No, not the last time I'll be writing nonsense on here I'm afraid, but a little story about snail mail (and another reason we are moving).
We're now working with a company called QA International Certification Limited, to create some web-based software that will automate some of their back end systems allowing access for staff when they're mobile, providing limited client access and greatly increasing productivity. We're excited about the project and the potential it has for worldwide sales and a fruitful partnership. I've got to know one of the directors quite well, a really nice and down to earth fella who I have a lot of time for.
Even as a stand alone job, without it's huge potential, it's a good contract for us and like all jobs we insist on an upfront payment, in this case of 50% as we are committing time and resources to the job. Due to holidays of the financial controller the 1st payment was delayed but only a little, this was all amicably agreed and a cheque was promised in the post. I'm happy with all of that.
Our post gets "placed in our locked pigeon hole daily", we pop down and pick it up, simple system. By Friday there was no sign of a cheque nor direct payment into our account, meaning I need to chase this up which can have the potential for looking like a lack of trust. I thought I'd leave it until Monday morning, carefully think how I want to broach the subject diplomatically (really not my strong suit that) and contact the director I know.
Late on Friday expected visitor arrives and I go to Reception to pick him up to be told that there's a load of post been here for days at Reception (including aforementioned cheque and another payment).
This is to add to the new business cards for Michael which were for the Tees Valley Business Summit on Wednesday but we didn't get until Thursday, even though they came on Tuesday but we weren't informed.
Fortunately I waited before contacting clients about overdue payments.
Someone at Redcar Council asked me why we were leaving - there's not enough hours in the day to tell them everything!
Sunday, 12 July 2015
Saturday, 4 July 2015
The Joys of Microsoft Office 365
MS Office is pretty ubiquitous and lots of the free versions of office software are, in my opinion, pretty rubbish. So we use Office 365 on all machines whether PCs or Macs.
The good news with 365 is you automatically get updated versions and this week we have found the bad news is that you get updated versions!
The issue is we're working with a new client to create a customer management system that is web-based and automates much of their contact messages. Their old system is written in VB and uses an Access database (yes I know!). So a starting point is to get the old database (when I say database I mean single Access table) and convert it into a usable and suitably normalised format.
All good so far but when I try and access their replicated database Access won't open it as it's too old. A quick search via Google and Microsoft have answers for this, "Step 1 Open the database ..." Er it doesn't open is the problem, the solution can't start with that. It was looking like uninstall Access 2013 and install an old version with the Jet driver and then do the conversion.
Then after a good swear at Microsoft an idea popped up. Does Excel still have a Jet driver in its import from database routines? The answer was yes and the new spreadsheet can be used to import into something useful like mysql for further use with a little sql work to get everything in the right format.
A great example of "re-framing" in positive psychology jargon and we can now crack on and create the solution, no thanks to Microsoft though.
The good news with 365 is you automatically get updated versions and this week we have found the bad news is that you get updated versions!
The issue is we're working with a new client to create a customer management system that is web-based and automates much of their contact messages. Their old system is written in VB and uses an Access database (yes I know!). So a starting point is to get the old database (when I say database I mean single Access table) and convert it into a usable and suitably normalised format.
All good so far but when I try and access their replicated database Access won't open it as it's too old. A quick search via Google and Microsoft have answers for this, "Step 1 Open the database ..." Er it doesn't open is the problem, the solution can't start with that. It was looking like uninstall Access 2013 and install an old version with the Jet driver and then do the conversion.
Then after a good swear at Microsoft an idea popped up. Does Excel still have a Jet driver in its import from database routines? The answer was yes and the new spreadsheet can be used to import into something useful like mysql for further use with a little sql work to get everything in the right format.
A great example of "re-framing" in positive psychology jargon and we can now crack on and create the solution, no thanks to Microsoft though.
Saturday, 20 June 2015
Moving Home?
Yesterday we went and had a look around the soon to open Boho 5 in Middlehaven (or "over the border" for us older folk). It's a great new building for the creative industries and we are seriously contemplating moving there despite the large increase in rent that would form part of the move.
Why?
We are a relatively big fish in the Redcar web pond but what that really tells you is how small the pond is. We have some great clients there, a great view from our office, some great people we work with and it's been our home, between the Wilton Centre and Palace Hub, since the company was formed. We have got to where we are as a growing and ambitious company by being in Redcar.
But that is also the problem - we remain ambitious and want to grow more and Redcar, I believe, is becoming a limiting factor. Larger clients who are not from East Cleveland won't come out here and even for local clients I regularly have to travel to Middlesbrough, Stockton and Darlington for meetings. That is partly due to the poor communications where as Middlesbrough is close to the A19 and has much better rail connections.
Then there's the building and the council. There are some lovely people working for the council including the staff at the Palace Hub. But it's run by the council, the water regularly goes off, the Internet is at times ropey, any changes take an eternity as the council run it how they want it not in a way that meets the needs of the creative businesses in there and THERE'S STILL NO PARKING OVER 2 YEARS SINCE OPENING (but of course the council are still looking at that one - I repeat OVER 2 YEARS SINCE OPENING). The building is also empty and it seems it will get even emptier soon regardless of whether we move or not.
So a move to the thriving Boho Zone of Middlesbrough is being considered very seriously. There would be a big increase in rent to go with the recent extra outlay on staff, hardware and software but it's starting to look like a wise move.
So watch this space, we have declared an interest in a specific room at Boho 5 that has great views of the Tranny, Riverside Stadium and Cleveland Hills (You couldn't get more Teesside). Now to find exact costs, Internet speeds, removal costs (if you're reading this Mr Burridge do get in touch) and costs associated with changes to stationary, phone, etc
No decision has yet been made but the scales are tipping toward moving.
Why?
We are a relatively big fish in the Redcar web pond but what that really tells you is how small the pond is. We have some great clients there, a great view from our office, some great people we work with and it's been our home, between the Wilton Centre and Palace Hub, since the company was formed. We have got to where we are as a growing and ambitious company by being in Redcar.
But that is also the problem - we remain ambitious and want to grow more and Redcar, I believe, is becoming a limiting factor. Larger clients who are not from East Cleveland won't come out here and even for local clients I regularly have to travel to Middlesbrough, Stockton and Darlington for meetings. That is partly due to the poor communications where as Middlesbrough is close to the A19 and has much better rail connections.
Then there's the building and the council. There are some lovely people working for the council including the staff at the Palace Hub. But it's run by the council, the water regularly goes off, the Internet is at times ropey, any changes take an eternity as the council run it how they want it not in a way that meets the needs of the creative businesses in there and THERE'S STILL NO PARKING OVER 2 YEARS SINCE OPENING (but of course the council are still looking at that one - I repeat OVER 2 YEARS SINCE OPENING). The building is also empty and it seems it will get even emptier soon regardless of whether we move or not.
So a move to the thriving Boho Zone of Middlesbrough is being considered very seriously. There would be a big increase in rent to go with the recent extra outlay on staff, hardware and software but it's starting to look like a wise move.
So watch this space, we have declared an interest in a specific room at Boho 5 that has great views of the Tranny, Riverside Stadium and Cleveland Hills (You couldn't get more Teesside). Now to find exact costs, Internet speeds, removal costs (if you're reading this Mr Burridge do get in touch) and costs associated with changes to stationary, phone, etc
No decision has yet been made but the scales are tipping toward moving.
Sunday, 14 June 2015
Growing
Blooming heck!!
Good job we've teamed up with Laughing Beards to dedicate a day, probably two, next week, as we've got a lot on. We also need Michael the week after.
Not only are we busy with existing jobs, a couple of which have deadlines at the end of the month but we got an extra £9k of work in last week. Would be nice to get that every week but I'd need a few more staff.
One of those jobs has the potential for global sales following on as the company we are working with will introduce us to their worldwide clients and partners to sell on for a 20% commission. As the difficult bit, the background software, will have been created this makes it a very viable proposition.
We also have two other web applications that are close to completion that have some good potential for selling on to others and partners who will help with that.
The last few weeks have also been great for both developing our BNI business network in Middlesbrough that will I'm sure lead to great income and a support network for all involved and we now have in place partners for a great set of associated services that will allow us to offer our clients a lot more at top quality which now includes (top 6 in house):
Good job we've teamed up with Laughing Beards to dedicate a day, probably two, next week, as we've got a lot on. We also need Michael the week after.
Not only are we busy with existing jobs, a couple of which have deadlines at the end of the month but we got an extra £9k of work in last week. Would be nice to get that every week but I'd need a few more staff.
One of those jobs has the potential for global sales following on as the company we are working with will introduce us to their worldwide clients and partners to sell on for a 20% commission. As the difficult bit, the background software, will have been created this makes it a very viable proposition.
We also have two other web applications that are close to completion that have some good potential for selling on to others and partners who will help with that.
The last few weeks have also been great for both developing our BNI business network in Middlesbrough that will I'm sure lead to great income and a support network for all involved and we now have in place partners for a great set of associated services that will allow us to offer our clients a lot more at top quality which now includes (top 6 in house):
- Web design - responsive for all devices of course
- E commerce solutions
- Mobile apps
- Bespoke software design
- Software systems integration (making different software packages talk to each other)
- Branding and graphic design
- Film quality video
- Professional photography
- Pay per click advertising
- E-marketing via SEO, social media, etc
- Network and hardware installation
- IT Support
- Signage design and integration
That's a pretty comprehensive set of features and we also work with great accountants, financial/mortgage advisers, physiotherapists, insurance brokers, scaffolders and historic building restorers and many more/
Let us know how we can help you.
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Investing in Growth
I remember my last blog entry, just, where I think I promised something about blogging more regularly but that was in April.
In the meantime Tad Web Solutions have just been stupidly busy and other than a cheeky long weekend away and a trip to Wembley (#IStillBelieve) there's been little time to do other stuff and blogging has, rather unwisely, been put on the back burner. Now, having the odd week where you are too busy is fine but a couple of months is something of a habit - looks like we need more staff!
So here's the cunning plan ...
Next week we team up with Laughing Beards, purchasing their services one day per week in our office to increase and improve our graphics and branding capability. We have been outsourcing a lot of our graphics for a while and but are looking for consistent high quality and greater integration with our work. I'm really looking forward to working with them and taking a step forward in output and quality. Over the coming months we will review this and hopefully look to extend the dedicated support time.
We also have Michael, a year-long intern, starting with us on 22 June. Michael comes via the University of Teesside and it is a work placement after year 2 of his degree. The internship is the start and if all goes well we will convert that into a temporary contract some time before the end of the year and offer a long term post at the end (it would be up to Michael to either finish his degree part-time or defer the post for a year at that point).
Its a great scheme by the Uni, that gives students experience and some money but gives businesses a cost-effective way of seeing if the person is right for them making it more likely that a graduate can get a good level of salary when they finish their degree..
I'm feeling very confident about the future and intend to go to the next level for the business in terms of turnover, project size and client size. That needs an investment in terms of staff, money and time and it's the right time to do that.
In the meantime Tad Web Solutions have just been stupidly busy and other than a cheeky long weekend away and a trip to Wembley (#IStillBelieve) there's been little time to do other stuff and blogging has, rather unwisely, been put on the back burner. Now, having the odd week where you are too busy is fine but a couple of months is something of a habit - looks like we need more staff!
So here's the cunning plan ...
Next week we team up with Laughing Beards, purchasing their services one day per week in our office to increase and improve our graphics and branding capability. We have been outsourcing a lot of our graphics for a while and but are looking for consistent high quality and greater integration with our work. I'm really looking forward to working with them and taking a step forward in output and quality. Over the coming months we will review this and hopefully look to extend the dedicated support time.
We also have Michael, a year-long intern, starting with us on 22 June. Michael comes via the University of Teesside and it is a work placement after year 2 of his degree. The internship is the start and if all goes well we will convert that into a temporary contract some time before the end of the year and offer a long term post at the end (it would be up to Michael to either finish his degree part-time or defer the post for a year at that point).
Its a great scheme by the Uni, that gives students experience and some money but gives businesses a cost-effective way of seeing if the person is right for them making it more likely that a graduate can get a good level of salary when they finish their degree..
I'm feeling very confident about the future and intend to go to the next level for the business in terms of turnover, project size and client size. That needs an investment in terms of staff, money and time and it's the right time to do that.
Sunday, 12 April 2015
It's Been Some Time
In fact I didn't realise how long until I saw the date of the last post - rather remiss of me! I've been a bit busy with work and then had flu and then busy catching up whilst still not feeling too good.
What have we been up to?
Lots of work. We've had a bit of a push with potential clients who were thinking of getting new websites done. Quite simply, and honestly, we have told them that any projects that may be get 40% funding via the North east Business Support Fund better get a move on as the funding stops at the end of June by which point all projects must be complete and paid for. It has meant our biggest batch of part-funded projects all coming in together, and we're expecting 2 more in the next week.
So it's a busy time, so busy that I'm looking to recruit a new member of staff for a year via the University of Teesside and if all goes to plan we'll have someone in June. What that means after the year depends on how good that person is, how busy we are and whether they want to return to studies full time or part-time and work whilst they finish off their degree.
That's me done - I'll try to ensure I keep this up to date from now on.
What have we been up to?
Lots of work. We've had a bit of a push with potential clients who were thinking of getting new websites done. Quite simply, and honestly, we have told them that any projects that may be get 40% funding via the North east Business Support Fund better get a move on as the funding stops at the end of June by which point all projects must be complete and paid for. It has meant our biggest batch of part-funded projects all coming in together, and we're expecting 2 more in the next week.
So it's a busy time, so busy that I'm looking to recruit a new member of staff for a year via the University of Teesside and if all goes to plan we'll have someone in June. What that means after the year depends on how good that person is, how busy we are and whether they want to return to studies full time or part-time and work whilst they finish off their degree.
That's me done - I'll try to ensure I keep this up to date from now on.
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Busy, Busy, Busy
I've not posted much recently simply due to being really busy and trying to spend some time out when I can by just being with family, going for a walk or watching the mighty MFC. Yes, I know I've been neglecting my reader (I doubt that there are 2).
As we're even busier, here is a very potted resume of what I and Tad Web Solutions have been up to over the last 3 weeks.
I have seen the mighty Boro a few times and they are now top of the Championship after a very tense Tuesday night made much more tense by being on a course at Redworth Hall with no radio and very poor mobile reception. I have started on the aforementioned 9-month course, Leading Growth, run by the University of Teesside and aimed at growing small businesses in the area by growing the business leaders. Some great people on it, and me, and the 2 day residential was rather enlightening. I believe it will move Tad Web Solutions forward.
Business wise I have spent a lot of time following the advice of my business coaches from Digital City on working on acquiring new business and the efforts seem to be paying off. As part of this I have been the "star speaker" at the Redcar Enterprise Team Business breakfast which went very well apart from my contact lens falling out halfway making it impossible for me to read my bullet points to keep me on track - seemed to go OK nonetheless. We've also attended a supplier showcase at the Wilton Centre managed by NEPIC which went well and we are very hopeful of a contract with a new high tech company in Washington (Tyne & Wear not DC) whom we went to see yesterday. All that plus the usual web and software developing, networking and general business admin that underpins our hive of web and mobile activity.
That's my lot. Stuff to do and squeeze in England v Italy and Ireland v France in between on a romantic Valentine's Day where Jane is at work from 06:00 to 21:00. It's her last working day with that company tomorrow and she then embarks on a new career with Mencap and is really looking forward to it. Tomorrow we shall have a cheeky walk on the moors in the morning, I'll do a bit of planning and then off to the pub to watch Arsenal crash out of the FA Cup.
#UTB
As we're even busier, here is a very potted resume of what I and Tad Web Solutions have been up to over the last 3 weeks.
I have seen the mighty Boro a few times and they are now top of the Championship after a very tense Tuesday night made much more tense by being on a course at Redworth Hall with no radio and very poor mobile reception. I have started on the aforementioned 9-month course, Leading Growth, run by the University of Teesside and aimed at growing small businesses in the area by growing the business leaders. Some great people on it, and me, and the 2 day residential was rather enlightening. I believe it will move Tad Web Solutions forward.
Business wise I have spent a lot of time following the advice of my business coaches from Digital City on working on acquiring new business and the efforts seem to be paying off. As part of this I have been the "star speaker" at the Redcar Enterprise Team Business breakfast which went very well apart from my contact lens falling out halfway making it impossible for me to read my bullet points to keep me on track - seemed to go OK nonetheless. We've also attended a supplier showcase at the Wilton Centre managed by NEPIC which went well and we are very hopeful of a contract with a new high tech company in Washington (Tyne & Wear not DC) whom we went to see yesterday. All that plus the usual web and software developing, networking and general business admin that underpins our hive of web and mobile activity.
That's my lot. Stuff to do and squeeze in England v Italy and Ireland v France in between on a romantic Valentine's Day where Jane is at work from 06:00 to 21:00. It's her last working day with that company tomorrow and she then embarks on a new career with Mencap and is really looking forward to it. Tomorrow we shall have a cheeky walk on the moors in the morning, I'll do a bit of planning and then off to the pub to watch Arsenal crash out of the FA Cup.
#UTB
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