Creating Cohesive Platforms for Complex Businesses

Project Overview

Barrow Group approached us in the post-COVID era facing a digital challenge that many growing companies encounter. As a business operating both property management and construction services, they required a comprehensive digital strategy that could effectively serve two distinct audiences whilst maintaining their unified brand identity.

The complexity of their situation went beyond simple web design. They needed a platform that could grow with their business needs, accommodate regular content updates, and provide cost-effective maintenance over time. Most critically, they needed a system that would keep their stakeholders informed with the latest property vacancies and company developments without requiring constant technical intervention.

The Challenge

Barrow Group's existing digital presence wasn't keeping pace with their post-COVID business evolution. The specific challenges we needed to address included:

• Dual-audience navigation: Creating distinct spaces for Properties and Construction clients whilst maintaining brand cohesion
• Content management complexity: Establishing systems for regular updates to vacancy schedules and company profiles
• Technical maintenance costs: Finding a platform solution that wouldn't require expensive ongoing technical support
• Loading performance: Ensuring fast, reliable access to information for time-sensitive property inquiries
• Future scalability: Building foundations for advanced CMS functionality as their property portfolio grows

Our Solution

Strategic Digital Foundation

We began by developing a comprehensive digital strategy that addressed both immediate needs and long-term growth objectives. Rather than treating this as a simple website project, we approached it as a digital transformation that would support their business operations for years to come.

The strategy centred on creating a unified digital presence that could effectively serve both arms of their business without creating confusion or diluting their brand message. We recognised that property and construction clients have different information needs and browsing behaviours, requiring thoughtful architectural planning.

Technical Platform Selection

Our technical approach focused on Webflow as the foundation platform, chosen specifically for its balance of flexibility, ease of use, and maintenance efficiency. We selected Webflow because it aligned perfectly with Barrow's need for regular content updates without ongoing technical overhead.

The Webflow platform allows their team to make quick content changes, update vacancy schedules, and refresh company information without requiring technical expertise or expensive maintenance contracts. We also implemented a Webflow site plan to ensure optimal loading speeds, which is crucial for property enquiries where users expect immediate access to current information.

Unified Architecture with Distinct Spaces

We designed the website architecture to provide each division—Properties and Construction—with dedicated areas that reflect their unique value propositions whilst reinforcing the overall Barrow Group brand. This approach ensures visitors can quickly find relevant information without being overwhelmed by content that doesn't apply to their specific needs.

The navigation structure guides users naturally to their area of interest whilst showcasing the breadth of Barrow's capabilities. This strategic organisation helps establish credibility with both property clients and construction prospects.

Key Features and Technical Implementation

Content Management System

We established ongoing systems that ensure Barrow's website remains current and valuable to stakeholders. Our approach includes regular updates to vacancy schedules, ensuring potential tenants and investors always access the latest availability information. Company profile updates keep the site fresh and maintain accuracy for stakeholders who rely on current business information.

Performance Optimisation

The Webflow site plan we implemented ensures fast loading times across all devices, which is particularly important for mobile users researching properties or construction services on the go. Fast loading speeds also contribute to better search engine visibility, helping Barrow reach more potential clients.

Future-Ready Development

We're currently developing plans to implement a comprehensive CMS system that will revolutionise how Barrow manages their property listings. This enhancement will allow them to add and remove vacancies in real-time as they become available, providing immediate updates to their website without waiting for manual updates.

Results and Impact

The new website successfully serves both Properties and Construction divisions while maintaining brand consistency and professional presentation. The Webflow platform has proven its value through easy content management and minimal maintenance costs, exactly as planned.

Our ongoing partnership ensures Barrow's digital presence stays current and effective. The foundation we've built positions them for continued growth, with technical infrastructure that can scale alongside their business expansion.

The strategic approach has created a digital presence that truly serves their business needs—from immediate property enquiries to long-term construction project development. Most importantly, the system works efficiently for their team, allowing them to focus on their core business whilst maintaining a professional digital presence.

Looking Forward

Our plans for the comprehensive CMS system represent the next evolution in Barrow's digital strategy. This development will provide real-time property management capabilities, allowing them to respond immediately to market changes and maintain a competitive advantage in the fast-moving property sector.

This ongoing partnership demonstrates how strategic digital planning creates lasting value, providing immediate benefits whilst establishing foundations for future growth and efficiency. The Barrow Group website will continue evolving alongside their business, supporting their success in both property management and construction services.