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Moving from Excel

Simian has rapidly expanded to be the UK’s largest specialist provider of scaffolding training and consultancy services.

They needed a better solution than Excel to manage their training.

Overview

Simian was established in 2005 by a team of scaffolding industry experts and has rapidly expanded to be the UK’s largest specialist provider of scaffolding training and consultancy services. The business operates across a range of industries including construction, refurbishment, petrochemical, nuclear and pharmaceutical.

Simian’s core aim is to assist clients to improve and maintain standards across all operations when working at height, particularly for those with responsibilities during the lifecycle of scaffolding activity.

Historically, Simian had always used Microsoft Excel to manage data, including financial matters and customer bookings. Jackie Thomason, Financial Director of Simian knew that as the organisation rapidly expanded, Excel was no longer an adequate solution.

She said: “We were acutely aware of the need for a robust training management system and CRM, not only to facilitate a more simple and secure means for managing and processing data, but also to manage customer bookings through our website.”

Jackie continued: “Business growth and expansion into other geographical areas meant we could no longer afford to continue with a manual approach. Introduction of the BrightOffice system has significantly streamlined all of our back-office processes and this means staff can dedicate more time to sales and other business critical activities.

BrightOffice’s Training CRM was the solution. This cloud-based package offered everything Simian needed to run a successful and complex training operation.

Jackie commented: “The BrightOffice team took a consultative approach from brief to completion, developing a version of their Cloud TrainingCRM platform specific to our needs. We have been delighted with the results.”

Introduction of the BrightOffice system has significantly streamlined all of our back-office processes and this means staff can dedicate more time to sales and other business critical activities.

JACKIE THOMASON, FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Business impact

Our cloud-based Training CRM was tailored and configured for Simian. They use it for everything including sales management, course management, invoicing and statements. The CRM also integrates with emails. Two days of on-site training was included as part of the package, as well as ongoing support.

Jackie ended by saying: “The BrightOffice Training CRM has given us the ability to manage training courses, invoicing, sales enquiries and day to day communications with both our B2B and B2C customers. Admin time has been significantly reduced, particularly in terms of booking confirmation, reminder emails and the production of individual certificates. When it comes to support, BrightOffice have a great team that are always happy to help.”

Admin time has been significantly reduced, particularly in terms of booking confirmation, reminder emails and the production of certificates. When it comes to support, BrightOffice have a great team that are always happy to help.

JACKIE THOMASON, FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

If you are a training and skills provider, get in touch to find out how we can support the growth of your business with an effective, cloud-based CRM.

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