The Customer First UK Newsletter Issue 11, October 2007
It's National Customer Service Week and we're celebrating by recognising the leading organistions across the UK that are the first in their sector, region or country to be 'Putting the Customer First.' From the Recruitment Sector to the Financial Services Sector, we hear from organisations that ensure their customers receive a positive service experience.
Furthermore, we'll be sharing best practice by looking at 'what makes great customer service?' and 'how, why and when to communicate with your customers.'
Enjoy National Customer Service Week 2007!
Customer First UK
In this issue
» Celebrate National Customer Service Week
»What makes great customer service?
» Customer Communication Tips
» Leading organisations that are Putting the Customer First
What is it that makes great customer service?
What's the difference that makes the difference? Steve Hinton, QED Consulting, asks 'Can there be a universal formula that predicts and guarantees how your organisation will perform, all day and every day?' Looking at three very different customer experiences, in call centres, professional services and retail, Steve identifies 3 tests to see whether an organisation really is customer focused. Read More
Communicating with your customers...Are you achieving the results you want?
All businesses and organisations have to communicate with their customers, but are the ways you communicate with your customers achieving the results you want? Jon Colman, Director of Red Vanilla, suggests practical methods on why, how and when you could practically ensure your message is being heard. Read more
Thousands of organisations across the UK are celebrating National Customer Service Week, which offers the chance to raise awareness of the vital role played by customer service professionals in your organisation. Customer First UK will be celebrating by hosting regional complimentary events to share customer service best practice, having a prize winning competition for our customers and having our own party to recognise the improtant role of our team in delivering a service that 84% of our customers tell us they are very satisfied with. For more ideas on how you could celebrate, Read More
Interviewed about why customer service excellence is vital for her organisation, Dawn Whiteley, General Manager of one of the UK's largest Enterprise Agencies, reflects on her best and worst customer service experiences and what focuses her on making a difference each day. Read this inspiring interview
Conference season always heralds a whirlwind of activity for Customer First UK. Following the success of exhibiting at conferences including the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies Conference and the Customer, Strategy and Managaement Conference, the interest in the Customer First Standartd across the UK and from international organisations has been overwhelming, proving that organisations are making customer service their number one business priority. Read More
Case Studies
First Recruitment Agency in the North West to Achieve Customer First
The challenges facing the recruitment industry are varied including the skills shortage, employment legislation and questionable levels of customer service. Chris Chamberlain of Northern Employment Services says, "If we can be seen to promote that we indeed put the customer first, our competitive advantage will not just attract new clients but also new candidates, justifying and supporting additional recruitment costs and adding value to services we provide to our customers."
Read more
First in Scotland to be recognised for High Standard of Customer Service
Glasgow-based Awards UK Ltd, which helps large UK employers with staff development, has become the first company in Scotland to achieve Customer First. Director, John Dick recognised that "Our success has been built on the quality of our customer relationships. As an assessment organisation we know the value of third-party scrutiny and wanted to put our customer service to the test."
Read more
First Accountancy Firm in Eastern England to Achieve Customer First
Peterborough-based business Greenstones has achieved the Standard, which has been gained by only a handful of accountancy practives throughout the UK. Director, Simon Chaplin, says "We are delighted to have gained the accreditation which demonstrates our approach of listening to what our customers require and then delivering it......this demostrates our commitment to meeting our customers' needs and will strengthen our competitive edge."
Read more
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Fit for the Future: the Prowess 5th Annual ConferenceProwess has established a reputation for high profile, informative and interactive events, with the annual conference (Peterborough, 20th to 21st February 2008) being an event for everybody involved in business support, policy and practice. Read More |
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Customer First UK Workshops - Supporting your JourneyWorking towards achieving the Customer First Standard? If so, come along to one of the Customer First workshops which will support your understanding of the Standard and how to prepare your organisation and your approach to getting the most from your Customer First Experience. To find your nearest workshop visit the Customer First UK website |
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And Finally....Customer First Raises Money for Cancer Research UKCustomer First UK has been raising funds for our corporate charity, Cancer Research UK. We have taken part in 3 events across the Yorkshire and North West regions, including a 5K speed run, half-marathon and the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge. To find out how you could support our worthy cause visit our dedicated fundraising page. |
© Customer First UK 2007.
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