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Executive Report : Sites made simple

Abnix Solutions offers an easier way for hirers to create and maintain an efficient presence on the Internet. EHN finds out more.

Given the ever-increasing popularity of internet search engines amongst consumers seeking information about products and services, any hire company that does not have a professional and up-to-date web site stands to miss out on substantial business opportunities and new customers.

A deterrent for many companies, however, is the typical cost of web development. This was the experience of Surrey Hire & Sales Ltd, an independent with a main branch in Epsom and a recently opened depot in Twickenham, Middlesex. “Two years ago, we wanted to significantly improve our existing web site,” says Director Marc Prince. “Like many other independents, we had a very basic presence with a home page and a price list, but we could not afford the sort of sophisticated sites that larger companies had.

“However, it occurred to me that most hirers’ requirements are very similar, and if I developed a basic package that was easily adaptable and which could be customised, I could offer it as a straightforward, budget product.” Starting with his own hire operation, Marc soon had a site designed that was simple but informative, and he eventually launched a separate business, Abnix Solutions, to promote it to other hirers. Its official unveiling was at the Executive Hire Show last February and it aroused considerable interest.

Abnix can build new sites for customers or set up links to an existing one. The package comprises several pages designed with corporate logos and colours in a choice of layouts, giving essential information. Besides the home page, these include details of the company and its history, contact details, and a section for downloads such as catalogues and safety instructions. Perhaps the most important section is the list of equipment and prices displayed for visitors to consult, which is designed for rapid configuration and updating by the hirer’s own staff, saving time and costs.
“When creating the price list initially, users can choose items that match their fleet from a pre-populated list, and they will be added, together with a digital image, as soon as the operator clicks on them. If a product they offer is not on our main list, we will contact the manufacturer and obtain the appropriate information and a picture so we can add it. Later, items no longer offered can be removed just as quickly. The system is meant to be simple for anyone to use.”

The basic package includes site set-up and access to an administration area so that it can be updated in future by the user. This typically takes two to three days. If hirers do not have the time or manpower to compile the list of products in their fleet, two other packages are available whereby Abnix will add up to 200 items, or more than that figure, respectively for the client. On top of a start-up cost, an annual licence fee is charged to help finance future development of the product.

“If the site generates just one hire a month, it will have paid for itself,” says Marc Prince. “At Surrey Hire & Sales, we find it a tremendous asset, referring to it for equipment details like dimensions, noise levels and weight. We refer telephone enquirers to it so they can make a ‘virtual visit’ to the depot. Some hirers have a negative attitude to the web, but they are ignoring a massive opportunity. The key to the Abnix package is that it is designed by hirers who understand the industry.”

Clients include independents across England and Wales. Abnix is working on additional features that could be incorporated, such as pre-populated selections of videos showing equipment at work, safety leaflets and the ability to transact business on-line. Marc Prince believes that “the flexibility of the web is so great that the possibilities are almost endless.” •

01276 453105
www.abnixsolutions.com