Smart web design for Cumbria. Mobile-friendly design, stress-free setup, and affordable packages to help your business grow

Check out my Starter Package, which provides everything needed for an effective web presence: a streamlined responsive impactful website that is readily indexable by major search engines, a domain name (e.g. a .co.uk or .com address) of your choice, and (if desired) a matching email address.

If you need something more complex, see my Standard and Enhanced packages. All packages are fully inclusive of all set-up costs — including hosting and a basic (e.g. .co.uk) domain name — meaning I handle all the technical stuff on your behalf, whilst ensuring there are no unexpected costs.

Feel free to book a no-obligation discovery call if you would like to discuss how I might be able to help.

I provide complete hassle-free packages to get your website up and running smoothly. No existing knowledge or experience is necessary. And I can be on hand throughout the year to update your site too.

My Starter Package includes 30-days of post-launch support (covering text only amendments), extendable to 12 months for a small fee, whilst my Standard and Enhanced packages offer a full-year of support that includes a monthly update allowance.

Having your site maintained and updated personally by myself ensures your site's clean code remains perfectly optimized and unbroken. Nonetheless, should you want to take ownship of the site yourself, I can provide 1-to-1 training for you to make small edits yourself.

For subsequent years, I offer Year 2+ support renewal packages, which include renewing your third-party web hosting and domain name subscriptions at the start of each year.

Note that the renewal packages exclude third-party supplier subscription costs, which are billed separately.

I can offer tailored 'website refresh' packages for those who have an existing website that needs updating, be that a change of domain name or hosting provider, updating the content, fixing broken page features or links, replacing images, or overhauling the site's design and structure. See the Standalone Services list for more details or contact me for a quotation.

No. WordPress is a convenient 'website builder' platform, but a bespoke hand-coded website (employing static HTML/CSS) will normally be a faster-loading and easier to maintain solution, whilst avoiding generic design templates.

I therefore prefer strongly to design websites from scratch, unemcumbered by the bloat and design limitations of WordPress and the like.

The potential security vulnerabilities of WordPress and similar platforms are also worth noting. Such platforms depend on server-side software, and typically include online login gateways for updating the site content, which malicious hackers routinely exploit.

See our FAQ What is a Content Management System (CMS) or 'website builder' platform and do I need one?

Yes. I use responsive design techniques that mean your website will display and function perfectly across all types of screens and devices, from desktop PCs to hand-held devices such as tablets and mobile phones. The same content is displayed but the layout adjusts to fit the size and orientation of the browser window or device screen.

Why not use this website to see for yourself? If you are using a mobile device, turn the device through 90 degrees (from portrait to landscape mode, or vice versa) and you will see the layout adapt. If using a PC or laptop screen, click and drag the browser window edge to adjust the width, from fully wide to as narrow as possible.

Your website will be built by hand. Nonetheless, AI is an extremely useful tool when used judiciously and in the correct circumstances, and there are a number of areas where I employ it.

First, AI is superb for developing and testing the code needed for novel website functions (such as bespoke menus, image galleries, or forms). As such, the speed of the process from concept to launch is greatly enhanced.

If we have agreed to collaborate on your website content, I may also employ AI in the initial stages of content research and creation. Because AI is known for inaccuracies and awkward stylistic flourishes, I never use it for final content, which is always professionally edited and proof-read.

Nonetheless, AI is useful for suggesting improvements to 'near-final' content, often prompting edits I make myself that make text more engaging and readable. It is also good at suggesting ways to optimise on-page content to improve a site's ranking in online search results.

If you are on a support package, all edits are handled by myself as part of your monthly support allowance. This ensures your website's clean code remains perfectly optimized and unbroken. You can simply email me your text adjustments (or similar) and I will execute them (normally within 48 hours).

If you are not on a support package or choose to self-manage your website after launch, I can undertake updates for an hourly fee, but I can also show you how to edit the raw code files yourself using any standard text editor. See my FAQ Once you have launched my website, can I update it myself?

Content Management Systems and website builder platforms are closely related, with subtle differences. In general, they are either not recommended or not well-suited to building robust and professional-looking websites for smaller businesses.

Both types of platform are underpinned by a 'server-side' software package, and page content is stored in online databases. This software uses scripts to create individual site pages 'dynamically' from the database(s) when visitors choose to access them.

True CMS platforms (such as WordPress) are ideally suited to sites that have many pages and very large volumes of information, making the site impossible to maintain if each page were to be added or updated manually. They are typically used for news or corporate websites, or 'blog-sites' where site is content is added-to weekly or daily.

For the DIYer, website builder platforms (such as Wix) are simpler to use, enabling you to choose a site template and adjust its design and layout at the same time as adding your content.

Whilst the advantages of these platforms are clear, there are also downsides. In the case of website builder platforms, great skill, your own domain name, and a premuim-tier subscription are typically required to produce a professional-looking site that is unencumbered by amateur-looking layout issues and platform branding.

Other downsides include the reliance of these platforms on server-side (mainly PHP-based) scripts and (in the case of WordPress) third-party plugins that provide additional page features that many business owners desire, which slow down the site and — most importantly — may contain vulnerabilities that malicious hackers can exploit.

In comparison, a professionally hand-coded 'static' site is faster loading and naturally secure, eliminating the need for bulky server-side software and associated vulnerabilities.

In addition, for small businesses, a hand-coded site will typically represent a more cost-effective and reliable investment, eliminating platform subscription fees and potentially reducing hosting and site maintenance costs.

Nonetheless, CMS platforms remain appropriate for some web projects. In those specific scenarios, we evaluate client requirements carefully and may recommend an appropriate CMS that is suitably robust and secure.

A 'domain name' is the address used to locate the web-server where your files are hosted (see below). Like a postal address, it is unique to your website, and you can choose a name that reflects your business (a bit like you might choose a house name, subject to availability).

For example, inthelakedistrict.co.uk is a fairly typical domain name, comprising two main parts: a short descriptive name (inthelakedistrict) followed by a generic domain extension (.co.uk). The full 'web address' (or 'URL') always starts with "https://www." (or similar) and thus will always look something like https://www.inthelakedistrict.co.uk).

Web hosting refers to the leasing of space on a web-server where your site's files are stored. A 'web host' or 'hosting provider' is a company that leases fast, reliable and secure storage space that allows your files can be accessed globally on the internet.

Your third-party hosting and domain name subscriptions for the first year are included in my packages. Thereafter, these need renewing annually, which I will manage if you choose to purchase a Year 2+ renewal package.

I can help with that. A new name can help potential clients find your site more easily, or your existing name might feel a little amatuerish (for example, it might contain platform or legacy-provider branding, such as wix or aol.com).

Purchasing and adding a new name to your site is usually straightforward and does not necessarily require you to change your hosting provider. I can help by researching available names and prices, and help to set-up the new name to 'point' to your existing site.

Owning a domain name (e.g. mybusiness.com) means you can choose to send and receive emails using that name (e.g. myname@ mybusiness.com). For businesses, this is considered the most professional approach.

You might for example feel your current email address is not business-friendly, perhaps because it is linked to a "legacy internet provider", such as jsmith@ aol.com or j.smith@ btinternet.com, or cluttered with numbers, such as jsmith6298@ hotmail.com.

I can help you add a business-friendly email using your domain name, and can help you manage your personal and business email separately (via separate email platforms) or using a single a platform (one you are familiar with) so all your communications are accessible in one place.

On rare occasions you may need to upgrade your hosting subscription to send and receive email using your domain name.

I can help with that. It is usually straightforward to arrange and may be possible through your current hosting provider for free. Otherwise it may require an additional hosting fee, either with the same host or using a different hosting service.

I can help by researching available hosts, and with setting-up the account. You can continue to use your preferred email platform (e.g. Gmail) or keep your personal and business email services separate.

If you already have a website, then, subject to an initial site appraisal, I may be able to offer you one of our Year 2+ renewal packages, or a bespoke package, to cover maintenance and management of your current site.

All plans include management of your web hosting and domain name subscription renewals, and include (package depending) a monthly or annual allowance covering code-level updates and text amendments.

In addition, if desired, I can research alternative web hosting providers and handle the transfer of your files and domain name (as appropriate), making the process of changing hosting and domain name provider seamless and stress free.

For the Starter Package, once we have agreed on your requirements, your website will be ready to launch ('go live' on the internet) within 10 to 15 working days of you providing the agreed text and images that constitute your page content.

Note that, for all packages, the lead-time depends heavily on how quickly we can reach agreement on the package and services you require, how quickly I receive your page content (text and images) or whether I am preparing this for you, and how quickly I receive your feedback during the design stage. Further, Standard and Enhanced packages will take longer to launch because of the additional page and site feature allowances.

Remember that it takes time for your page to be found by and listed on major search engines (e.g. Google). Enhanced Search Engine Set-Up includes manual submission of your site to Google and Bing is included as part of my Standard and Enhanced Packages, and this can be added to the Starter Package for a small fee.

Sites built with static HTML/CSS are lighter and faster because they don't rely on bulky 'behind the scenes' software platforms: each page is a single complete display-ready HTML file that is read directly by the user's internet browser and rendered on-screen almost instantly.

In contrast, CMS and website builder platforms rely on server-side software that must draw the page content from a server-side database and compile the page file 'dynamically' before the file can be read and rendered by the user's browser.

In addition to being 'code-heavy', CMS and website builder platforms require regular updating of the core software and any third-party 'plug-ins' to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities (see also this FAQ).

Further, these platforms provide visible links for page managers to login to their sites to edit the design, layout and content. These are a frequent target for hackers, who use 'brute force' attacks to guess user passwords and gain access.

Because static sites do not rely on third-party software/plug-ins and do not feature vulnerable login gateways, they eliminate associated bugs and security vulnerabilities that can lead to costly site downtime and recovery work.

I can provide a wide range of additional features for your website (including enquiry forms) that I hand-coded myself and therefore do not rely on vulnerable third-party plug-ins (see this FAQ).

I can also code your site to include seemless integration of numerous well-known third-party e-commerce, booking or payment platforms. This option is included in the Enhanced Package, and can be added to the Starter and Standard packages for a one-off fee.

If you are setting up the online shop, booking or payment service for the first time, I can help with that too, including researching available platforms, setting up your account, and providing you with training.

Note that third-party e-commerce, booking or payment platform providers may charge their own fees and these are payable directly by the client.

I provide a clear range of content services depending on how much help you need, from minor text editing to correct spelling or grammatical mistakes (free on all packages!) to fully bespoke content for every page of your site.

On-Page Content Support is included in my Standard Package. This covers editing the text and images you supply to correct grammatical errors, improve readability, and professionally resize, edit or rebalance your image files for the web.

Enhanced Content Support is included in my Enhanced Package. This provides hands-on, collaborative assistance to format, polish, and structure your text, headings, and imagery — ensuring your copy reads professionally and aligns perfectly with your site layout.

Fully Bespoke Content is available as an add-on for any package. I will research and write the copy for every page of your site based on your initial ideas, as well as source high-quality, licensed images. While I can source these graphics, I strongly advise using original images of your actual business. If needed, I can undertake basic on-site photography on your behalf (subject to your location), or may be able to recommend a local professional photographer who can achieve superior results.

Please note that unless we explicitly agree on a Fully Bespoke Content service, you will need to provide all your page text and images via digital upload before I can begin coding your site.

This could be the result of poor optimisation of your website content or something more fundamental.

First it is important to check the code of your webpage to ensure it is indexible by search engines and contains the minimum information they require. Optimising this information is then essential to achieve the best search engine rankings.

See our search engine optimisation service, below.

The Starter Package includes everything needed to ensure your page can be indexed successfully by major search engines.

My Standard and Enhanced Packages include higher-level SEO, including Google Search Console integration and manual submission of your sitemap to Google and Bing. The Enhanced Package further adds injection of local business JSON-LD schema and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) integration.

For existing websites, I can check your site for fundamental issues that might prevent search engines from accessing your pages (such as robots.txt file errors), optimise your code (including crucial page 'meta data') to support successful indexing, and create a sitemap file recognised by Google and Bing to ensure they crawl every page of your site.

Note that many businesses can benefit hugely from claiming and updating their Google Maps business listing, and linking this to their website. Doing this can result in your business appearing prominently in the separate list of business search results that appears at the top of the Google search results page when searching for a local service or similar.

Established businesses may also benefit from Google Analytics 4 (GA4) integration to track, measure, and analyse website traffic, visitor behaviour, and marketing performance.

The key steps and services I provide include:

• Checking and optimising your website code, including crucial 'meta data' needed to provide optimal search rankings.
• Checking the code of every file to verify there are no hidden errors that would prevent search engines from finding or indexing your site.
• Using dedicated industry tools to further tune your site's meta data, content layout, and structural flow.
• Adding a clean site-map that is readable by search engines to help them crawl and index every page.
• Verifying your site with Google Search Console and setting up Google Analytics 4 integration to track your indexing success, page impressions, clicks, keyword rankings, and visitor behavior.
• Adding local business JSON-LD schema, which tells Google's search bots your exact business name, location, and key details — this is critical for ranking in the prominent 'map box' results list that appears above Google's main search results when the search relates to local businesses or services.

Yes. Some care is always needed when doing this because you will need to edit the code directly, but I always provide basic tuition on how to do this easily without breaking the code.

To edit the files yourself, they need to be downloaded from the server using 'ftp' software. They can then be edited on your home computer using a simple text-editor, and re-uploaded (again via ftp) when done. This is best suited to simple text edits or image changes.

If you anticipate requiring more complex or semi-regular edits/updates, I recommend choosing one of our support packages. That way, all edits are handled by myself (up to an allowance determined by your package), ensuring your website's clean code remains perfectly optimized and unbroken.

If you require a complex site where pages need regular updating or new pages need to be added periodically, I might recommend use of an appropriately robust and secure content management system.

My Starter Package includes 30 days of basic post-launch support to ensure everything is running smoothly and to fix any teething problems at no extra cost.

For most businesses, my Standard Package will however present better value because it includes a full year of post-launch support, covering 2 hours of code-level content updates and text amendments per month.

My Enhanced Package similarly includes a full year of post-launch support, and adds a further 2 hours of design and layout modifications per month.

After your first year, you can continue to benefit from my support by purchasing a Year 2+ renewal package. These packages include my management of your web hosting and domain name renewals* at the start of each year.

Note that Starter Package clients can also extend their initial support to a full year by purchasing my Year 1 Support Extension, which covers up to 5 hours of content updates and text amendments across the remaining 11 months.

*Note that this excludes third-party supplier subscription renewal costs, which are billed separately.

I design the most secure websites possible. This is because I use static HTML/CSS to code your site, thereby eliminating bugs and vulnerabilities associated with server-side software that underpins common 'website builder' platforms (such as WordPress and Wix).

Such vulnerabilities arise from scripts within the software that generates pages 'dynamically' from content stored in online databases. In addition, they can exist within third-party plugins used to add website features that many businesses desire.

Note: all my packages include an SSL Certificate for your site, meaning your site will never be flagged as 'insecure' by a user's web browser, and any data sent to you by users (e.g. via contact forms) will be protected.

An SSL certificate is critical. If your site doesn't have an SSL certificate, modern browsers like Chrome and Microsoft Edge will display a prominent "Not Secure" warning next to your domain name, and will attempt to block visitors from accessing your site.

It is also hugely important for Google rankings. If two websites have similar content but only one has an SSL certificate, Google's algorithms will always prioritize the secure site over the insecure one. Further, having an SSL certificate is required for your site to appear in the prominent 'map box' results list that appears above Google's main search results when the search relates to local businesses or services.

Finally, an SSL certificate prevents contact form data theft. Without SSL, this data is sent over the open web in plain text, creating a major security and data privacy vulnerability under UK and EEA GDPR regulations.

I work on a fixed-fee basis, rather than an hourly rate, so you know the total cost from the start.

I always recommend choosing one of my packages, where the prices stated include all reasonably foreseeable costs*, provided your requirements do not call for premium hosting, domain name or email services.

The ideal package for most clients is my Standard Package because it is the lowest-priced package that includes a full year of support as well as further benefits of tailored design, additional pages, standard content support, standard search engine set-up, and additional site features.

The Enhanced Package is optimal if you require e-commerce, booking or payment platform integration, and offers further benefits of bespoke layouts and custom branding, which includes design of a bespoke logo.

Note that third-party e-commerce, booking and payment platforms have their own subscription costs and these are additional costs payable directly to the supplier by the client.

In addition, premium hosting, domain name or email services will incur extra cost. I will always be upfront where I anticipate extra costs and will always endeavour to suggest lower-cost alternatives.

After year 1, ongoing costs include annual renewal of your third-party subscriptions (e.g. your hosting and domain name). You may also wish to purchase one of my Year 2+ support renewal packages, which includes my management of your third-party subscription renewals at the start of each year.

Note that Year 2+ support renewal packages exclude any third-party subscription renewal costs. These are billed separately at-cost.

*Packages include third-party subscription costs relating to leasing of your hosting and domain name for the initial 12 months only.

For our Starter and Standard packages, I require a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total project fee to secure your project slot. The remaining 50% is due once you have approved the final design and before the site is launched.

Payment structures for standalone services and my Enhanced Package vary from the above: these depend on the nature of the service and the complexity of the work. I will discuss options with you at an initial meeting and confirm the proposed terms in writing.

The Starter Package Year 1 Support Extension and the Year 2+ renewal packages are payable in full. If you would like me to manage your third-party subscription renewals, you must purchase a Year 2+ renewal package at least 14 days before your current hosting and domain name subscriptions are due to expire.

No I am not registered for VAT.

Should you choose to self-manage and update your site there are a few costs to be mindful of:

Annual web hosting and domain name renewal costs (incurred through third-party suppliers) are the main recurring costs. Hosting costs are typically around £35 annually, depending on the service level required. Domain name renewal costs are typically £10 to £20 annually.

Note that third-party e-commerce, booking and payment platforms have their own subscription costs, which vary depending on the platform and service level that is required.

My Year 2+ support renewal packages (see our Pricing section) provide a straightforward way to keep your website secure, online and up-to-date.

These packages include my management of the renewal of your third-party hosting and domain name subscriptions at the start of each year, and technical support plus content updates (subject to a monthly allowance) for a further 12 months.

Note that any third-party subscription renewal costs (such as hosting and domain name renewal costs) are billed separately.

You do. I do not "lease" your site to you after launch. Rather, once launched, I consider the site (including all its files and code) to be your property, meaning there is no obligation to continue using my services.

Nonetheless, I am always delighted to continue supporting my customer's sites for as long as they wish. For this I offer a range of support packages appropriate to sites of differing complexity.

I established Websolutions@inthelakedistrict.co.uk in 2025 to provide prefessional website design and related services to the Cumbrian business community and further afield, with a focus on hand-coded sites built using static HTML/CSS.

My packages are designed to provide sole traders and small businesses with a professional web presence with the minimum fuss and avoid the high site design, development and ongoing maintenance/leasing charges associated with agencies.

I grew up in Lake District and have a deep connection to the area. After a long career in Higher Education — where I designed websites and marketing materials that had to meet the high-standards of the sector — I returned to Cumbria in 2025 with the goal of using my expertise to help local businesses.

I therefore focus on creating high-quality websites for sole traders and small business owners, but particularly those who want a professional solution that is cost-effective, reliable, naturally secure and lightening-quick.

My background, previous experience and current expertise means I offer a unique and personal perspective that offers complete solutions to local businesses combined with a deep understanding of the region and the complexities of the modern digital landscape.

I have been creating websites since the early days of the internet. I wrote my first commercial website in the late 1990s for a holiday cottage business in the Lake District.

I created websolutions@inthelakedistrict.co.uk after a long career in higher education, where — as an academic staff member and therefore active teacher and researcher — I also held various senior departmental roles, including marketing lead for student recruitment.

During this time, I lead extensive redesigns of many departmental and course websites, including hand-coding a novel PHP-based dynamic website (an early version of WordPress!) that enabled staff to manage content using a simple online dashboard.

My later experience included website design using commercial content management systems — as used by large organisations (and very similar to WordPress) — and collaboration with external marketing agencies.

I started Websolutions@inthelakedistrict.co.uk specifically to provide a fast and hassle-free website creation service to sole traders and small businesses in Cumbria and The Lake District.

I prefer to work with clients who are enthusiastic about their businesses and share my passion for the region and for cleanly coded websites that reject bloated 'website builder' software and generic templates.

I'm always delighted to support clients across a diverse range of sectors — including hospitality, tourism, retail, and trade — providing everything from streamlined one-page websites to comprehensive website overhauls and content support.

My full range of standalone services can be found above. If you would like to discuss the service you are looking for, I would be delighted if you got in touch.

Typically, I would first talk to a client face-to-face (usually by means of a virtual meeting) to get a feel for what's important to them. I then undertake research to get a sense of what works well for their particular type of business, and suggest possible designs.

For many websites I can start designing straight away using a standard in-house template. For others, I use customised or fully bespoke templates, and might start by designing example pages using a drawing package, before progressing to implementing the design in code.

I always seek client feedback on initial designs as part of my process.

I can provide design and content for 'traditional' print media. This includes typesetting and formatting services for all types of work, including marketing materials, business cards, newsletters, leaflets, banners, information boards, posters, custom maps, and signage.

I can provide the final design in different file formats to enable you to organise your own printing, or liaise with local or national print specialists on your behalf to ensure your items are produced to the highest quality and delivered quickly.

See my list of standalone services for more information.

Yes, see below.

Some hosting companies offer discounted (or free) hosting or domain name services to charities. This normally requires you to be a registered charity and be able to provide your charity number. We can help by researching available hosts and possible discounts.

I can also help you to set-up and add donation links to your website (e.g. via integration of a payment platform such as PayPal or Square).

I provide website design services across Cumbria, the Lake District, and can even cover areas of North Yorkshire and Lancashire.

I cover all areas of the Lake District, including Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, Hawkshead and Keswick. Outisde of the National Park, I provide services to clients in Carlisle, Penrith, Grange-over-Sands, Cockermouth, Ulverston and Kirkby Lonsdale.

My coverage also extends to West Coast, Eden Valley and into North Yorkshire and North Lancashire, taking in Whitehaven, Workington, Maryport, Barrow-in-Furness, Appleby, Carnforth, Morecambe and Lancaster.

Yes. I can partner with small businesses and sole traders anywhere in the UK. To do this, I arrange virtual consultations and deliver my website and other services remotely.

Yes. I frequently organize face-to-face meetings with local clients to understand what is important to your business.

For clients located in more distant Cumbrian locations or even further afield, I can arrange convenient virtual meetings using your preferred video conferencing platform.

In addition to meeting-up to get to know you and your business, I offer technical training sessions, either face-to-face or virtually, to ensure you are confident using and updating your website.

Feel free to book a no-obligation discovery call if you would like to discuss how I might be able to help.

I partner with businesses across a diverse range of sectors, from hospitality and tourism — including self-catering accommodations, hotels and tourist attractions — to retail and trades — including independent shops, restaurants, and all kinds of local sevices.

I particularly welcome work from sole traders of all kinds — whether musicians, plumbers, yoga teachers, bakers, driving instructors or dry-stone wallers, to name a few! — with my Starter Package being designed with this category in mind.

This work reflects a ten-year+ period as undergraduate recruitment lead and other roles, including undergraduate and postgraduate course directorships, at a large Russell Group university department. The work encompassed the management of student recruitment marketing and the design of key recruitment and internal course-related materials. This included writing, editing, art direction, and layout/design for prospective student course brochures and promotional newsletters.

In addition to responsibility for a full suite of recruitment materials, on occasion the work extended to overseeing complete overhauls of the departmental website and subsections thereof. This comprised the design of site structure, layout, and visual identity, whilst working within the institution's overall visual identity guidelines and utilising the institution's proprietary content management system.

Market research was undertaken regularly by surveying various feedback groups, and customer relationship management (CRM) software was implemented to track and support course applicants. Together, the work helped to increase course applicant numbers, and applicant conversion rates (from applicant to registered student) in particular increased from 12% to 40%.

Deliverables included:

• Course Brochures: Fully redesigned multi-page physical print course brochures.
• Student Handbooks: Comprehensive digital and print student handbooks.
• Outreach Newsletters: Annual physical print and digital outreach newsletters distributed to prospective applicant pipelines.
• Creative Content: Recruitment announcements, web content articles, university prospectus course profiles, and applicant landing page materials.
• Web Architecture: Restructured architectural layouts and user navigation paths for departmental websites.
• Event Marketing Materials: Physical banners and stands for university open days.