The Customer First UK Newsletter Issue 12, March 2008
In this Spring Issue we bring you news about the launch of our new service - the Customer First Approved Consultants. The network of consultants has been launched to support the growing number of organisations across the UK who are striving to achieve the Customer First Standard. This growing number is reflected in our inspirational case studies from the housing, financial services and environmental sectors.
Organisations that have achieved the national standard for customer service are proving that they're willing to go the extra mile for their customers. This is great news considering that the latest CBI research findings reveal that excellent customer service is the key factor in achieving a good reputation and that customers are willing to pay a premium to the company they believe has the best reputation.
Enjoy!
Customer First UK
In this issue
» Launch of New Customer First Service - Approved Consultants
» CBI Survey findings
» Leading organisations that are Putting the Customer First
» Enterprise Support Awards
» Recruiting Consultants Now
Launch of new Customer First service - The Approved Consultants
The network of Customer First Approved Consultants offers a broad range of expertise at competitive rates to support you to develop a customer-focused business. Experts are on hand to advise and support organisations to achieve the Customer First Standard as well as develop approaches to improving all aspects of your customer service. Our consultants have been through a rigorous training and skills programme to achieve Customer First Approved status. You can be confident that they'll deliver a service that makes a difference to your business and your customer's service experience. Find out more
Customers will pay premium for a great reputation
A recently published CBI survey has revealed that excellent customer service is the key factor in achieving a good reputation with high quality products and services coming second. Customers will pay a premium to the company they believe has the best reputation. This is encouraging news for over 600 organisations across the UK that are committed to achieving the Customer First Standard, who've proven already that they're willing to go the extra mile for their customers. Find out more about the survey findings
 |
A 'Tour de Force' to be reckoned with - Meet Christine Tolson From running Jobcentres, to running contracts focused on legalising unlicenced market traders, to shooting down 'cowboys' in the name of quality, fairness and integrity in the business support enterprise arena, Christine Tolson certainly takes on 'feats requiring unusual strength, skill and ingenuity.' Read this inspirational interview about this champion of standards, the Chief Executive of Quality Recognition Ltd. |
With coverage of the UK and expansion into new sectors, the Customer First Standard continues to gather strength and recognition in the customer service marketplace. Over recent months we've seen organisations from Housing, Security, Health and Property sectors achieve the national standard for customer service. Read more
Case Studies
First Housing Group to achieve Customer First in the UK
The Bradford City Centre Project which aims to tackle homelessness recently scooped 6 national accreditations including Customer First. Jed Din, Director said, "Overall, our achievement has improved our confidence in dealing with customers. It has informed customers that they will receive a sincere, transparent and quality service from BCCP."
Read more
Insurance firm recognised for delivering first class service
Reinforcing their commitment to service, AMG (Holdco) decided to go for Customer First. Director of Customer Services, Garry Lloyd reflected that, "The Standard allowed us to benchmark AMG against external criteria outside of our industry. Treating Customers Fairly is very much a priority for insurance companies and Customer First confirms our level of compliance. Our achievement and the recognition for our service excellence differentiates AMG from the rest.
Read more
'Green Minds, Business Brains and a Customer First Heart'
Going the distance for both their environment and the people they work with, Urban Mines has just achieved Customer First for the third time. James Horne, Project Manager proudly asserts, "Our customers feel they are highly valued and their opinions and suggestions are a vital part of Urban Mines' continual development."
Read More
 |
UK Enterprise Support Awards 2008 SFEDI is holding the first UK Enterprise Support Awards which recognise those individuals who have done the most during 2007 to help small businesses survive and thrive. Customer First UK will be sponsoring a table at the prestigious event on the 17th April 2008. To mark the sense of occasion the awards celebration will be hosted at BAFTA, London. Find out more about the few places that are still available |
 |
Improve your Networking Technique More customers, new suppliers and better customer service - used properly networking is a great tool for achieving all of these. To support you to understand and develop the key principles of effective networking, Customer First is offering a complimentary session to improve your technique. Interested in making effective networking a forte? Find out more |
 |
And Finally....Customer First UK is now recruiting for the Network of Approved Consultants Customer First UK is now recruiting professional experts with a passion for customer service excellence. We're looking for individuals with a track record of organisational development to support businesses across the UK achieve the Customer First Standard and deliver customer service excellence. Find out more |
© Customer First UK 2008.
If you would like to feedback your comments about this Issue or if you would prefer to unsubscribe to the Customer First UK Newsletter, please contact us directly at enquiries@customerfirst.org
Customer First UK, Unit 3, Arabesque House, Monks Cross Drive, Monks Cross, York, YO32 9GZ,
VAT No. 842929206, Company Reg No 4966490