(1888PressRelease)
May 13, 2006 - The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has chosen Sift to redevelop, build and host the launch of its new corporate website.
RTPI has over 19,000 members focused on advancing the science and art of town planning for the benefit of the public - giving everyone the opportunity to better shape the spaces in which we live and work. The new site, which goes live in the summer of 2006, will be powered by Sift’s well-established CMS (content management system) and online community platform, Sift Unity.
The new website will equip RTPI with the ability to deliver improved access to a wealth of information to the public, RTPI members, students and other planning professionals across the UK. Through a series of consultative planning workshops, Sift is working with RTPI to define a more user-centric site that fulfils the goals of all its various stakeholder groups. This includes a revised information architecture and content structure to enable users to navigate their journey through the site more intuitively.
Using the Sift Unity platform, RTPI will not only benefit from a highly functional web content management system, but also an integrated suite of online community tools. Members will be able to access regional areas for local events, information and to network with other members. The site will also contain topical, collaborative networks to which both members and non-members can subscribe on subjects ranging from urban design to sustainable development.
Kelvin McDonald, Director of Policy & Research at RTPI, says:
"RTPI is the voice for planning in the UK and we are committed to delivering high quality information on all aspects of our profession to a complex set of stakeholders. Embracing change is vital for planners who regularly deal with new legislation, reducing regulation and technological advancements such as online planning and community involvement techniques.
"As a result, the public and our members look to the Institute to give them advice, support and guidance on the latest issues. Evolving our website is critical to RTPI being able to communicate more effectively as an organisation and a vital channel for us to consult with members on a range of issues. Ultimately we want to encourage members to further participate in the Institute's development. Sift was able to demonstrate that they have both the CMS software and the consultancy experience to help us achieve this."
Helen Trim, Sales & Marketing Director at Sift, comments:
“The RTPI is a most respected and innovative brand in the planning profession with strong relationships with its members. It is an independent and impartial voice on planning and works directly with the community, through Planning Aid, to ensure their interests are represented in the development of living and working environments. The new site will be the first port of call for planning information and advice in the UK."
- ENDS -
Darren Falkingham
Marketing Manager
darren.falkingham ( @ ) sift dot com
Sift, 100 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6HZ, United Kingdom
tel: +44 (0) 117 915 9609
Andrew Kliman
Communications Manager, Royal Town Planning Institute
andrew.kliman ( @ ) rtpi dot org dot uk
41 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DL
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7929 9479
EDITOR’S NOTES
About Sift
Sift provides online engagement solutions to clients in the publishing, public and not-for-profit sectors. Supported by the Sift Seminar Series, we help to keep our clients at the forefront of the latest online engagement techniques.
Sift’s clients include Centaur Holdings, Institute of Physics Publishing, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, British Mensa Ltd, The Kennel Club, National Federation of Retail Newsagents, British Council, The Countryside Agency, European Commission, NHS, Scottish Executive, Bristol City Council, Northumberland County Council and York City Council.
Sift is a successful company recently recognised by Deloitte & Touche, the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 and New Media Age as one the fastest growing companies in the UK.
About the Royal Town Planning Institute
The RTPI exists to advance the science and art of town planning for the benefit of the public.
The RTPI is a membership organisation, and a registered charity. Nearly two thirds work as planning officers for local councils. Others work for central government, for property developers and other organisations with significant landholdings, as consultants or as teachers and researchers in universities.
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