Keith Sorrell is the owner of the Top Website Studio in Pontefract, United Kingdom. Top Website Studio will build a mobile-first website, an e-commerce webstore and a blog, all for free for 12 lucky good causes or small charities.
FMM: Share your background and your social enterprise computer recycling program.
After teaching computer maintenance for 10 years in colleges, I started one of the first social enterprise computer recycling schemes, where I ran one of the best apprenticeship programmes in Yorkshire. 90% of my apprentices went on to work for a major brand in computing. I also hosted visits from all over the world to show other social enterprises the right way to run a computer recycling business. I controlled 3 retail and repair outlets, provided volunteer training opportunities to get unemployed people a work and a reference. All the profits went to a local charity who ran a community & sports centre for the area.
FMM: What led you to offer 12 “Good Causes” for free?
People don’t buy newspapers for the adverts, they buy them for the story, so why not BE the story. So every year I asked for applications from good causes and chose 12 to receive refurbished computer systems free of charge.
I wrote the stories and took photos and sent them to the local newspaper. These are human interest stories so they most always made the paper. Very often the newspaper would send a cameraman and a reporter. This was better than advertising and it was helping people along the way.
In the main retail shop at Airedale Computers in Yorkshire UK there is a “wall of fame” with hundreds of photos of people we helped in this way.
The nominations started December 1st and will run until the 31st. Keith will then choose the 12 best candidates in the first week of January 2022 based on the feel-good factor. i.e. What would the general public like to see more of?
FMM: Why are small businesses coming to Top Website Studio today?
My own website design agency is helping small businesses, tradespeople and small charities, social enterprises and other good causes to get their own digital real estate with a website, a webstore and a blog for a one off low price that has no on-going fees. This saves them paying out every month.
FMM: Who is eligible for a nomination for 12 “Good Causes?”
This offer is for anyone running any type of small business whose main concern is charitable or social, or just a “Good Cause” – no matter how small. One of my favorites was a Hedgehog Rescue Centre. Apply by email to support@topwebsitestudio.com
FMM: What will they win?
I will create for them a website, a webstore AND a blog free of charge, plus I will also help with domain name, logo design and marketing, all for free.
FMM: How does your approach to building an online store differ from others?
It is a 3-in-1 business offer consisting of a ready made, mobile first, Website, Webstore and a Blog. These sites are mobile-first and cloud based for speed, simplicity and security. Hosting for life is included.
THE WEBSITE: A simple site to tell the world about your business. You’ll need to provide some content but I can help with that. It is built and optimised for mobile devices which is where over 60% of all online searches are now done. This is a set it up once and leave it website. You don’t need to do anything else with it, but it’s yours and you can edit it however you wish. You also have the option of adding multiple pages. I can also help supply you with a domain name or you can use your own if you have one.
THE WEBSTORE: A simple e-commerce shop attached to your website where you can sell your physical or digital goods. If you don’t have any products, I can help with that too. I can then set up your first few products and show you how to add more.
THE BLOG: People don’t buy newspapers to read the adverts, they buy them to read the stories, so BE the story. Write about what happens in your business, the latest trends, how you are managing your supply chains, about your team, etc and add pictures along the way. This gets your message out there fast. A blog is also the way to capture all of the Alexa/Siri/Voice search traffic because smart devices read blogs so when you ask a question they read them out. This section of the market is increasing rapidly.
FMM: Why does giving back mean so much to you? What is your mission for 12 “Good Causes?”
I have been lucky in that I have fallen from one adventure to another as far as jobs go, I never had a career plan and just went where the opportunities led me. I had a few interesting jobs in my youth including casino manager on board luxury cruise ships. I sailed all over the world and had many adventures. For a while I taught waterskiing on the Caribean island of Grenada. I owned a business and went bankrupt and started all over again. I ended up back in college and earned a teaching qualification. The one thing that I enjoyed most was helping people and the 12 good causes is just the best feeling.
FMM: Do you believe in paying it forward?
Oh yes! Giving help to to those in need and helping them climb, gives them self-esteem and that helps them help others.
