Richard Gentle

Posted by Chris de Saram (Promoter Wakefield Jazz, Chair NorVol Jazz, Board Member Wakefield Sports Club, Ex-trustee YLMP), Wakefield Jazz

Written testimonial:
Richard was recommended to me when the Jazz Club needed to refurbish our website and bring it up-to-date with regard to Social Media and our Archiving of gig images. He has done this in a conscientious way, not only responding to all aspects of the brief we give him but in a proactive way suggesting improvements himself. As a result of the "success" of our site we have been asked about our webmaster, or I have recommended him, to all three other organisations with which I am associated (see above). The requirements of the organisations have been diverse so not all their needs have had obvious solutions that Richard could "plug into". In all cases he has sought solutions by research and generally arrived at results which have satisfied the customer. His greatest strength is his rapid acknowledgement of requests for action and, almost as frequently, rapid achievement of the actions sought. He is praised for this promptness of response by all those who have employed him. His fees and requests for expenses are very reasonable - in one case a competitor for a job withdrew saying he could not fulfill the brief for the budget offered (Richard did).

Wakefield Sports Club

http://www.wakefieldsportsclub.org

The client requested a website that could show a calendar of events for five different sections of the club that also had their own independent websites. The original website was made using WordPress and I suggested keeping this for the new site. Initially, the site was rebuilt on an existing web host area as a sub-domain of the Wakefield Hockey Club. However, this proved problematic in separating the new identity from the Hockey site and I purchased a new domain name on behalf of the club, together with separate web hosting. This permitted better SEO and analytics. I continue to maintain and develop the website for the client, liaising with the main Wakefield Sports Club and its five sections.

skills used: Wordpress, Graphic Design, Editing, Consultancy, PHP, SEO, Security, Database, Photoshop, Other

Wakefield Jazz Club

http://www.wakefieldjazz.org

I initially worked in a voluntary capacity to provide a continued web presence for the club. A few years later, the club requested a re-branding and employed an agent to design its paper-based brochure. I then received a new brief to recreate the website in the style of the brochure. About three times a year, I receive a new list of gigs with web links to images. I then design a new 'bands' page, set out the text, edit images, and add ticket purchase links. On a weekly basis, I maintain the website by ensuring that the next gig is shown at the top of the listings and previous gigs are moved to a lower position. At the end of each full programme, the bands' page is converted to an archive page. In addition to this activity, I also maintain a mobile access page for mobile devices.

skills used: Consultancy, Dreamweaver, Graphics, Html, JavaScript, Photoshop, SEO, Web Design, Branding, Editing

NorVol Jazz

http://www.norvoljazz.org

NorVol Jazz (Northern Voluntary Jazz Promoters' Network) was commissioned to replace Jazz Yorkshire, who's funding ended at the end of 2013. After meeting with the client, a site was requested which would allow up to 100 northern jazz clubs to add gig information to a joint calendar of events. I decided to use WordPress for its flexibility, ease of use, and many available 'plugins'.

skills used: Wordpress, Security, SEO, Management, Graphic Design, Marketing, Database, PHP, Public Relations, Usability

Yorkshire Live Music Project

http://www.ylmp.co.uk

I designed the YLMP website based on a basic brief from the owner. As with all of my website work, we liaised via email and a test site was displayed online so that both parties could view design elements and feedback on progress. Once the basic site was signed off, it went live for public access. This site is continually maintained by me and a programme of events runs throughout the year. Work involves adding content, designing graphics, editing images, proof-reading content, on-going development as required by client.

skills used: Graphic Design, SEO, Photography, Web Design, Consultancy, Dreamweaver, Editing

Stafford Hall

http://www.staffordhall.com

The client requested help in establishing a website that he could make changes to himself. The first request from the client was to design a new site banner that included a working clock as part of his existing logo. This involved me with research and experimentation until I was able to successfully produce the required outcome. The client also requested a magnifier for his watch images and I was asked to source an appropriate program. The client was already familiar with basic HTML coding and after fulfilling his design brief, I provided some lessons using Dreamweaver. The client has continued to maintain the site by using my original template and design.

skills used: Graphic Design, Flash, Consultancy, Dreamweaver, Logo Design, Photoshop, Software Testing, Training, Proofreading, Usability

Roger King

http://www.rogerking.info

Roger requested an information site where he could advertise his various events. We discussed requirements and produced a site accordingly. I maintain the site as required and add events sent via email. I also proof-read content and occasionally help with wording.

skills used: Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Html, Graphic Design, JavaScript, Proofreading, Usability, Web Design, Video

Cromwell Wood Estate Company Ltd

http://www.cromwellwood.org

The client requested a website that reflected his activity locally and overseas. Due to the client's workload, this site is still under development.

skills used: Graphic Design, Consultancy, Dreamweaver, Proofreading, Html