Accessibility Isn’t Optional: Why It Matters for North East Businesses
In today’s digital world, accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. For businesses in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, and across the North East, an accessible website ensures that all users, regardless of ability, can interact with your brand. With one in five people in the UK living with a disability, ignoring accessibility can mean excluding a significant portion of your audience. That’s not just poor ethics—it’s bad business.
Accessible design improves usability for everyone, from customers using screen readers to those with temporary impairments like a broken wrist or poor internet connectivity. It also demonstrates a commitment to equality and community, something especially important in regions like Teesside where local pride and inclusion run deep.
Meeting Legal Requirements: Accessibility and the Law
Under the Equality Act 2010, UK businesses must make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled users are not disadvantaged. For websites, this means ensuring content is accessible to those with visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor disabilities. While the law doesn’t mandate exact compliance standards, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) are widely recognised as best practice.
Failure to comply can result in legal action or reputational damage. But more than that, it’s about being a responsible member of the business community. At InfaCloud, we help you stay compliant without compromising on design or functionality.
Better for Users = Better for Business
Accessible websites aren’t just inclusive—they’re more effective. Clear navigation, readable text, descriptive alt tags, and keyboard-friendly design make the user experience smoother for everyone, not just those with disabilities. In bustling commercial areas like Linthorpe Road or Yarm High Street, your website might be a customer’s first interaction with your brand. Make sure it’s welcoming.
Improved accessibility often leads to:
- Increased engagement
- Lower bounce rates
- Longer time on site
- Higher conversion rates
These aren’t just technical wins; they’re key performance indicators that drive growth.
Design Tips for Accessibility Without Compromise
Many businesses worry that making their site accessible will limit creativity or functionality. The truth is, accessible design can still be beautiful, modern, and innovative. InfaCloud combines design flair with technical best practice to build websites that are both striking and inclusive.
Here are some design considerations we use:
- Sufficient colour contrast for readability
- Resizable text without breaking layout
- Clear and consistent navigation
- Alt tags for all images
- Forms that are easy to complete with assistive tech
Our sites are tested for screen reader compatibility and follow a structure that supports cognitive ease and clarity.
Local Impact: Making Teesside Web-Friendly for All
Accessibility has real local impact. Whether you’re a community charity in Redcar, a growing startup in Stockton, or an established brand in Middlesbrough, you serve a diverse customer base. By prioritising accessible design, you open your digital doors to more people and reinforce your commitment to inclusivity.
Community-focused businesses gain loyalty when they show they care. It’s one thing to say “everyone is welcome.” It’s another to build a website that proves it.
InfaCloud: Accessibility-Focused Web Design for the North East
At InfaCloud, we specialise in designing accessible websites that meet WCAG standards while still looking fantastic. We help businesses across Teesside create inclusive online experiences that align with brand identity and audience needs.
Our accessibility-first services include:
- WCAG-compliant web design
- Accessibility audits and reporting
- Content writing for clarity and readability
- Ongoing updates as standards evolve
Whether you’re revamping an old site or starting from scratch, we make accessibility easy to understand and implement.
Final Thoughts: Build a Website Everyone Can Use
An accessible website is a better website—for your customers, your business, and your community. As digital engagement continues to rise in the North East, make sure your business is ready to welcome everyone.
Contact InfaCloud for a free website accessibility audit and let us help you build a site that delivers for all users, every time.
