Step Online (From York Press)

Step Online

10:39am Thursday 27th August 2009 in

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DAVID Casey’s York venture, Step Online, was the result of stepping out of trouble.

The former salesman who studied web design through further education at night school bought a business directory franchise, but became increasingly frustrated with the lack of support and investment from the franchisors.

And it was just as well that he decided instead to set up a website business at the York Eco Business Centre in Clifton Moor, because the firm that had sold him the directory franchise later went bust, while he boomed to the point where he is seeking the Small Business Of The Year title.

Last year David, below, changed the focus of the business on to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and employed people with the relevant skills.

He worked for plumbers, sound testing consultants, mobility aids specialists, beauty therapists and vehicle leasing firms, achieving positive results, then last summer also targeted website design, concentrating on the leisure industry among others.

This led to picking up clients such as Park Inn hotels in York, Doncaster and Brighton; the Radisson group in Brighton, as well as the Hilton, and Crowne Plaza, Glasgow and several local hotels, including the Knavesmire Manor.

David said: “The goal for Step Online is to keep delivering results, improving our range of services and to help other businesses achieve their success online.

“We have also introduced a free no obligation website assessment which we carry out and provide the business in question with a report of what is working and what may be hindering their website’s performance.”