Tim Spencer is available for website creation and development.
UK based and specialising in the creation of modern open-source standards-compliant
websites, powerful web applications can be created to suit your needs.
About me
I offer expertise in
XHTML,
CSS,
Javascript,
AJAX,
PHP and
MySQL databases,
and have the ability to call upon associates
working in both graphic design and technical areas. Together, we can deliver the website or web application
you need.
I make extensive use of open-source software and specialise in the MODx
content management system and framework. This provides a user friendly interface so that clients can edit
their site's content without the need for technical expertise.
Web development services for designers
Most of my work is indirectly contracted through agencies or graphic designers. If you have a project to
build then I can take your designs and specifications and turn them into a powerful and efficient website or web application.
Website design and build - the full service
If you are a business or organisation wishing to have a presence on the web, or possibly you just wish
to update an old and tired existing website, I can provide the full design and build service.
I can call upon associates working in graphic design who will work with you to find the best solution
for your organisation and I will carry out both the project management and the technical side of things.
You website will include a Content Management System (CMS) which in a user-friendly way
enables you to make regular changes yourself. As such, I do not use methods that lock you in to paying
someone for making regular updates - it will all be under your control.
Enquiries can be made by emailing
webdesign@timspencerweb.co.uk or filling in
the contact form.
Reach your audience...
I construct sites for everyone to see!
Many websites are written with scant regard for the variety of web browsers currently used, for people on slow internet connections,
for the variety of monitor sizes now available or for the variation in sightedness in the population.
Aside from the denial of information to large parts of the population this is not a good business model.
Instead, I use modern techniques and 'web standards', ensuring compatibility with the latest and, just as importantly, future
web browsers. This ensures the client will reach more of their potential customers.
Accessible to all...
Partially sighted users should be able to adjust the text size easily. Colours should be chosen
for clarity and be suitable for colour blind users. Content will be written with consideration of
screen readers for the visually-impaired. As screen readers are like search engines in that they like
textual content (as opposed to features such as Flash) this also means that your site will be regarded
well by search engines such as Google - and how well Google indexes your site will influence the
number of visitors you have.
Bells and whistles...
Many browsers have 'extra' bells and whistles - which when used appropriately
can be a good thing. I will however ensure that user's with older or simpler browsers
can still access your site. Similarly, screen readers for the visually impaired and
search engines will still be able to read your content.
Maintainable by you...
Clients should not have to pay a web developer by the hour to update their site just because a few words need to change.
I build sites using a Content Management System so that sites can be updated easily and without technical know-how.
Hosting
I provide temporary hosting during the development of your website which you will be able to access to see 'work in progress'.
For permanent hosting, I recommend that most clients go direct to the hosting company used here
(my only connection is as a satisfied customer!)
Signing up involves filling in an online form with your personal details and payment details, and then waiting
for your account details to arrive by email.
The cost of hosting does vary with the amount of traffic your site generates, the features offered (up to date providers
should offer PHP 5 and MySQL 5) and the level of support offered. For a small business the cost should be in tens of pounds per year,
rather than hundreds - on the other hand if you find yourself having to upgrade in the future to more expensive packages
it will be certainly due to increased revenue far offseting the cost of your site!
Domains
You will also need to register the 'address' or domain of your site e.g. myacewebsite.co.uk.
You can do this via a number of companies - again I am happy to recommend to clients the company used here,
or we can register it on your behalf. In the latter case I will ensure that ownership lies with you, the client.
Typical registration costs of domains are £3 per year for domains ending in .uk,
and £9 per year for domains such as .com, .net or .org.
Technical info
The geeky bit...
For the technically minded, our sites use
XHTML,
CSS,
Javascript,
AJAX,
PHP and
MySQL.
Current web-standards are strictly adhered to. Sites are designed to be backwards-compatible with older browsers and to 'degrade gracefully'.
Content Management Systems can be built using MODx
Testing testing testing...
Your site will be viewable by all commonly used browsers, not just the latest versions of Internet Explorer!
I check sites in Firefox, Opera, Safari and Internet Explorers 6 and 7 as a minimum.
I check all for the effects of monitor resolution or size, as well as changes in font size.
Maps
If you are a fellow developer in search of info on using Ordnance Survey (Great Britain)
grid references, possibly with Google Maps, go here.
MODx Search
If you are looking for my (basic) search snippet for MODx look here.
Most of my work involves building sites to designs specified by agencies or graphic designers.
Here is a selection of subcontracts I have completed to give an idea of the wide range of features I can build in to your site.
-
Hakuba TV is based in Japan. This site features a multi-language content management system
and leverages the multimedia power of modern browsers to bring the excitement of the snow slopes
to the user's screen.
-
Golana of Switzerland's website shows the ability to incorporate Flash (supplied by the designer) within
a content manageable system, and unlike many Flash based sites is fully accessible
to screen readers, search engines and browsers that do not have Flash support.
-
Nowthen - West Yorkshire's historical archive is an example of a site featuring
a vast amount of content and illustrates how this can be efficiently handled.
Users can search for content, browse collections or view content via interactive maps.
-
Zentek Solutions required an efficient web based reporting system
to complent their esafe package for schools. In partnership with
Blackbelt PHP we delivered a comprehensive solution.
-
Culturemap's website shows the power of using the jQuery Javascript library
to provide a rich user experience. Even with the heavy use of Javascript
animations, the site is still accessible to search engines.
Portfolio item: Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team
The website of Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team features content relating to the activities
of the team. As well as articles on subjects such as training, equipment and history it includes a
database of all the team's callouts since its inception in 1965.
New incidents can be added to the database by the team via a
CMS or content management system.
Members of the public can access the incident list by year or by searching for key words within
the location and description.
Portfolio item: Nutclough Images - Photography
This is Tim's other website featuring landscape photography of the wild areas of Britain.
The site features a custom-built shopping cart specifically designed for photography.
Customers can browse the galleries and select images in a selection of sizes,
optionally mounted or framed, as well as greetings cards.
Portfolio item: Samantha Peare Embroidered Textiles
Samantha Peare produces handmade embroideries. Her website is laid out clearly to show
the types of products she makes and the ethos behind her work.
A shopping cart is included; sales have been made both via this and as a result of people
using the site to contact Samantha about commisions.
