A highly accessible website using the industry recognised Change Image Bank. Features include: high contrast option; screen reading software; text only; text resize and simple, clear and user friendly navigation and design. The whole site is tailored towards users with disabilities, as well as being attractive to other users or professionals that may find the content useful.

"Creating an ‘easy read’ website for our clients with learning disabilities and reading issues was a new venture for us. We knew the technology could do the job but needed the expertise of Focus New Media to make it happen. They sourced the images for the site and researched the range of text to speech software available. The site was built quickly and efficiently with full consultation at every step.

We are delighted with the result and are confident that users will find it an invaluable and easily accessible source of information and support."

Nicky Summerhill – Communications and Planning Manager (Connexions West of England).

Each site needed to have a consistent look and feel as a continuation of the brand - but with certain distinguishing elements to indicate the differences between the sites.

The client wanted to be able to manage all 3 sites via one product catalogue and checkout and one content management system – which is exactly what we have given them.

So if you’re stuck for ideas on what to get a loved one this Christmas, a Balloon ride might be nice!?

"To Focus New Media,
Just a note to say how pleased we are with our new web sites.
Now they have gone live we are looking forward to an increase in business and as they look so good, I don’t think it will take long!
The functionality is very easy to follow and maintenance of all three sites will be easy now, due to being able to control all three sites from one admin area.
Thanks"

Nic Amor
MD - Ballooning Network

We're looking for an Account Manager to join our team and help us proactively look after our wide range of clients.

The main tasks of the role include building and maintaining relationships with our customers, planning and managing ‘online’ and ‘offline’ campaigns using a variety of marketing techniques, taking and logging support calls and work requests and liaising effectively with our technical teams, preparation of quotes, work monitoring and scheduling, pr, networking and project analysis (phew!).

We're after bags of enthusiasm, excellent communication and organisation skills and self motivation. Ideally we’re looking for someone with a background / commercial experience in a similar role in a digital or marketing agency – and some knowledge of online marketing is a bonus.

A full job specification and more details on benefits is available on request - send us an email at hello@focusnewmedia.com

A driving licence is required as you’ll be visiting clients as well as spending some time on a regular basis in our Hertfordshire office.

Strictly no agencies.
 

We're back from the Future of Web Design (FOWD) 1 day conference in Bristol

Paul & Simon had an inspiring day learning about the latest web design trends and topics as well as meeting lots of other designers and developers in the Bristol area.

The conference covered topics including: the new features of HTML5 - the next generation of web design technology, how to improve the design process with your clients, how to create the perfect portfolio and 5 ways to introduce more fun into the work place.

The hosts even provided free beer after the event as well!

Options @ 16 & 17 offers advice on what choices are available after year 11 for qualifications, training and work and the new Work Matters site provides an overview of 14 key industries that school leavers may be interested in pursuing a career in.

Both sites include features such as an interactive quiz, polls and digital note pads where they can log information as they browse the site and then print them out at the end.

We'll also be launching a highly accessible micro site called Easy Read for Connexions at the end of September which will provide the organisations information and advice in a format that is accessible to those with disabilities.
 

Every year MS Ireland runs the READaTHON event which is a sponsored read for young people. This year they’re looking for kids, teachers and librarians to get involved and join ‘the crew’ to help raise much needed funds for those living with Multiple Sclerosis. The event is now in its 22nd year.

The bright and vibrant website provides information about how to get involved; how the money generated is used; the prizes and the facility to sign up online to take part.

Campaign microsites are a fantastic tool for short term campaigns to promote a specific event; fundraising opportunity or a special offer for a product or service. They can be used in conjunction with other marketing activities such as email campaigns and they’re quick to set up, fun and cost effective.
 

The new site will help to promote the fantastic work that the organisation are doing and how you can get involved, whether you’re a service user or someone who would like to volunteer.

WECIL is a not-for-profit organisation which is run and controlled by a Management Committee who are all Disabled people and all contributed their feedback to the look and feel of the new site.

Now you can check out the website for news about the organisation and the industry, find out how to get involved and support the organisation and by the end of next week you’ll also be able to log-on and discuss topics in the online forum called ‘Let’s talk’.

"Focus New Media have been hugely helpful from conception to completion of this project.  They have managed to capture our thoughts and transform these into a fun, fully functional and inspiring web presence."
Janice Saunders, Resources Co-ordinator at WECIL

This very August 5th is Bristol Playday 2009 - a national one day celebration of children's right to play. Taking place on College Green in Bristol, we're joining in the fun with our friends from Bristol City Council and thousands of specially invited children from around the city.

As if that isn't enough excitement we're also showcasing our new site for the council - Go Places To Play - a new interactive site which has information on all the play areas and sites throughout the region. We'll be presenting the web site to parents, children and other civic guests - getting their feedback and posting photos of the day on the web site. Check back for more updates!

Following on from their successful launch of their open source browser, Chrome, Google have announced plans to launch their integrated operating system - Chrome OS - in a year's time.

"Speed, simplicity and security" are the key buzz words surrounding Chrome OS, with the initial launch geared towards netbooks (the small laptops used to perform simple web surfing/ email checking functions while out and about).

I've been using Google Chrome for the past six months and have been surprised at how quick and user friendly it is in terms of intuitive design.  I have also spoken to accountants who moved over to Chrome for after the major security issues with IE7 at the end of 2008.  If Chrome OS is built on the same principles of intuitive use and fast access, I'll be one of the first to try it out!

We're very pleased to unleash our new site on the awaiting public - it's been a long time coming but now the much needed revamp is complete.

We've been busy bees in our studio of late which has meant that putting those final finishing touches to our own site has been put off on a few occasions.

We'd love to hear what you think about the new site - so any and all comments are welcome.  We'll arbitrarily pick our favourite from those made over the next couple of weeks and send the lucky winner a bottle of champagne.  Their comment will also feature in next month's edition of Focus On.