Creating a scalable multi-brand website
cost savings
days to market launch
increase in child sites
Specialisms Utilised.
The Challenge.
Unipart, a multinational corporation approached us needing a flexible website to support multiple business divisions, each requiring distinct branding and functionality, while working within tight budget constraints and an urgent three-month deadline for the initial launch.
Custom WordPress Multisite development
We built a bespoke WordPress Multisite installation with a shared codebase. This strategic decision enabled standardised features across all sites while allowing for division-specific customisation. The shared architecture/framework significantly reduced development and maintenance costs while ensuring consistent security and performance.
Modular design system
We created a flexible design system with modular components, ensuring each division could maintain its unique content while leveraging shared design elements. This approach balanced brand individuality with development efficiency.
Role-based management
We implemented sophisticated role-based permissions, allowing specific teams to manage their sites independently within predefined guidelines. This was complemented by detailed documentation and SOPs for all features and functionalities.
Ongoing evolution
Our relationship with the client evolved into a long-term partnership, allowing us to continuously enhance the platform. This collaborative approach enabled us to scale the system from two initial child sites to eight over the course of seven years, while maintaining performance and user experience.
The Results.
Platform growth.
Successful expansion from 2 to 8 child sites over a seven-year period, all seamlessly integrated into the existing multisite structure.
Cost efficiency.
The shared codebase dramatically reduced development and maintenance costs, over £100k+ saved, with updates and new features deployed simultaneously across all sites.
Operational impact.
Reduction in the time and resources required for site management, allowing the client's teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than technical maintenance.
Brand consistency.
Maintained consistent user experience across all divisions while allowing for individual brand expression, strengthening overall brand impact.
Complete in just 3 months.
The project only took our team 3 months to design, build, and launch the initial multi-platform website, meeting an ambitious deadline.
The multisite WordPress platform designed and built by h2o creative has been essential for our business. It not only allowed us to maintain our unique divisional identities but also streamlined our digital operations. The team’s expertise, especially in developing a user-friendly CMS, ensured we could manage the platform internally with ease. This project has remained a cornerstone of our digital strategy for years.
Frank Nigriello
Director of Corporate Affairs, Unipart Group