John McDonald - sugarloaf and goinque

“Over the last 12 years Ian has helped us develop 2 very sophisticated and complex websites for our partnership’s businesses. These were the key components in the overall success of these companies, both of which have now been sold at a premium. Both are consumer products distribution companies that were driven by the user community.

While both entities were very successful, one of them in 10 years, grew from a 6 figure investment on our part to, being acquired by a private investment group in the very high 8 figures.

One of these was a US based company and the other UK based.

Ian is currently working with me to develop a new venture that is a completely web based service and our initial response to the product which is now in beta testing has been extremely positive.

Over the course of my time I have worked or tried to work with a number of software developers and consultants and Ian is the only one that I have been able to communicate with in a back and forth manner that results in not only the finished product I had envisioned but one that is actually much better.

I would describe him as more of a Business and Technology Consultant that can also write code as opposed to a programmer. While he is a world class programmer the ability to understand what we are trying to do and help enhance the product is both invaluable and hard to find.

I would be happy to provide more information, please just ask Ian.”

John F McDonald

Florida USA

 

Jill Pryor - docrafts.co.uk

“I initially started working with Ian when our company was in the embryonic stages of establishing a consumer based craft site, over 7 years ago. The main objective of the site was to provide online inspiration and drive consumer sales through our nationwide trade customer stores.

Ian was outstanding at interpreting the initial brief and created a web based solution which achieved every aim and objective. He was very accurate when predicting time lines for each stage of development which was essential for me when managing a budget and marketing deadlines. His astute mind could clearly identify potential issues and provide solutions to overcome them.

As part of the brief, Ian also created an e-marketing system, which was extremely effective, quick and easy to manage in-house. Over 250,000 emails were successfully sent out 2 or 3 times a week.

He also designed a be-spoke social chat forum, taking on the identity of our main site creating a unique, coherent and functional place for our members to communicate. Ian ultimately provided an invaluable marketing tool on all levels which took on an unprecedented amount of consumer traffic in the form of page hits, sign ups and other online activity.

Ian’s response to our day to day questions and on-going support was excellent - he has exceptional communication skills and responds effectively to the needs of the client. He has a clear understanding of programming, marketing and business requirements from both a consumer and trade perspective. I felt fully confident every step of the way during the development process and go-live. Ian is very reliable, hard working and I cannot recommend his services highly enough.”

 

Clara Jackson - fraser james partnership

“I'm not sure the title 'I.T. Consultant' really does Ian justice.

We asked Ian to take a look at our website, and consider as a marketing tool, how well it works. His feedback was extensive to say the least.

He produced an in depth report which highlighted a number of areas requiring attention. Following this initial meeting and his analysis, with Ian's help we have worked towards improving the content of our website, making it more 'readable' to Google, and he has given us ideas regarding how to keep our website up to date, to ensure it continues to rank well within Google.

Ian’s role for us, was to assess our website as a client might, by searching for us and checking our content (and other tech-y bits I don't understand) and was honest about his opinions of it. He checked our links and contact forms, to work out how we responded to clients - all things we should do ourselves, but invariably don't.

Simply, Ian brought our attention back to our website, and how, if we use it properly, it can be an invaluable marketing tool.”

 

Fraser Brydon - fraser james partnership

"There’s nothing worse than someone who is helpful, articulate, educated and a joy to have as a business associate!"

"I really appreciate your input today and your time, I do sincerely hope we can build on our discussions."

 

John Constable - Equity Release Central

“I have indicated that Ian's top attributes are 'expert', good value' and 'high integrity'.

This reflects the fact that Ian is very, very good at particularly, the more difficult and arcane parts of systems integration.

I have also found that he pursues the clients objectives relentlessly until project completion and provides outstanding support.

Finally, Ian provides good value for money and can be totally trusted.”

 

Phil Griffin - Design Objectives

“He worked closely with the management team to identify opportunities to better support the strategic direction of the business as well as finding efficiency savings.

Ian has worked extensively helping us build our website into a powerful commercial tool for the business.

My experience is that many developers are able to build attractive sites with good functionality, however Ian has taken us to a whole new level.

I very much enjoy working with Ian and have no hesitation in recommending him and his services to others.”

 

Steve Nunn - docrafts

"Ian’s expertise had proved invaluable in first developing the strategy, then designing and implementing the solution and finally maintaining our award-winning website technologies at a level far and above those of our competitors, not just in our market place.

Indeed, though the website was subsequently copied by competitors in the very basic form, Ian’s expertise in this field meant that it was always in front of everyone else’s sites, and was constantly evolving.

Furthermore, any problems that arose were ironed out immediately – vital when dealing with such heavy traffic from both the consumer and retailer.

In short, Ian Burton is a real expert in his field with a talent that marks him out from others. I have no hesitation in recommending him to others."

 

Andrew Mason - Mason Dryden Murray

"Problem-solving is critical in the current changing market, and finding people that deliver problem solving quickly and effectively is highly sought after.

Several times now I have used Ian to bounce ideas and resolve issues that impact on my daily businesses and he's never let me down.

Change process is inevitable and as our technological world develops around us, Ian has helped me develop how we look at customers, how our online structure impacts our cores services and more.

Thanks Ian, no problem recommending you."

 

Andrew Calder - Border Web Works

"I approached Ian for assistance when I was struggling with a web development issue.

After spending a few hours with Ian talking over the situation and going through some examples I was able to move forward with my project with ease.

Ian's experience and knowledge proved invaluable and I wouldn't hesitate consulting with Ian or involving him in a more active role where appropriate at any point in the future”