October certainly kept us on our toes! The clocks went back, half term arrived, the Autumn Budget gave business owners plenty to think about, and Halloween brought its usual tricks and treats. Meanwhile, website security was back in the spotlight with the latest PHP2Shell updates.
At b4b, we've been busy doing what we do best. Three new websites went live, a fresh case study joined our portfolio, we welcomed a new face to the social team, and our cameras were out capturing some exciting projects.
Here's everything we launched, learned and celebrated in the October Roundup. 👇
Website Launches
Kriva Financial Services
Buying a first home, remortgaging or putting the right protection in place are big decisions, and the advice around them can feel anything but straightforward. Kriva Financial Services, a team of local advisers based in Bristol, built its approach on the opposite: clear guidance, honest answers and no unnecessary jargon. The new website, built by our very own Joey, carries that same spirit. It guides visitors through mortgages for first-time buyers, home movers, landlords and self-employed buyers, alongside life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection, and it keeps a free consultation never far from reach.
ATT Building Company
Joey was also behind our next launch, which swaps mortgages for mortar. ATT Building Company is a family-run business founded in 1983 and based in North Dorset, specialising in new builds, renovations and conversions, from listed buildings to barns. Much of their work comes by referral, so their website has a simple job: to reflect the quality of what they build. Joey's design leads with the work itself, with a gallery, detailed case studies and testimonials, and a quote request never more than a click away.
Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Club
From barns to bowling rinks, our final launch of the month couldn't have been more different, and this one was built by Matt. A website doesn't need to sell a product to do important work, and for Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Club, it acts as the front door: somewhere members feel at home and newcomers can quickly see what the club is about. We're delighted with how it turned out, and we hope it brings a few more people through the real doors, too.
Client Focus
New Case Study: Saxton Scaffolding
Regular readers may remember Saxton Scaffolding from last month's roundup. This month, the full story went live. A family-run firm with more than 20 years' experience across Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex, Saxton had a reputation on site that its old website wasn't reflecting. Our new site, in Saxton's bold purple and yellow, puts credentials and reviews front and centre, and a promotional film shot on a live job brings the team to life. The relationship has since grown into ongoing SEO and PPC, and it all began with a recommendation from an existing client. Read the full case study here.
New Client: Sport & Style
A warm welcome to Sport & Style, an independent outlet bringing major sports and high street fashion brands to shoppers at outlet prices. With more than 40 brands, a stock selection that changes constantly and stores in Bournemouth, Poole, Salisbury and Exeter, shopping there is part bargain hunt, part brand spotting. We're looking forward to helping them reach even more shoppers across all four stores.
Media
Filming with Steve, Steve and Kerry
Our media team spent a day behind the camera with Steve, Steve and Kerry, filming a set of videos that put their range and services front and centre. Samples, design, made-to-measure furniture and a wide range of showroom displays all featured, with one clear message running through them: you can achieve a high-end look without breaking the bank.
More Filming for Pennyfarthing Homes
Our regular shoots for Pennyfarthing Homes continued this month, creating fresh organic social content across their developments. We film the homes, the sites and the team, then head out to explore the surrounding towns, so potential buyers get a real feel for the lifestyle each location offers. It's all about varied, relevant content that keeps their channels current and engaging.
Outlaw House Launch Party
Following the photography work we shared last month, it was a pleasure to be part of the celebrations as Outlaw House held its launch party. There's something rather satisfying about watching a brand you've helped present to the world finally open its doors, and we felt honoured to be included in the occasion.
And there's more on the way. We're keeping the details under wraps for now, but November has some exciting projects lined up, so watch this space.
Fresh Content
PHP2Shell: What the PHP Security Flaws Mean for Your Website
On the 21st of October, the PHP team released emergency fixes for two critical vulnerabilities nicknamed PHP2Shell, and the National Cyber Security Centre urged organisations to act straight away. PHP quietly powers a large share of the web, WordPress included, so it's well worth knowing which version your own site runs and who is responsible for keeping it updated. Matt, our Senior Website & AI Project Manager, explains what happened, what to check now and why a supported, well-maintained website leaves you in a far stronger position when news like this breaks. Read the full article.
How to Plan Your Website's Structure and Navigation
Abbie, our Software Account Manager, takes on a frustration we've all felt: hunting for opening times on a site whose menu offers 14 near-identical options. Her guide walks through planning your structure in five steps, from listing every page you need to testing your navigation before anything is built, and it explains why starting with your customers' words rather than your internal jargon makes such a difference. Read the full guide here.
Workiversaries
Emily (1 Year)
It's been a year since Emily joined our social media team, and she has made planning and scheduling content for our clients look easy, which anyone who has tried it knows is a skill in itself. Good social media rewards a keen eye for what will land with an audience and the discipline to deliver it on time, every time, and Emily brings both. Happy workiversary, Emily!
Miranda (1 Year)
Twelve months on, Miranda has settled into her role as Senior Account Manager so well that it's hard to remember a time before her. The best compliment an account manager can earn is a client who feels understood, and Miranda's focus on getting more from every marketing budget keeps the work pointed at the goals that matter. Happy workiversary, Miranda!
Holly Emptage (New Starter)
Not every milestone this month was an anniversary. We're also delighted to welcome Holly to the team as our new Social Specialist. She arrives with experience from the BBC and agency life, a head full of fresh ideas and a serious love of all things social media. Holly always has one eye on what's next, which at the moment means exploring the world of AI video production. Outside work, you'll find her at the gym, on seaside walks with her gorgeous blue Staffy, Roo, or unwinding at the Saltwater Sauna. Welcome, Holly, we're so glad you're here.
Curious who else makes up the b4b crew? Our team page has all the faces and roles in one place.
October brought three new websites, a case study we're proud of, a security alert worth acting on and a new face on the social team. If we've been part of your story this year too, we'd love to hear about it:
Thinking about what your business needs as we head towards the new year? Perhaps your website's structure could do with a tidy, your website support needs a second look after PHP2Shell, or a video shoot deserves a spot in the diary. Whatever it is, we're happy to talk it through. Give us a call on 01202 684400 or send a message through our contact form to get started.
See all of you in November!
