Have computer, can live and work in Perth shire, Scotland, or the Cape, South Africa

12 November  2007

One of the intriguing aspects to discovering the who, why and what of a country's computing, now that the Internet and the Web can hide physical locations in a wonderful virtuality of any country scenery, is trying to untangle some website  'about us' information.

Take Explore Scotland for instance.  Its news (dated on January 2005) reads" "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,  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 grew considerably and, as a consequence, new opportunities have been identified. These have led to a radical restructuring of the operation which was implemented.

Silverfoil Computers
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 said "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.

Explore Scotland
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 http://www.explorescotlanddesign.co.uk/portfolio/index.htm 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." 

Recent Websites (November 2007) that  have been created are The Green Park Hotel, Bolfracks Organic Estate and the Pitlochry Partnership.

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."

Founders 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 said: "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.”

The saga becomes slightly confused by the emergence of Calinet (in whom Silverfoil is a partner).  Calinet is a leading Internet services company in one of the fastest growing industries also drawing its strength from experience in delivering Internet solutions. Last year, it claims, "we provided services to more hotels across Scotland than any other company operating in our industry."

In addition Calinet Ltd, Scotland’s leading hotel and tourism Internet services company has  today (sometime in 2006) completed a £250,000 acquisition of Scotland’s popular and fully independent hotel review   website,HotelReviewScotland.com. The deal, rolled out over 18 months to ensure a seamless integration of the two companies, was officially completed in November 2006.

Explore South Africa

But Explore Scotland certainly went to South Africa. Exploresouthafrica.net was started in 2005 by Marius Bezuidenhout and Angela Drummond. The business model, which originates in Scotland - and is hugely successful there, was created by James Rattray of Explore Scotland.

Having been living in Scotland for 4 years, Marius saw the potential in the websites that James and his company were creating, and made plans to take the business model to South Africa.

One of Explore South Africa 's main aims is to provide an accurate and honest look at travel in South Africa, and more specifically, the Western Cape; primarily via this website. This site provides you with all the essential information you need to plan your trip, and stay busy while you are here; as well as teaching you a b
it more about this wonderful country.

Our company policy is to produce detailed visitor information on different areas of South Africa in an easy to use format, with images, information and maps.

Websites: http://www.silverfoil.co.uk/
http://www.explorescotlanddesign.co.uk/news/index.htm
http://corporate.calinet.co.uk/partners.asp
http://hotelreviewscotland.com/
http://www.exploresouthafrica.net/about/index.htm