The Customer First UK Newsletter Issue 13, July 2008
In this Summer Issue we bring you exciting news in changing times - inlcuding the launch of a new era for Customer First. The recent acquisition of the company opens up new sectors and territories for the Customer First Standard. 'We live in interesting times' and with further economic uncertainty looming for businesses we look at supporting organisations to focus on the fundamentals - their existing customers, whilst also keeping an eye open for opportunities. Opportunities including making sure your organisation is fit and ready to deliver service excellence in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.
Read about Customer First organisations that are already leading the way by delivering a consistently excellent service, proving that they do go the extra mile for their customers.
Enjoy!
Customer First UK
In this issue
» New ownership: Customer First
» Comment: Recession Fears Grow
» Leading organisations that are Putting the Customer First
» Meet Customer First at forthcoming conferences
» Recruiting Consultants Now
Acquisition launches new era for Customer First
Customer First UK has been acquired in a joint partnership between QED Professional Development Ltd and the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies. The deal will secure an exciting platform for future growth. Steve Hinton of QED Professional Development says, "We are completely committted to ensuring that Customer First continues to thrive and that the Standard is properly supported as it moves into new sectors and territories." Read more
Riding the Storm as Recession Fears Grow
As our markets change reactions vary from spending more on marketing, trying to attract customers that are no longer there, to massive cutbacks in areas such as quality assurance. There is clearly a balance that needs to be struck. The secret is focusing on the fundamentals and keeping your existing customers while grasping opportunities that are recognised as the markets change. Author and Managing Director, Gerald Michaluk argues that this is where the Customer First Standard comes into play as a significant
tool in an organisations armoury. Read more
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Shaping the UK's Service Sector in 2012 |
With the majority of his members committed to Customer First, George Derbyshire has been a long standing ambassador of the Customer First Standard. So much so that he recently bought Customer First UK in a joint acquisition with Steve Hinton of QED Professional Development Ltd. From his most memorable customer service experience, to greatest achievements, to what his colleagues think of him, catch up with this seasoned runner to find out what makes him tick?
Case Studies
"Accessing the Customer First Consultancy Service has better equipped our staff to go for the Customer First Standard"
The Enterprise and Innovation Office, University of Leeds, are now feeling more confident about going for Customer First. Claire Spencer, Marketing Manager, says "We would recommend the Customer First consultancy support because it helped us to focus on going for the Standard and supported us to review and improve the working environment and customer experience." Read more about the support you can access to prepare you for your Customer First Assessment.
"Great customer service is part of what we do - we now have official recognition for our efforts"
At a time when customer service is at the forefront of leading businesses, Triangle recognises that Customer First differentiates their business in a competive marketplace for consultancy services. Eve Slater, Managing Director, proudly recognises that, "We enjoy increased repeat business while customers feel that they can rely on us to find the best solutions for their needs quickly and always with their best interests at heart."
Read more
"Customer First helped us secure funding in our region to support young people"
Celebrating being in business for 25 years, The Prince's Trust (Yorkshire and Humber) marks another successful milestone in 2008: Reflecting on their achievement of Customer First, Erica Johnson, Program Manager says, "Working with young people who lack confidence...and are often let down by people in their lives means it's important that everyone in the Trust provides a friendly, efficent service that can adjust to all their needs. The Customer First ethos supports us to deliver this." Read more
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Customer Management Expo, Birmingham NEC Hosting a seminar about the Customer First Standard, Customer First UK will also be exhibiting at this 2 day conference, 16th & 17th September 2008. The conference is packed full of exhibitors, features and education to support your organisation to ensure that your customer strategy is borne out of your customers' experience. Admission for delegates is free. Furthermore the conference is co-located with the Call Centre Expo - Europe's No. 1 exhibition for customer contact solutions. Find out more |
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The NFEA Annual Conference - Dimensions of Enterprise Support Taking place in York, 9th to 11th September, Customer First UK will be exhibiting at this annual confence - a must for the enterprise sector. This year the conference will focus on looking at enterprise support initiatives and provide opportunities to influence how that support should evolve in the future to meet business support requirements and regulations. |
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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 solutions. Find out more |
© Customer First UK 2008.
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