Stafford Web Project

Helping Stafford's businesses and local charities get online with free website design and website development services.

Funded by:
DACCAA Logo
A picture of an iPhone with the Elements Fitness & Wellbeing website on it.

How it works

There are three simple steps.

Fill in the form

Fill in the form below with details about your business and you.

We pick a project

We review all applications and pick a business or charity every three months.

We build the website

We will get in touch with the business or charity and build their new website.

We proudly serve Stafford while also supporting Penkridge, Hixon, Seighford, and other surrounding villages.

FAQs

We have compiled a list of the most common questions. If we have missed anything, feel free to reach out to us.

Is the Stafford Web Project truly free?

Yes, we do not charge for the design or development of the website. Our bespoke designs are provided entirely free of charge.

However, in order for a website to be publicly accessible online, it must be hosted on a web server and typically requires a domain name—both of which incur costs.

DACCAA offers a maintenance plan that includes hosting and domain name services for a fee of £22 per month (with a discount available for charities). Based on our observations, similar hosting services from other providers often cost around £50 per month.

By accepting a free website from DACCAA, you agree to enter into a one-year contract for DACCAA's Maintenance Plan.

What areas do you cover?
Our services are available to businesses and charities located in or near Stafford. While we do not strictly enforce geographical limits, eligibility is based on reasonable proximity to Stafford. Nearby villages such as Hixon and Seighford would qualify, but businesses located significantly farther away may not be eligible.
Who is eligible for a free website?
To qualify for a free website under the Stafford Web Project, you must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Be a small business that would typically find the cost of a professionally designed website (£500-£1,000) prohibitive.
  • Be a newly established business that is either not yet operating or has been operating for no more than six months.
  • Be a local charity that is not part of a larger chain of charities.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, and we reserve the right to assess each application individually.
Who owns the website once it is created?

DACCAA retains full ownership rights to the website until the completion of your one-year maintenance contract. Upon completion of the contract, full rights to the website will be transferred to you. You are free to move your website elsewhere at that point, although we hope you choose to continue benefiting from our services.

Can I move my website to a different provider?

Yes, once your one-year maintenance contract has ended, you are free to migrate your website to another provider. Subject to our internal availability, we may offer assistance with the transfer at no additional cost for up to one hour. You will be responsible for securing alternative hosting and domain services independently.

What happens after the one-year contract ends?

Upon the conclusion of your one-year maintenance contract, we will contact you regarding renewal at the same or a similar competitive rate. If you choose not to renew, your plan will automatically transition to our non-contracted plan, which is currently priced at £29 per month. The non-contracted plan allows you the flexibility to cancel at any time.

What is included in the maintenance plan?

Our maintenance plan includes:

  • Any hosting costs
  • Domain registration and renewal costs
  • CDN (Content Delivery Network) services
  • Security updates
  • Website monitoring
  • Basic technical support
  • Up to one hour of website modifications per month

The included one hour of modifications does not roll over to the next month if unused.

Are there any additional costs?

No additional costs are incurred beyond the £22 per month maintenance fee. If you request services that fall outside the scope of the plan, any potential charges will be clearly communicated in advance, and you will not receive unexpected invoices.

Can I request changes to my website after it's built?

Yes, you may request modifications to your website after it has been completed. Minor text changes are typically free of charge, while more substantial modifications are billed at a rate of £20 per hour (with a minimum charge of one hour and billing rounded down to the nearest half-hour). Your maintenance plan includes one hour of free modifications per month, which does not roll over. This is usually sufficient for most clients—so far, none of our clients have required additional paid modifications beyond their allocated free hour.

Will my website work on mobile devices?

Yes, all websites we build are fully responsive and optimised for both desktop and mobile devices. With over 55% of global web traffic coming from mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience across all screen sizes is a key priority in our design process.

How long does it take to build my website?

The timeline for website completion depends on the complexity of your requirements. We generally advise allowing up to two months for the development process. However, in some cases, websites have been successfully completed in under a week.

What if I no longer need my website?

If you no longer require your website, you can inform us at any time, and we will cease hosting services accordingly. While you are contractually committed to the maintenance plan, we understand that circumstances may change. If you need to cancel due to business closure or financial hardship, we are willing to accommodate an early termination without an exit fee. However, the maintenance fee allows us to continue offering the Stafford Web Project to others, so we encourage clients to honour the agreement where possible.

Do you offer email services with the website?

We offer three email options:

  • Forwarded Emails — Emails sent to your domain are forwarded to an existing email address of your choice.
  • Basic Email Accounts — Simple email hosting for sending and receiving emails using your domain.
  • Third-Party Email Setup — We assist in setting up Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 Business for professional email hosting.

By default, we do not set up email services unless specifically requested. If you later decide you need email functionality, let us know, and we will assist in setting it up at no additional cost. If your business relies heavily on email communication, we strongly recommend Google Workspace for its reliability and features. While we do not charge for assisting with Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 setup, these providers will charge you directly for their services.

How can a website help my business?
A website can significantly enhance your business by providing a professional online presence, allowing you to reach a wider audience, increase visibility, and improve customer engagement. It serves as a platform to promote your products or services, communicate with potential customers, and build brand credibility.
Can I request specific features (e.g., booking systems, contact forms, a shop, or galleries)?
We can provide galleries upon request, and a contact form is included as part of our service unless specified otherwise. For a bespoke booking system or shop, please contact DACCAA directly, as this falls outside the scope of the Stafford Web Project. However, we can integrate third-party booking widgets at no extra cost, provided they are compatible with your website.
Can I use my own domain name?
Yes, you are welcome to transfer your domain name to us, and we will cover the transfer costs. The domain name is not locked and can be transferred out at any point. Alternatively, you may choose to maintain your own domain name and point it to us. However, please note that we do not recommend this option, and the maintenance fee will remain unchanged regardless of your domain choice.
Do I need to provide content for my website?
We strongly encourage you to provide your own content to ensure that the website accurately reflects your business and goals. However, if you are unable to provide content, we can create content we believe is appropriate for your business. In some cases, we may use AI-generated content if we are not familiar with your industry. We always recommend you provide your own content where possible.
Do you provide logo design or branding services?
We offer basic image editing services and can source stock images to enhance your website. If you require a professional logo design, we collaborate with two industry professionals whom we can refer you to for such services.
Who is providing these services and/or funding it?
These services are provided by DACCAA Ltd, a registered company in England and Wales (Company Number: 14639674). We aim to collaborate with partners, primarily seeking funding opportunities from local councils or businesses looking to contribute. For partnership inquiries, please contact us via email at [email protected]. Additionally, if you are a council located outside of Stafford and are interested in starting a similar web project in your area, please feel free to get in touch with us.

Application Form

By submitting this application, you are expressing interest in participating in the Stafford Web Project. Please note that submission does not guarantee selection or participation. All applications will be reviewed based on specific eligibility criteria, and selection is at the sole discretion of the programme administrators. We reserve the right to assess and determine which applicants will be offered participation based on the availability of resources and alignment with project goals.

You must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be a small business that finds the cost of a professional website prohibitive.
  • Be a newly established business operating for no more than six months.
  • Be a local charity not part of a larger chain of charities.