From virtual candles to online prayer groups, religion has adapted surprisingly quickly to the internet age. There are Cardinals who tweet and online discussion forums for different parishes. Since Churches and religions are often accused of being reactionary and behind the times, social media is one area where they are often ahead of the curve. Their commitment to online communication puts many small businesses to shame.


For this reason, we were happy to help create a new website for a local parish. They already had a website (yes, they are that commited to social media that this was a relaunch not a first launch!). However as the needs of the parish had changed,  the older congregation became more comfortable with the internet and website fashions changed, they decided they wanted a new site.

As a Church, a free site was an attractive proposition and they decided they did not need to purchase a domain name (opting instead to save precious funds for more important local initiatives). It was also important that it was simple to update.

After a few online discussions with the parish priest, we compiled a brief, decided on a colour scheme and built a shiny new site.

It's now live on the internet and the parish are getting to grips with uploading their bulletins, prayer schedules, reader rotas and events timetable.

CE Contracts, a company that services the cavity wall insulation industry, has just launched its new website, created by McShane Media.

With the focus on environmental sustainability, green energy solutions are becoming increasingly important. CE Contracts was established to provide essential services to the cavity wall insulation industry. An industry that is committed to making homes more energy efficient, saving on bills and saving the planet.

As CE Contracts services have grown to include technical surveys, pre and post-installations surveys, repairs and machine hire, their website hadn't grown accordingly. McShane Media spent some time with the company director to gain a full understanding of all the different aspects of the business.

The resulting website had a new design, new content and a number of additional sections and pages. As well as providing all the content, McShane Media sourced photographs, established email addresses and provided information sheets for future use.

CE Contracts are extremely happy that their website now conveys their professionalism and the comprehensive support they provide to the cavity wall insulation industry. McShane Media is proud to have been able to assist CE Contracts in better conveying their business, and in providing support to an enterprise devoted to creating environmentally sustainable solutions to homes across the country.

'Charity begins at home'. Well, we at McShane Media have always struggled slightly with that statement. Partly because we support and have worked with charities doing fantastic work overseas. And, partly, because our personal charity involvement is usually shaped by our community.

Currently we're supporting a local residents' association by building and updating their website. Could we build a website? Check! Could it have a calendar? Check! Could it display the latest minutes from their meetings? Check! Could it even manage their elections online? Check again!

With over nine billion internet users worldwide, it's important for voluntary and charitable organisations to harness social media to spread their aims, and keep supporters informed.

The residents' association is delighted with their new website and we're pleased we could help.