In August 2006, Gloucestershire Head Teacher, Nigel Steele was working on his computer when he was inspired with an idea that has been changing the way people search for information on the web.
Quoakle – the graphical directory started with the idea that an imaged-based presentation of information – organised simply on one screen page – could be a new and exciting way of searching for information. Colourful logos and images could be used to connect consumers, quickly and easily, with a large number of local websites, just through the simple click of the mouse.
The initial ideas were developed around the setting up of a gardening directory providing links to a wide range of gardening businesses in one county – Gloucestershire. Very quickly it was realised that these ideas could be developed across a diverse selection of topics such as restaurants, pets, weddings … and also county by county. And so the graphical directory was born!
Two other projects the Quoakle team have been working on since the launch of Quoakle.com are the Days Out UK directory, Great Days Out UK and the Eat Unique. restaurant directories.
The company that has been developing Quoakle during the last three years is based at Churcham, just west of Gloucester. The small family business is called Community Pixels, a name that aims to reflect the community ethos of the company, which wants to give all local businesses an opportunity to get known through affordable advertising. Also, the company has a clear commitment to give a percentage of its income to worthwhile community projects, including supporting the relief of poverty in the third world.
A Vision for helping Small Businesses
As a member of FSB, the Federation of Small Businesses, Quoakle particularly wants to help other small businesses through website promotion and internet marketing.
[The Federation of Small Businesses is a community that recognises, values and adequately rewards the endeavours of those who are self-employed and small business owners within the UK. Formed in 1974, it now has 200,000 members across 33 regions and 194 branches.]