Bluecrab Internet
East Lindsey's Bluecrab Internet is full of confidence following its work with Innovation Lincolnshire.
Feeling disheartened with what they felt was a dated Skegness web site scene, Project Manager Carl Frost and Director Nichola Mitchell identified a gap in the market and set up their Skegness-based web site design company in May 2007.
Along with web design and search engine optimisation, the two-strong team have identified a route to greater profitability and sustainability through the design, hosting and maintenance of business sector portals.
Web-based portals provide an environment where users can search for a variety of different information and businesses through one web site.
Bluecrab has already set up and developed some successful portals for the Skegness tourism sector, including Skegness.net which receives over 25,000 unique visitors per month during the height of summer.
It was through the Skegness Business Centre, where Bluecrab is based, that Carl heard about Innovation Lincolnshire and asked for their support to help development more portals and increase the company's client base.
Carl said: "We have had a series of meetings with our Innovation Manager and have drawn up a timeline of what we wanted, how we wanted to do it and how to achieve results, and we had tuition within our own organisation on how to respond to clients' needs and what to do first.
"Our initial aim was to get our name out there and find out what clients wanted, which proved to be very worthwhile.
"Looking back, my organisation is much better now; I don't overlook anyone or anything any more. My basic manner has changed and I have more confidence."
Innovation Lincolnshire will continue to help the company identify viable customer sectors and deliver focused, innovative marketing to capture new clients.
Carl maintains that the company's new confidence and increased professionalism has resulted in a growth in web site design customers and more local businesses have shown interest in advertising on the portals.
