercury1 provide ongoing application hosting for the new system.

As part of the project, mercury1 also reworked the customer facing website, and took over management of the company's email.

The first screen shot shows the backend application, the second screen shot shows the customer facing website.

mercury1 have impressed us from day one, and exceeded our expectations with every stage of development of our new database.

They have taken considerable time and effort to get to know our business processes, and have not only carried out the tasks required efficiently, but they have added so much value with their own input in to how it should work.

They helped us through what was an incredibly diificult process for us, and they were thorough, incredibly professional, and most importantly their work has been excellent.

- Simon Albert. Director, Charity Challenge

scs logistics

Supply Chain Support Limited is an expanding and technically innovative Logistics Support and Road Haulage company based in West Thurrock, Essex.

SCS approached mercury1 to design and build a new backend system for the purposes of managing their expanding supply chain management operations.

The system tracks locations of shipments, drivers and vehicles and manages workflows including enforcing business rules.

mercury1 provide ongoing application hosting for the new system.

As part of the project, mercury1 also redesigned SCS's customer facing website, and took over management of the company's email.

The first screen shot shows the backend application which allows SCS to manage their entire logistics operation in as efficient a manner as possible. The application also allows SCS to grant access to their shippers to retrieve vital information.

The second screen shot shows the simple and clean web site design for SCS.

Quote pending

jonathan copp

Renowned fitness presenter, personal trainer, choreographer, life coach (and more!) Jonathan Copp commissioned mercury1 to design and build his website.

Working closely with Jonathan we identified a fun and unique design, that focussed on the fact that in his business, he is the key aspect.

Later stages of the project are to include automated newsletters, and other enhancements.

The screen shot presented here shows the website home page.

Quote pending

gane and marshall

Following our donation of services to Community Projects Africa, trustee Jeremy Gane was impressed enough to ask us to bid for work for Gane and Marshall (proving that karma is alive and well!).

The project initially involved redesigning and building the website (some 500 pages), but expanded to taking over domain and email management, rerouting and configuring the office network, and advising on (& supplying) software and hardware.

The screen shot presented here shows the website home page

mercury1 continue to work with Gane and Marshall, providing ongoing consultancy and support services, as well as hosting and management of website, email and domains.

I highly recommend mercury1 as an excellent company to handle website design, email management, database design, and general IT contracts.

mercury1 did the work on time, within budget and to an excellent standard. Our business has clearly benefited from increased traffic and increased sales.

- Jeremy Gane. Director, Gane and Marshall Ltd

community projects africa

mercury1 selected Community Projects Africa as our chosen charity for the month of April 2006.

CPA's traditional focus has been helping local people around the Kilimanjaro area of Tanzania and Kenya - an area very close to our founder Phil Haigh's heart.

The project consisted of relaunching the charity's website, taking on management of the domain & web hosting, and providing the organisation with several email accounts.

The screen shot presented here shows the design CPA selected as their preferred option from the three we submitted for review.

The web site is wonderful. Thank you so much for your time and effort in making this happen. I am confident that the site will help the charity to expand and further aid the people of Africa.

- Jeremy Gane. Trustee, Community Projects Africa

synapse seven films

Synapse Seven are a relatively new independent film company. mercury1 accepted a project to provide the company website, as well as a number of mini-sites for selected films.

The project, consisted initially of designing and launching the company's website, taking on management of the domain & web hosting, and providing several email accounts.

The first screen shot shows the initial design mock up provided by mercury1, whilst the second shows the final site following specific requests from the client, demonstrating our flexibility.

Thanks, excellent work! And thanks for turning this around so quickly.

- Markus Neuert. Synapse Seven Films

thanet festival charity

mercury1 selected Thanet Music and Drama Festival Association as our chosen charity for the month of March 2006.

The project consisted of relaunching the charity's website, taking on management of the domain & web hosting, and providing the organisation's volunteer committee with email.

The website was designed to be clear and easy to use, with some dynamic elements to add interest and display information in a more efficient manner.

The two screen shots presented here show the home and past history pages respectively.

mercury1 totally revamped our website to make it more visually attractive and dynamic, within the space of just a week. We're delighted with the results - it was something we'd always been meaning to do, but mercury1 did it much faster. They listened carefully to what we wanted yet offered valuable creative input, and were a pleasure to deal with.

- Ben Jones. Honorary Secretary, Thanet Music and Drama Association

nikel cards wedding stationery

Nikel Cards produce exclusive handmade wedding stationery. mercury1 accepted a commission to design and build a website to showcase the range.

In addition to the site development, the project included training Nikel Cards staff on the management and update of the site, as it was to be hosted with their existing provider.

The two screen shots presented here show the home and order form pages respectively.

"mercury1 did a fantastic job - creating a clear and user-friendly site. They kept us involved in the process throughout - making it very much our site."

- Nikki Meara. Partner, Nikel Cards

quaero solutions

Quaero Solutions provide targeted hospitality management and operational recruitment services.

The project consisted of designing and developing a web application and backend systems, to give Quaero's distributed staff the power to access their candidate and company databases through a single central point, over the internet.

Note:
Links presented here are not to the application developed by mercury1, as it is private and secured. The links show screen shots only.

"We found working with mercury1 to be a very impressive experience. They listened carefully to our needs and then delivered a quality solution which has given a really vital tool to help us grow our business. Their Customer Service ethic is first class; nothing is too much trouble."

- Jeff Brown. Managing Director, Quaero Solutions Ltd

squashleagues.net

squashleagues.net provide an online tool to facilitate the management of squash leagues.

The project consisted of designing and developing the web application and backend systems, as well as the front end user interface. mercury1 also host the application ongoing.

The two screen shots presented here show the home and demo league pages respectively.

"The site looks great, at last a 21st century squash league!"

- Steven Michael. User, squashleagues.net