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A screenshot of a web browser showing a parish council website address.

Understanding Domain Names, Emails, and Websites: A Simple Guide for Parish Clerks

As a parish clerk, you may find yourself responsible for managing the parish website or ensuring you have the right tools to communicate efficiently. One of the key areas that often causes confusion is understanding the difference between a domain name, website and email, and how these elements work together. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it … Continue reading Understanding Domain Names, Emails, and Websites: A Simple Guide for Parish Clerks

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A screenshot of a web browser showing a parish council website address.

What Councils Should Publish on their Website

Understanding Transparency Publishing Requirements for Parish & Town Councils Local governance transparency is paramount. For parish and town councils in England, adherence to the Transparency Code 2015 and the Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities ensures that councils operate openly, allowing all members of the community to stay informed and engaged. These codes lay out specific … Continue reading What Councils Should Publish on their Website

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Things to consider when planning a new website for your parish or town council

As a parish clerk, you understand the importance of fostering a welcoming and inclusive community whilst ensuring the council meets its legal and regulatory requirements. This extends to the council’s online presence, too. A new website built with accessibility in mind not only adheres to legal requirements but also opens your parish to a wider … Continue reading Things to consider when planning a new website for your parish or town council

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A screenshot of a web browser showing a parish council website address.

WCAG2.2AA and the changes to website accessibility compliance for parish & town councils

Changes in Website Accessibility for Parish & Town Councils from October 2024: WCAG 2.1AA to 2.2AA – we explain what it all means.

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someone holding a mobile phone showing a council website open in the screen with a laptop in the background with the admin panel for that page open

Website accessibility tips for parish & town councils

Here’s our key aspects in making sure that you present the content on your parish or town council’s website in an accessible and compliant format.

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How to get a .gov.uk domain

A step-by-step guide to .gov.uk domains – the benefits and how to get one for your council

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Comparing Accounting Software for councils

Comparing Top Council Accounting Software: Rialtas, EdgeIT, Easy PC Accounts and Scribe

At Aubergine, where we specialise in building compliant websites for parish & town councils councils, and in my role as a councillor at Eaton Bray Parish Council in my private life, I’ve gained a dual perspective on the challenges and needs of local councils. This unique combination of experiences has provided me with a deep … Continue reading Comparing Top Council Accounting Software: Rialtas, EdgeIT, Easy PC Accounts and Scribe

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Be an effective council online presentation slides webinar 1 of 3

Be an Effective Council Online Webinar Series: Website Accessibility Compliance and .gov.uk domains

Webinar no.1 of 3: Website Accessibility Compliance for councils and .gov.uk domains 26th September, 2023, 12pm In this first webinar in a series of three, council sector experts, Mark Tomkins, David Hall of Cloudy IT and Dan Purchese from Breakthrough Communications discuss how councils can be more effective online by making sure they meet the … Continue reading Be an Effective Council Online Webinar Series: Website Accessibility Compliance and .gov.uk domains

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Essex Association of Local Councils AGM presentation

Slides from Mark Tomkins’ presentation at the EALC AGM ‘A 5 minute Masterclass in Website Accessibility for Councils’ on 21st September 2023

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Website Accessibility for Parish & Town Councils webinar (ERNLLCA)

Notes from the recent presentation for parish & town councils on best practice website accessibility and the .gov.uk domain options for councils

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eBay Business Roadshow – UK tour

Our founder, Mark Tomkins, presents ‘How to Boost Your Online Visibility’ for eBay and Small Business Britain as part of the UK-wide tour

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Bekki Tomkins with the SME Greater London Enterprise Award 2022 for the Most Creative Femail-Owned Web Design Company 2022 gold badge

Winners of the SME News Awards:
Most Creative Female-Owned Web Design Company 2022

We’re thrilled to announce we’ve won the SME News Greater London Enterprise Award 2022 for Most Creative Female-Owned Web Design Company 2022

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A simple illustration in blue and yellow showing a PC screen with a fictitious web page. Floating around the screen are icon drawings that represent users with loss of hearing, sight, physical disabilities, speech and motor controls

How to Make Your Website More Accessible

Our top 25 tips to help you make your website more accessible to people with disabilities. Tips 1-10.

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A simple illustration in blue and yellow showing a PC screen with a fictitious web page. Floating around the screen are icon drawings that represent users with loss of hearing, sight, physical disabilities, speech and motor controls

More Website Accessibility Tips

Website accessibility tips tips 11-20. Some of the more common website accessibility errors and how to correct them and improve the experience for those with disabilities and that use assistive technology

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A simple illustration in blue and yellow showing a PC screen with a fictitious web page. Floating around the screen are icon drawings that represent users with loss of hearing, sight, physical disabilities, speech and motor controls

Top 5 Website Accessibility Tips

In this last post in the series of ‘How to make your website more accessible’ we highlight the 5 most common website accessibility problems and provide tips to avoid them. Tips 21-25.

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A blind person using a laptop-with screen reader and headphones

How to write an Accessibility Statement

What is an accessibility statement and how do I write one? Here’s our top tips to getting your website on the right path to accessibility.

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How Google changes rank small business websites

The way Google measures and ranks small business websites has changed.. In this webinar for Small Business Britain and BT, Mark shares his experience and knowledge with small business owners to improve their online visibility

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Big Google Changes that affect your website: Small Business Britain & Lloyds webinar

Mark Tomkins, founder and creative director of Aubergine and with over 30 years in the web sector shares his insights into how changes to the way Google rank a website and measure it according to its Core Web Vitals principles. Presentation held for Small Business Britain & Lloyds Bank Academy on 29th September 2022. Big … Continue reading Big Google Changes that affect your website: Small Business Britain & Lloyds webinar

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Small & Mighty Enterprise Programme: Getting your website found on Google

Mark’s presentation slides from Week 2 session of the Small & mighty Enterprise mentoring programme.

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