Kidderminster based, The Community Housing Group took a conscious decision to involve their customers in development of their new website which was launched this week. Customers were involved from the very start of the process and then throughout the build to make sure it met their needs and expectations.

Group Chief Executive, Ray Brookes said: “We know that a large number of our customers access the internet from their mobile phone so it made sense to ask them what they like, what works well on a small screen and how we can improve their website experience.”

The new site makes use of colourful icons and a simplified menu so that customers can get the information they need quickly and easily.

“Customers helped us to design the pages so that they gave just the right amount of information to help them manage their tenancy or lease and a range of ways to communicate with us”, he explained. 

“I think it’s a nice and friendly website and I am so pleased that customers had a chance to get involved in the design”, said Joyce Hopkins, a customer representative.

The innovative approach to developing a customer centred website is the latest step on the company’s digital journey. Over the past year, they have worked in partnership with Heart of Worcestershire College to deliver free digital training courses for customers who wanted to improve their skills. To date, over 140 customers have taken part with a further 100+ booked on courses for 2018.

“You are never too old to learn,” said Joyce, “and it opens up a new world for you when you get online. We have heard from people who have been on the course that they can now can keep in touch with friends and family, even when they live on the other side of the world.”

You can view the new website at www.communityhg.com