In August 2006, Gloucestershire Head Teacher, Nigel Steele was working on his computer when he was inspired with an idea that is changing the way people search for information on the web.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 company that has been developing Quoakle during the last few years is based at Churcham, just west of Gloucester. The small family business trades under the name “Quoakle.com” but is registered as Community Pixels.net, 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 low-cost advertising.
It was a year ago this weekend that our team of young Quoaklites (friends of Quoakle) hit the Malvern Autumn Show. Travelling up from Gloucester and all wearing tee shirts sporting the brand new Quoakle logo, the group carried the official banner and received good attention from some of the thousands of visitors to the show.
Nigel and Mark sitting in front of the computer at Beauchamp House, Churcham, where the inspiration first came for Quoakle in mid-August 2006.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 by connecting quickly and easily with a large number of websites through one 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 etc. and also county by county. And so the Graphical Directory was born!
