A Paignton IT firm has been chosen to give a housing association’s website a complete overhaul.
Createanet won the contract to rebuild West Devon Homes’ website after beating off competition from other IT firms in the South West.
Bosses at the Torbay Business Park-based firm in Woodview Road said the work had taken six months to complete.
Kevin King, the founder and owner of the web studio, said: “It was not technically difficult but there was a lot of information the client wanted on the website and we had to make sure it was exactly what they wanted but also user-friendly.”
Mr King, who employs 10 staff, said: “Our focus was on search optimisation so we used some new technologies and software.”
Createanet, which has more than 250 clients and has built more than 1,500 websites since setting up in 1999, is now hoping to move into a bigger 2,500sq ft venue on Torquay’s harbourside.
Mr King said: “We need the new space to expand.”
Createanet’s clients include various film promotion websites, such as La Vie en Rose, Transporter Three, the Passion of Christ as well as many e-businesses and events sites such as What’s On Southwest.
Bosses at West Devon Homes, a social housing provider, said they chose Createanet after recommendations and references from other housing associations, plus a desire to use a Devon-based company.
Martin Leonard, IT manager for West Devon Homes, said: “Our original website was built in 1999 and we decided it was time for a refresh. Createanet has built up a very good reputation for its work with housing associations and we’re also very pleased with our new site.
“We were formed in 1999, so it’s our 10th anniversary year and we felt it was time for an upgrade.”
Mr Leonard said the revamped website included a number of excellent new functions for tenants to use, including the ability to pay rent online or request a repair or house call.
He added: “The new site with its content management system is now very easy for our staff to keep updated with news and events.
“There is also a new section where job applications can be made online.”
He added: “The new site is a great improvement on our old site. It’s a lot easier for our tenants and staff to use. We’re all very excited about it.”