Our Commitment to Digital Inclusion
At our core, we believe the internet should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re proud to announce our partnership with Ally, a comprehensive WordPress accessibility tool that we’re now implementing across all our clients’ websites at no additional cost.
Understanding Web Accessibility
Web accessibility ensures people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with websites effectively. This includes individuals with:
- Visual impairments
- Colour blindness
- Motor disabilities
- Hearing impairments
- Cognitive disabilities
- Situational limitations
In the UK, approximately 14.6 million people live with a disability. When websites aren’t accessible, a significant portion of our population faces unnecessary barriers to information, services, and opportunities.
Legal Requirements for UK Websites
UK organisations have legal obligations regarding web accessibility. The Equality Act 2010 requires service providers to make “reasonable adjustments” for people with disabilities, which extends to website accessibility.
Public sector bodies must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards under the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
For private sector businesses, the legal landscape is evolving. While not explicitly regulated to the same degree as public bodies, private organisations still face potential legal risks. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) can investigate complaints and take enforcement action against non-compliant websites.
Local councils can indeed penalise websites for limited or no accessibility. According to research by AbilityNet, failure to comply can result in enforcement notices, court action, and fines. Research by the Business Disability Forum shows that inaccessible websites cost UK businesses an estimated £17.1 billion annually in lost revenue.
Introducing Ally: Comprehensive Accessibility Solution
Our partnership with Ally brings enterprise-level accessibility tools to businesses of all sizes. Ally continuously scans websites, identifying and correcting accessibility issues in real-time.
Key features include:
- Automated accessibility testing
- Manual remediation recommendations
- Keyboard navigation improvements
- Screen reader compatibility enhancements
- Colour contrast adjustments
- Alternative text implementation
- Form field labelling
Supporting Small Businesses with Compliance
Small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to address accessibility concerns effectively. By including Ally with all our website packages, we’re removing this barrier and ensuring small businesses can:
- Meet legal requirements
- Expand their customer base
- Enhance brand reputation
- Improve overall user experience
- Reduce potential liability
Our Implementation Process
For all new clients, Ally is implemented as standard practice during the website development process, regardless of whether you choose a templated monthly site or a bespoke project.
For existing clients, we’re conducting accessibility audits and implementing Ally as part of our commitment to ongoing support and maintenance.
Beyond Compliance: The Benefits of Accessible Design
While legal compliance is important, we view accessibility as more than just a box to tick. Accessible websites typically experience:
- Improved search engine rankings
- Faster loading times
- Better user engagement
- Reduced bounce rates
- Higher conversion rates
Research by Click-Away Pound found that 70% of UK consumers with access needs will click away from inaccessible websites, representing a spending power of £24.8 billion. By investing in accessibility, businesses not only do the right thing but also gain access to this substantial market.
Getting Started with Accessibility
Whether you’re an existing client or considering working with us, here’s how we can help improve your website’s accessibility:
- Comprehensive accessibility audit
- Implementation of Ally accessibility tools
- Staff training on maintaining accessible content
- Regular compliance monitoring and updates
Conclusion
Our partnership with Ally represents our commitment to creating a more inclusive digital landscape for UK businesses and their customers. By removing barriers to web accessibility, we’re helping businesses comply with regulations, reach wider audiences, and ultimately, create better user experiences for everyone.
For more information about our accessibility initiatives or to schedule an accessibility audit for your website, please contact our team today.
This blog post was last updated on 24 March 2025 and reflects current UK accessibility regulations and best practices.