DIY limitations
The site was basic, functional and served its original purpose, but it didn’t reflect the professionalism of Empower’s training.
Empower’s digital upgrade
From DIY beginnings to a professional booking platform
I would highly recommend the team at Akoca. I am delighted with my new website it is precisely what I wanted - inviting, clear & user friendly. Jordan & Elle were patient and through answering my queries and ensuring that we achieved exactly what I asked for.
Liz Maughn
Founder, Empower Mental Health Training
Project overview
Empower Mental Health Training & Consultancy
Empower, founded by Liz Maughn, equips businesses across Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds with workplace wellbeing and mental health first aid training. Their sessions give leaders and teams the confidence to address sensitive issues and build healthier, more resilient workplaces.
Like many business owners, Empower began with a simple DIY Wix website. It provided a useful starting point, but as the organisation grew, the site no longer reflected the impact of its work or offered the functionality needed for the next stage of growth.
Outgrowing a DIY starting point
Empower’s situation is one many businesses will recognise:
Admin-heavy processes
Empower’s services didn’t translate easily into a simple online booking setup. During discovery, we identified that the way bookings were being managed created extra admin, and that a properly built website could reduce some of this burden.
Manual admin load
The website couldn’t manage bookings or payments, meaning more manual steps for the Empower team.
Lack of scalability
The old platform wasn’t equipped to grow with Empower’s plans for new services and courses.
Our approach
How we helped
Before diving into design or tech, we began with a conversation. We wanted to fully understand Empower’s goals, challenges, and the admin bottlenecks Liz was facing. By mapping out how services were currently delivered and booked, we uncovered where the website could actively reduce effort instead of adding to it.
From there, we designed a bespoke WordPress site around clarity, ease of use, and scalability.
What we built
A Bespoke WordPress Site Built Around Clarity, Ease Of Use, And Scalability
Every element of the new site was designed to do two jobs at once: make life easier for Empower's clients, and reduce the admin load behind the scenes.
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Making services clear: We structured content so HR teams and decision-makers could immediately see what Empower offers and how it helps.
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Seamless booking system: We integrated WP Amelia, tailoring it to handle Empower’s unique packages and automating notifications – reducing admin and ensuring clients had a smooth booking journey.
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Payment integration: We set up a secure payment gateway so clients can pay for training directly through the website.
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Clean, modern UX: A simple, intuitive design guides visitors to the right training without overwhelm.
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Future-proof build: Built on WordPress, the site is flexible enough to grow with Empower’s services for years to come.
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Training & handover: We provided handover training so Empower can confidently add new courses and services as the business evolves.
What Empower gained
The new website gives Empower a professional digital platform that supports both clients and the business behind the scenes.
Professional & trustworthy
The design now mirrors the quality and warmth of Empower’s training, giving visitors confidence from the first click.
Effortless bookings & payments
Clients can now secure training online, with automated reminders, confirmations, and the option to pay directly through the website.
Strong foundations for growth
With a professional platform in place, Empower now has the tools to manage bookings, take payments, and expand services with confidence.
Ready for new services
With a flexible WordPress build and hands-on training, Empower is able to add new services and courses easily, ensuring the platform grows with the business.
Sticking with the old setup would have meant more manual admin and a website that didn’t do justice to Empower’s work. By taking the step to invest in a stronger platform, Empower avoided those frustrations and set the business up for growth.
The new site gives Empower a professional digital platform that supports both clients and the business behind the scenes.
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