A recent study by Adobe found that businesses lose an average of 3.1 hours per contract chasing down signatures. Not printing, not reading—just chasing. In the world of fast-moving startups and scaling SMEs, that’s time no one can afford to waste. So why are so many teams still stuck in outdated, manual signing workflows? The problem isn’t a lack of tech—it’s a lack of integration. And for businesses on the rise, that lag in process can become a ceiling on growth.

When growth hits a paperwork wall

Fast-growing businesses are often defined by chaos. New hires every month. More vendors. Bigger clients. And with every new relationship comes documentation—contracts, NDAs, approvals, amendments. At first, it’s manageable. But as volume increases, so does complexity. Suddenly, deals are held up not by negotiation, but by missing signatures.

It’s not uncommon for teams to spend entire days pinging executives, scanning documents, or searching inboxes for the “final version.” It slows momentum and frustrates staff, especially when time-sensitive decisions depend on signatures being in place. In some cases, deals fall through entirely because of administrative delays.

This is why more companies are turning to platforms that offer online document signing—secure, compliant, and instant. Tools allow users to send, sign, and archive legally binding documents from anywhere. No printers. No postal delays. No uncertainty about who has the latest version.

From friction to flow: Redefining the contract lifecycle

What most businesses realise too late is that signing is only one small part of a much larger process. A contract starts with negotiation, passes through legal review, gets bounced between teams, and then enters long-term storage. When any of those steps rely on manual input, the whole system is at risk of delay or error.

Digital contract platforms allow businesses to map out their entire document workflow—who reviews what, in which order, and with what authority. This clarity eliminates back-and-forth emails and missed steps. Signatures become a seamless final touch, not a bottleneck.

Another key advantage? Automation. Recurring contracts like renewals, NDAs, or employment agreements can be templated and sent with one click. Signers are automatically notified. Reminders are triggered. Statuses are tracked in real time. This turns hours of follow-up into minutes of oversight.

Security matters—so does trust

Of course, with anything related to contracts, security is paramount. Many decision-makers hesitate to adopt digital signatures out of concern for legality or data integrity. But these concerns are quickly becoming outdated.

Modern online document signing platforms adhere to strict compliance standards—like eIDAS, UETA, and ESIGN—making them legally valid across Europe, the UK, and the US. All documents are encrypted, version-controlled, and logged with time-stamped audit trails.

More importantly, they offer greater transparency. Business owners can see exactly who opened what, when, and where. This auditability not only reduces internal friction—it boosts client confidence. In high-stakes environments like finance or real estate, that assurance is invaluable.

Measurable savings, scalable results

What’s the ROI of faster signatures? It starts with time, but doesn’t end there. Contracts closed faster mean revenue booked sooner. Fewer admin hours mean lower overhead. Happier teams mean higher retention. And all of that means stronger growth.

SMEs, in particular, stand to benefit the most. They don’t have the luxury of bloated legal departments or in-house IT. What they need are tools that work out-of-the-box, scale with their growth, and integrate with their existing tech stacks. That’s why platforms like Eversign are gaining popularity—not just as a stopgap, but as part of a digital-first operating model.

Just as spring encourages us to declutter our homes and review our finances, it’s the perfect time to give your website a thorough digital detox. For all businesses, irrespective of their sector, a well-maintained online presence isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s crucial for building trust, ensuring compliance, and driving growth.

Today, Full Stack Industries, a leading website design company, emphasises the importance of a regular website audit, especially for those handling sensitive information.

“Your website is often the first point of contact for potential clients,” says Full Stack Industries. “In the industries such as financial and legal, credibility and security are paramount. A website that looks outdated or functions poorly can instantly break trust, no matter how reputable your services are.”

So, where do you begin your financial website spring clean? Full Stack Industries recommends a comprehensive audit, focusing on key areas that directly impact your bottom line and reputation.

The Website Audit Checklist

• Security and Compliance: This is non-negotiable for any financial website. Ensure your SSL certificate is up to date (look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar). Review your privacy policy and terms of service to ensure they are clear, comprehensive, and compliant with the latest regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). Check for any outdated software or plugins that could present security vulnerabilities. “Regular security checks are vital,” stresses Full Stack Industries. “A data breach can have catastrophic consequences for a financial institution, both financially and in terms of client trust”
• Content Accuracy and Relevance: Industry information changes rapidly. Audit your website content, from service descriptions and fee structures to blog posts and market updates. Ensure all data is current and accurate and reflects the latest regulations and your company’s offerings. Remove any outdated articles or promotions. Consider a content calendar to schedule regular reviews and updates.
• User Experience (UX) and Accessibility: Your website should be easy to navigate and accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Check for clear calls to action, intuitive navigation menus, and a responsive design that works seamlessly on all devices (desktops, tablets, and smartphones). Ensure your website also meets accessibility standards (such as WCAG guidelines). “A smooth and accessible user experience builds confidence,” notes Full Stack Industries. “If clients find your website frustrating, they will likely look elsewhere for similar services that align with expectations.”
• Performance and Speed: Slow-loading websites can lead to high bounce rates in a world where speed is a basic expectation. Optimise your website’s loading speed by compressing images, streamlining code, and leveraging browser caching. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify general areas for improvement. A fast website improves user satisfaction and positively impacts your search engine rankings.
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Ensure your website is easily discoverable by potential clients searching for financial services online. Review your website’s meta descriptions, title tags, and keywords to ensure they are relevant and optimised. Check for broken links and ensure your site has a clear sitemap to help search engines crawl and index your content effectively.
• Mobile Optimisation: A significant portion of online traffic comes from mobile devices, so a mobile-friendly website is essential. Ensure your website design is responsive and adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes. Test all functionalities on various mobile devices to ensure a smooth user experience.
• Contact Information and Support: Make it easy for potential and existing clients to get in touch. Ensure your contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, and physical address if applicable) is displayed and up to date. Consider offering live chat or a contact form for immediate inquiries. Prompt and helpful support can significantly enhance client satisfaction.
• Branding and Consistency: Your website should reflect your brand identity consistently across all pages. Ensure your logo, color scheme, fonts, and overall tone of voice are aligned with your brand guidelines. A consistent brand experience builds recognition and trust.

This website audit checklist provides all businesses with a clear path to ensuring their online presence is secure, compliant, user-friendly, and effective in attracting and retaining clients. While there is an endless list of potential further steps, these will aid businesses in getting on the right track to ensure online success.

Spring cleaning your website is an investment in your long-term digital presence. A proactive website maintenance approach is key to building a strong and trustworthy online presence.

A Force in Façade Design

Patrick Ullmer is a leading voice in façade design, currently contributing to the renowned team at Eckersley O’Callaghan in New York City and Los Angeles. Known globally for its pioneering design work in structural glass and engineering innovation, Eckersley O’Callaghan has collaborated with visionary clients like Apple, delivering some of the most technically advanced and visually striking building envelopes in the world.

Patrick’s work centers on optimizing building performance through innovative design – applying advanced thermal analysis and material expertise to engineer high-performing façades. He develops computational tools to break down complex geometries, enabling bold architectural visions to take shape with clarity, precision, and purpose.

A Passion for Problem Solving in Architecture

Patrick Ullmer’s interest in the built environment was never limited to form – it was grounded in how things come together, perform, and endure. From an early fascination with architecture and construction to a deeper dive into building physics, he developed a mindset centered on curiosity, systems thinking, and precision. The challenge of making complex things work – of turning problems into solvable layers – quickly became his driver.

This approach shaped his academic path at Eindhoven University of Technology and later at TU Delft, where he bridged architectural design with technical performance. His thesis explored the potential of switchable, thermally insulating glazing using ultra-thin glass – a concept that blended advanced material science with forward-thinking glass design. The project explored the creative use of materials and how architectural design and engineering can be applied to develop a new type of glazing system. This practical approach to innovation continues to guide Patrick’s work in façade design today.

Professional Journey: From Europe to the U.S.

Patrick Ullmer’s professional journey began in Basel, where he interned at an architecture firm while following construction progress on-site in Zurich. This early exposure to how buildings are put together sparked a lasting interest in the technical layers behind architecture and further triggered a drive to pursue innovation in design with emphasis on technical precision and sustainability.

He later joined Frontwise Facades in the Netherlands, a young consultancy actively shaping the Dutch façade design landscape. Working alongside internationally experienced engineers, he made exceptional contributions to large-scale projects from day one – gaining firsthand insight into the dynamics of the industry and proving the scope of his vision and talent in design.

Patrick’s transition to Eckersley O’Callaghan in the U.S. marked a shift into a global practice operating at the forefront of façade design. Based in New York and Los Angeles, he quickly adapted to a new professional environment – navigating unfamiliar codes, units system, facade systems, and workflows. New York’s fast-paced, high-responsibility culture demanded agility and independence. At Eckersley O’Callaghan, Patrick utilized his expertise in transient thermal simulations, technical detailing, fabrication design, and structural engineering  to deliver on complex designs for performance-driven building envelopes.

Innovation, Awards & Industry Recognition

Patrick Ullmer’s work is grounded in technical innovation and cross-disciplinary thinking. At TU Delft, he and his team were awarded Most Innovative Fire Safety Design at MEGA 2022, a multidisciplinary project focused on a high-rise with diverse envelope systems. Together with the climate designer, Patrick developed an envelope-driven fire safety concept that reimagined how façades can play an active role in building safety.

He also took 1st Place in the Disruptive 24-Hour Challenge, an architectural competition sponsored by a major contractor, where rapid problem-solving and bold design thinking were put to the test.

In 2023, Patrick was invited to present at Glass Forum, an exclusive, invitation-only event bringing together leading figures from the glass and construction industry – including engineers, researchers, manufacturers, and academic experts. The event featured Apple as the keynote company, highlighting its influence on innovation in the field. Patrick’s presentation focused on façade design utilizing dynamic glazing solutions and the critical role of continued advancement in glazing products and their potential in passive energy regulation.

Building Up to Build Better

For Patrick, the future of sustainable living lies in building upwards. In dense urban environments, vertical construction offers a way to house more people while preserving open space – an approach he sees as essential in addressing the environmental impact of horizontal sprawl.

But with tall buildings comes a challenge: their vast surface area. The façade becomes a critical interface – one that must perform visually, structurally, and thermally, all while withstanding the demands of height, climate, and complexity. Designing these envelopes requires more than standard solutions, it requires exceptional talent and design prowess.

Patrick approaches these challenges by combining solid engineering fundamentals, his vision for architectural design, and a unique application of advanced precision tools. He uses simulation, computational workflows, and AI not as replacements, but as extensions of traditional design thinking -helping navigate complexity without losing clarity.

A Promising Future in Façade Design

As the demands of our built environment grow, so do the importance of façades. They regulate energy, protect us from the exterior, shape our cities, and frame the way we experience space – from the inside and the outside.

A façade is very technical, but it’s also quite visual. It’s where engineering meets design, where performance meets expression. And it’s something we all engage with every day – something we trust to keep us safe and comfortable, and ideally, something that makes our cities more beautiful.

Looking ahead, Patrick remains focused on making façades, more striking, more efficient, and more responsive to the environmental challenges we face – resource scarcity, climate change, and the urgent need for better ways of living. There’s no single answer, but through collaboration, careful design, and technical clarity, he sees façades not just as skins, but as essential elements in shaping a more thoughtful and resilient built future.