Bury St Edmunds firm Magellan Design mark 20 years with innovations to help firms through Covid-19

A web developer company has said its ability to adapt has helped it survive 20 years in business.

Magellan Design, based in Bury St Edmunds, has launched a food ordering and payment system to allow customers a safe and secure transaction in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Andrew Osman, managing director, said it is opportunism like this which has helped the Eastern Way-based company thrive for two decades.

He said: “I try to think back 20 years but it is hard.

“So much has happened in such a short period of time. I feel sad and celebrations no longer seem appropriate. The reason we have managed to make it to 20 years is that we adapt in order to survive.”

The Sorrel Horse in Shottisham has become one of the first clients to use the food ordering and payment software for pizza takeaway. Magellan has also launched event booking software that gathers all the required information to comply with government guidelines for their re-opening.

Mr Osman added: “I believe that through technology we can help businesses not only survive but thrive. I am pleased to say the first of our new clients in hospitality are already benefitting and we wish The Sorrel Horse all the very best for the future.”

Magellan has seen many of the restaurants, pubs, and salons it provides websites for forced to close because of Covid-19.

To help clients through, the business has provided free site updates, support and advice throughout the period.

Director Gary Miller said: “As we approach our 20th anniversary we are marking the occasion by helping as many small businesses as possible.

“So we are providing a free website or landing page including our food ordering, delivery and payment system.

“We are just charging a small monthly subscription fee to cover our hosting and maintenance costs. We also have sites under construction for restaurants in Bury St Edmunds and Thetford and other catering services.”

Magellan has also introduced a restaurant reservation system, which allows customers to book a table by clicking on a graphic showing where they will be sitting. The table plan also provides information on distancing between tables and what additional hygiene measures have been taken.

Mr Miller added: “I believe this technology will help restaurants to resume business more quickly.”