The new look for Blog Preston is in the running to see it crowned as the best website in the North of England.
Our site saw its first upgrade in nearly a decade in September, and we’re delighted to say we’re shortlisted in the Northern Digital Awards.
Undertaken in conjunction with Preston-based web agency 3ManFactory the fresh coat of paint for Blog Preston saw lots of new features added and a recognition of its position as a well-visited and trusted independent news and information source in the city.
Read more: Proud Preston Awards launches to celebrate the people and organisations making our city great
The Best Website category sees Blog Preston up for the award, which is announced in January alongside a host of other categories celebrating the best in Northern digital creativity at a ceremony in Manchester, up against Pharmacy 2U, Vivid Everywhere & Marketing Manchester’s Japan 2025 site and the Clicky & Archwood Group.
Founder and editor of Blog Preston, Ed Walker, said: “Making changes to a website that’s well used and well known is always a difficult process but we’re really pleased with how readers have responded to the new look and layout, and how it’s helping us to carve out a future for independent local journalism that is rooted right here in the city.
“It’s great to work with the talented team at 3ManFactory who are also Preston-based and we hope we can put the city on the Northern creative map when it comes to the awards in Manchester next year.”
The changes to the Blog Preston site saw readers involved alongside the editorial team – with a workshop held in the summer to get input and feedback from dozens of keen Blog Preston readers about the early-stage designs.
Co-editor Kate Rosindale said: “We began the new look for Blog Preston thanks to our readers and lots of people in the city who helped us bring our what’s on and events section to life with the crowdfunder in Spring last year and the new look which followed.
“Both we and readers really liked the new design of the what’s on section and so to bring that feel across the whole site has been fantastic to see and it’s great we’ll have a creative idea from proud Preston rubbing shoulders with plenty of big names.”
Director of 3ManFactory, Nathaniel Cassidy, said: “It’s fantastic to see our work with Blog Preston shortlisted for Best Website. Ed, Kate, Luke and the team were absolutely committed to putting readers first; better navigation, improved user experience, enhanced community features, and faster loading times.
“Over a decade after our Technical Director, James Duffell, led the original build, it’s been brilliant to continue our work with them on reimagining such a well-loved platform.
“Strong local journalism deserves to be protected and celebrated, and Blog Preston exemplifies this as the hub for everything happening in and around the city.”
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