HastingsAreaChamberofCommerce
Membership & Events Platform
TheBrief
- Build a fully bespoke WordPress platform
- Support free and recurring paid memberships
- Integrate Stripe and GoCardless for subscription billing
- Enable members to book free and ticketed events
- Create a searchable Members Directory with map integration
- Provide admin tools for managing bookings and exports
- Maintain flexible content editing without breaking layout
The system needed to serve both public users and internal administrators with minimal friction.
TheApproach
I architected a custom WordPress solution using a structured ACF block system, enabling flexible content editing while preserving layout consistency.
The platform was designed around three core systems:
- Membership Management
- Recurring Billing Infrastructure
- Event Booking & Directory
Each component was built to integrate cleanly with the others while remaining maintainable long-term.
Membership&SubscriptionSystem
The platform supports:
- Free memberships
- Paid recurring subscriptions
- Stripe for card payments
- GoCardless for direct debit
Subscriptions are automated, reducing manual administrative oversight while ensuring consistent billing cycles.
Member accounts are structured and tied directly to directory visibility and event booking permissions.
EventBookingSystem
Members can book:
-
Free events
-
Paid ticketed events
Bookings are handled directly through the site, with structured data storage for attendee management.
Custom backend tools allow administrators to:
-
View and manage bookings
-
Export attendee lists
-
Monitor event participation
InteractiveMembersDirectory
A core feature of the platform is the Members Directory, which includes:
- Search functionality
- Category filtering
- Interactive map integration
- Business profile pages
- Direct messaging capability
This transforms the directory from a static list into an active networking tool for the local business community.
Admin&OperationalTools
To support internal workflows, I developed custom admin interfaces for:
- Managing membership data
- Overseeing recurring billing
- Exporting event attendance
- Reviewing user activity
The result is a system that supports both community engagement and operational efficiency.
Results
- Centralised membership and event management
- Reduced administrative overhead through billing automation
- Improved visibility and discoverability for member businesses
- Scalable architecture supporting future growth
The platform balances public-facing usability with structured backend systems, demonstrating systems-level thinking within WordPress.
Role&Credits
Built while working as Lead Developer at Gold Pebble.
Design direction provided by the Gold Pebble team.
Architecture, development, and payment integration by Taran Stafford.
