A Digital Platform for the Surface Coatings Industry
Project Overview
The Oil & Colour Chemists’ Association of Southern Africa (OCCA SA) is a professional organisation serving individuals and businesses involved in surface coatings, including paints, coatings, inks, adhesives and related technologies. Its community includes chemists, technical professionals, suppliers and students who share an interest in advancing technical knowledge and professional development within the industry.
KickStart Online was responsible for designing and developing the association’s website, creating a digital platform that combines public information with services and resources reserved for registered members. The project has developed into an ongoing relationship, with KickStart Online providing website maintenance, content management and technical support.
Website Design & Development
The website was developed using WordPress, providing a flexible platform for publishing association information, events, educational resources and membership content. The design needed to communicate OCCA SA’s professional identity while making information accessible to different audiences.
The website supports both public visitors and registered members, with navigation and content organised around the association’s activities and membership services.
Verified Membership Registration
A central requirement was controlling access to resources reserved for OCCA SA members. We implemented registration and login functionality that verifies an applicant’s OCCA membership number before access to the protected Members Area is granted.
This allows the association to provide additional resources to verified members while keeping general information and public activities accessible to a wider audience.
Technical Webinar Library
OCCA SA hosts technical webinars covering subjects relevant to the surface coatings industry. These events are made available free of charge when presented live, supporting the association’s educational objectives and encouraging wider industry participation.
After each webinar, the recording is added to the website’s protected library. Registered members can return to the Members Area to access previous presentations, providing an ongoing reference resource.
The webinar library extends the educational value of individual events by making recorded technical knowledge available beyond the original presentation date.
KickStart Online manages the addition of webinar recordings and related content to the website.
Members-Only Supplier Directory
The website includes a protected supplier directory for registered OCCA SA members. The directory provides information about companies supplying products and services to the surface coatings industry, helping members identify relevant suppliers. Member companies can request inclusion by providing their supplier details.
KickStart Online is responsible for adding and maintaining these listings, ensuring information is presented consistently within the directory. The supplier directory provides an additional membership benefit and supports professional connections within the industry.
Industry Events & Information
In addition to the protected Members Area, the website provides public information about OCCA SA, its activities, educational opportunities and industry events. This public-facing content supports the association’s role in communicating with coatings professionals and encouraging participation in its activities.
Technical Development
The project combined WordPress website development with membership-related functionality and protected content management.
Important technical requirements included:
- User registration and account access.
- Verification of OCCA membership numbers.
- Restricting selected resources to authorised members.
- Organising and maintaining a growing webinar library.
- Managing supplier listings within a protected directory.
- Supporting regular website content changes and updates.
- Maintaining responsive layouts across different screen sizes.
The result is a website that serves as both an information platform and a membership resource.
An Ongoing Digital Partnership
KickStart Online’s involvement did not end with the website launch. We continue to manage the website and support OCCA SA’s changing requirements.
Our responsibilities include:
- WordPress website maintenance and updates.
- Technical troubleshooting and improvements.
- Website content changes.
- Uploading and organising webinar recordings.
- Adding and updating supplier directory listings.
- Maintaining membership-related website functionality.
- Implementing new features and improvements when required.
This ongoing relationship allows OCCA SA to focus on its association activities while KickStart Online provides technical and operational website support.
Results & Business Benefits
The website brings together several important aspects of OCCA SA’s activities within one digital platform.
For public visitors, it provides access to association information, industry activities and educational opportunities.
For registered members, it provides access to recorded technical webinars and a dedicated supplier directory.
For the association, it provides a central platform for communication, membership services and ongoing content publication.
With continued maintenance and technical support from KickStart Online, the website can be updated as the association’s requirements evolve.
Project Highlight
More than a website — an ongoing digital resource for the Southern African surface coatings industry.
A professional WordPress platform combining verified membership access, technical education, supplier information and ongoing website management.
