Comment - News Magazine of Highland Perthshire - January 2005
OVER THE PAST twelve months there has been a revolution in many small to medium businesses' computers in Highland Perthshire. Silverfoil Computers Ltd, piloted by Marius Bezuidenhout and Angela Drummond, has introduced a regime for its clients to ensure not only that their computers run smoothly, but that their networks and applications operate in a stable and hassle-free manner.

The business has grown considerably and, as a consequence, new opportunities have been identified. These have led to a radical restructuring of the operation which was implemented at the start of the new year.

One of the outcomes is that John Hardie, of Glencoe Systems based in Aberfeldy, has taken over Silverfoil Computers Ltd. He holds a degree in Computer Science, an MCDBA qualification and has worked in various computer-based and installation projects over the past 15 years including the oil industry (Elf petroleum), the whisky industry (Chivas Brothers), manufacturing (PCC Valves) and government (Argyll and Bute Council and Falkland Islands Government).

John told Comment: "It is great now to bring my computer experience in these sectors to bear upon the smaller businesses and organisations locally. I am looking forward very much to working with the many businesses in Highland Perthshire."

In a further development Marius and Angela have teamed up with James Rattray of Explore Scotland Ltd. He brings his marketing and web experience to Marius's programming, technical and web talents into a new company Explore Scotland Design, which is part of James' Explore Scotland Ltd.

The new operation has been set up specifically to design web sites which encourage businesses to take control of their own web content employing a simple-to-use updating system. James Rattray said: "I have built and managed my own web site for the past five years, receiving some 3 million hits a year. I have realised that the only way forward for business web sites was for them to integrate their day-to-day business operation with their web site." He maintained: "It is no longer good enough to have a static web site. Now, and in the future, whether they are commercial or not, sites must be continually updated to reflect the current state of play in an organisation. Those web sites that do not do this will increasingly be left behind."

Marius and Angela will be working in South Africa with James Rattray being the 'man on the ground' in Scotland whom customers will contact face-to-face. Marius told Comment: "By teaming up with James we are now offering good, affordable web design solutions for the small commercial and professional enterprises and local organisations. The bonus for present and future clients is the simple and cost effective method of controlling and updating their own web site and contents. In addition, James brings his not inconsiderable marketing skills to all the businesses with which we deal"

The Explore Scotland business formula is currently being deployed by Marius and Angela in South Africa. This, in turn, will add extra value to the whole organisation, making it a truly international business in every sense of the word.

For more information
Computer/network support - contact John Hardie 01887 820197
Web design solutions - contact James Rattray 01796 473335 or james@explorescotland.net