Customer story: Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust

As a small charity without in-house IT or technical expertise, FTCT’s previous WordPress website was becoming increasingly difficult and costly to manage.

• Every update required external developer support.
• The site was not mobile-optimised, creating accessibility barriers.
• Donations were processed through third-party platforms, taking supporters away from the FTCT brand experience.

Jill Haines, Marketing and Communications Manager at FTCT, explained:

“As the only comms person in the organisation, managing a WordPress site was really challenging. Every small change required outsourcing, which was expensive and time-consuming. We needed a solution that was simple, reliable, and would grow with us.”

FTCT switched to Access Charity Websites in 2016, taking part in a full strategy day to map out content, audiences, and user journeys. The charity was immediately drawn to having “everything under one roof” — a single platform that combined donations, content management, compliance updates, and support.

Over time, the site has continued to evolve, with FTCT adopting the new Evo features, including:

• AI Page Creator for structured, SEO-friendly content.
• SEO Tools that provide meta tag suggestions and accessibility checks.
• Copilot insights highlighting high-performing pages and areas for improvement.
• Feed and Analytics to track performance and supporter engagement.
• Gift Aid reporting tools that simplify HMRC claims.

Jill noted:

“Having Evo’s AI tools is like having an extra pair of hands. They save us time, boost confidence in our content, and mean we don’t have to be experts in everything. It’s a game-changer for a small team.”

Expanding reach with Access Ad Grants

Alongside the website, FTCT also uses Access Charity Ad Grants, which helps charities make the most of Google’s $10,000/month Ad Grant programme.

For FTCT, Google is consistently the second biggest referral channel for families seeking help. Managing this in-house wasn’t realistic, so Access now runs targeted ad campaigns that drive enquiries directly to the charity.

“Google is critical for us. Without Ad Grants, families in need might not find us. The Access team are brilliant at structuring campaigns, refreshing ads, and advising on changes in the landscape. It’s an invaluable service.”

• The website now supports over 40,000 visitors every year, serving as the charity’s central hub.
• Families can donate directly on-site, staying within FTCT’s brand environment.
• The team saves hours of time thanks to AI content tools and simplified Gift Aid reporting.
• Google Ad Grants continues to drive high-quality traffic and enquiries, connecting more families with support.

As Jill summed up:

“Our website is everything to us. We don’t have a centre for families to visit, so it is our charity. Access gives us the confidence that it’s always up to date, secure, and effective. With Ad Grants on top, it’s the perfect partnership.”

Advice for other charities

When asked what she would say to other charities considering a website redesign or digital investment, Jill was clear:

“If you’re looking to upgrade your digital tools, it just makes sense to work with a provider that understands non-profits. Access knows the challenges charities face and constantly evolves its tools to make our lives easier. You’re also joining a community of charities, so you benefit from shared learning and best practice.”

She also addressed the concern many charities feel around cost and board approval:

“Moving from a one-off website fee to a rolling service charge might feel daunting at first. But the value is in the ongoing support and updates. You don’t lose hours chasing fixes or outsourcing small changes, and you know your site is always compliant and up to date. If you’re making a case to your trustees, look at the time saved and the impact delivered — it’s worth the investment.”

Why Access?

• Purpose-built for charities
• Constantly evolving with new features
• Friendly, supportive team
• Integrated solutions for web, fundraising, and marketing

Jill concluded:

“I would recommend Access Group to other charities because the tools are constantly evolving, easy to use, and designed with non-profits in mind. The support team are brilliant, and everything just works together seamlessly. For us, it’s a no-brainer.”