Smart Energy GB Spotlight
Move to Umbraco
Smart Energy GB is the not-for-profit, government-backed campaign helping everyone in Britain understand the importance of smart meters and their benefits to people and the environment. Their national campaign is reaching homes and small businesses across England, Scotland and Wales. Smart Energy GB's digital presence is the key to ensuring everyone in Great Britain understands smart meters, the rollout and know how they can get one, including those in vulnerable circumstances.
The Challenge
Smart Energy GB (SEGB) came to ClerksWell with a task to find an open-source content management system that would replace their original CMS solution, which was over-engineered and too complicated for the campaign's needs. Smart Energy GB chose us as their digital partner to not only advise them on the best platform to use, but deliver the web and content migration too.
Alongside the need to migrate to a new CMS, SEGB required the enhancement of the website with the 3rd party accessibility and translation tool 'Recite Me', as well as WCAG compliance.
The Approach
We began working with Smart Energy GB to identify their requirements in order to best select a CMS that would fit their organisation. Umbraco 8 was chosen as an open-source, developer friendly and intuitive platform that allows developers and content editors to work harmoniously and flexibly.
We worked with SEGB to create UX designs to give them a visual representation of the layout of the web and how new features would slot in. The external creative and brand agency were able to work with us to develop the graphical elements of the website once the wireframes were in place.
Using Umbraco, we began the development of the new website with our expert team. We integrated 'Recite Me' to provide functionalities such as language translations, screen reading and colour contrast settings. Every step of the development process was directed by Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
The Impact
Smart Energy GB are now many steps closer to achieving their goal to spread the importance of smart meters to everyone in Britain. Their choice to implement the new accessibility features puts SEGB ahead of many not-for-profit organisations and ensures their digital message reaches those who need it most. The migration to Umbraco 8 also ensures their content management team are able to work more efficiently, updating content without unnecessary complexities.
The new fully functional website was deployed in line with Smart Energy GB's fundamental requirements and enhanced user experience. It reflects Smart Energy GB's digital objectives and cements our great relationship with them.
We have received further industry recognition for this project as ClerksWell have been shortlisted for 'Best Use of Digital by a Charity, NGO or NFP' by the Digital Impact Awards 2024 for our work with Smart Energy GB.
