Whitestone Media Launches Free Website Design Initiative
to Support Welsh Hospitality Businesses Under Pressure
Whitestone Media Group
This blog was written by our team
Whitestone Media Group, a Wales-based digital marketing and website design agency, has announced a new initiative offering free website design to independent restaurants, cafés, pubs and hospitality businesses across Wales.
The initiative has been launched in direct response to growing financial pressures facing the hospitality sector, including rising business rates, increased operating costs and a concerning number of recent closures. With many businesses struggling to adapt to these challenges, Whitestone Media Group is aiming to provide practical digital support that can help businesses attract new customers and remain viable.
Recent changes to business rates and relief schemes have placed additional strain on small hospitality businesses already operating on tight margins. Combined with rising energy costs, staffing challenges and reduced consumer spending, many local venues are facing difficult decisions about their future. Across Wales, rumours of closures and genuine uncertainty have become increasingly common within the sector.
Dayne Stone, Director of Whitestone Media Group, said: “We are seeing first hand how tough things are right now for restaurants and hospitality businesses. These are businesses that form the backbone of our communities, yet many do not have the time or budget to invest in their online presence even though that is exactly where customers are looking.”
Whitestone Media Group currently designs and manages websites for hundreds of local businesses across Wales, giving the team direct insight into how customer behaviour has shifted in recent years.
Why a website matters more than ever
- Customers search online first when deciding where to eat, drink or visit
- A professional website builds trust, showcases menus, pricing and reviews, and removes uncertainty
- Clear online information converts interest into bookings, visits and sales
- Search visibility helps level the playing field against national chains and delivery platforms
What the initiative includes
- A modern, mobile-friendly website tailored to their business
- Search engine-friendly structure to improve local visibility
- Menu, contact, booking and location integration
- Ongoing guidance to help businesses make the most of their site
