Salford Professional Development

CASE STUDY

Leading by example

Salford Professional Development (SPD) was formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the University of Salford in 2012 and provides non-accredited learning and commercial focus to the University.

Overview

The company focuses on continuous professional development and similar training courses across a range of subjects, preferably but not exclusively, aligned with programmes offered by the University of Salford. It also delivers several large events and conferences and is building its international presence in conjunction with the University’s priorities.

A key operational requirement of SPD is to record all of its delegate, sponsorship and exhibition registrations against its training programmes or large scale conferences. Doing this manually would be time-consuming and antiquated – and certainly not in line with the organisation’s ethos.

“Everything we do needs to showcase how industry can benefit from working in innovative ways to meet the needs of the workforce of the future,” said Chris. “That extends to our internal technology systems. We need to lead by example.”

It’s for this reason that the SPD chose Bright Office. “We were looking for a smart customer relationship management (CRM) system with an array of features that could be leveraged by several business functions,” Chris said. “This included invoicing, product reports and financial reports.”

Chris’s team reviewed various leading CRM providers, but Bright Office stood out from the rest. “Bright Office had a really strong range of features that matched our business needs exactly,” Chris said. “In addition, the level of support and service on offer was really attractive. Team this with the fact that the product is incredibly cost-effective, and it became clear that it was a no-brainer.”

Today the whole company uses Bright Office on a daily basis. “We predominately use Bright Office as we intended – to record all of our client registrations against our training programmes and conferences,” Chris said. “To do that we use tools such as delegate lists, course attendance reports at a micro-level and sales reporting functions and overall attendee reporting at a macro level.”

This means that staff at SPD now have a comprehensive system of record for their delegates’ training and qualifications history. They also have a clear summary of all courses that the business is running. From there, they can easily access details such as course title, dates, times, delegates attending, venue, room and trainer costs.

And this is just the start. All inbound website enquiries also come through Bright Office. “Resulting tasks are assigned to staff members to respond to enquiries,” Chris said. “In addition, we use the system for invoicing and confirmation templates We can generate invoices, payments and refunds – and all from the same system.”

Chris and the team at SPD really appreciate the benefits that come from using Bright Office, particularly the fact that they now have a digital audit trail that they can analyse. As a result, they feel they are better equipped for the future.

“With Bright Office, everything we need is in one place,” Chris said. It’s a modern solution to reflect our forward-thinking approach, and that’s exactly what we set out to achieve with our CRM implementation. With these strong foundations, we look forward to even greater achievements in the future.”

< Older Post Newer Post >

a group of people are sitting around a table at a on-site training session.

Unlocking Success Through On-Site Training: A Strategic Approach with BrightOffice

March 20, 2024

In today's dynamic business landscape, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just keeping pace with industry trends. It demands a workforce equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation. As organisations strive to optimise their operations, the significance of tailored learning experiences cannot be overstated. Enter on-site training with BrightOffice - a game-changing solution tailored to the unique needs of your organisation. Tailored learning for enhanced performance One size fits all simply doesn't cut it in the modern business environment. That's where on-site training with BrightOffice shines. By customising sessions to meet your organisation's specific needs, we ensure that every participant gains relevant insights and skills directly applicable to their roles. Practical application in real-world scenarios With on-site training, participants benefit from hands-on, real-world experience right in their work environment. This practical approach not only enhances comprehension but also promotes immediate skill application, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Minimising disruption, maximising productivity In the fast-paced world of business, time is money. On-site training eliminates the hassle of off-site seminars, reducing disruption to daily operations and minimising downtime. By bringing the training directly to your doorstep, we ensure that your team stays focused on what matters most - driving productivity and delivering results. Building stronger teams through collaboration Teamwork makes the dream work, and on-site training fosters exactly that. Group sessions provide a platform for team collaboration, enabling participants to exchange ideas, share insights, and develop a shared understanding of the training content. Together, they not only learn but also grow stronger as a cohesive unit. Immediate impact for lasting results On-site training assists employees in applying newly acquired skills right away, leading to quicker implementation of best practices. This immediate impact not only boosts morale but also sets the stage for long-term success. Cost-effective solution for optimal ROI Investing in employee development shouldn't break the bank. On-site training with BrightOffice offers a cost-effective solution, particularly for large groups, by eliminating individual travel expenses. With every dollar spent translating into tangible results, it's a strategic investment in your organisation's future. Reviewing usage for continuous improvement Change is the only constant in today's business landscape. On-site training provides the perfect opportunity to review existing business processes and implement new strategies to streamline the usage of BrightOffice. By staying agile and adaptable, your organisation can stay one step ahead of the competition. On-site training with BrightOffice is not just a learning experience - it's a strategic investment in your organisation's success. By combining tailored learning, practical application, minimised disruption, team building, immediate impact, cost-effectiveness, and continuous improvement, we empower your team to unlock their full potential and drive sustainable growth in an ever-evolving marketplace.

a group of people are sitting at a table with laptops on a crm system.

From Loan System Maestro to BrightOffice BDM: How CRM Conquered My Lending Struggles

February 20, 2024

I've walked on both sides of the lending street. As an Operations Manager wielding the power of a loan management system valued at $1bn+ in a previous role, I felt the satisfaction of streamlined processes and efficient data. But I also witnessed the frustrations lenders face daily – siloed information, clunky communication, and an ever-growing mountain of paperwork. Now, as a business development manager at BrightOffice , I'm armed with a solution that tackles these challenges head-on: our CRM, built specifically for lenders. From My Operational Days: Struggles I Now Solve for Others Let's delve into some of the common roadblocks I saw lenders hitting, and how BrightOffice CRM paves the way for smoother sailing: Disjointed Data: Information scattered across spreadsheets, emails, and physical files? We've all been there. BrightOffice centralises everything – customer details, loan applications, communication threads – in one secure, accessible platform. No more hunting for data or duplicating efforts. Communication Chaos: Juggling phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings can leave room for miscommunication and missed opportunities. BrightOffice CRM streamlines communication with built-in email, task management, and activity tracking. Everyone stays on the same page, from the first inquiry to deal completion. The Paper Chase: Loan applications, contracts, and compliance documents – the paperwork never seems to end. BrightOffice automates document generation and approval workflows, eliminating manual tasks and ensuring accuracy. Plus, e-signatures make approvals a breeze. Reporting Roadblocks: Generating reports often involved exporting data, wrangling spreadsheets, and hoping for the best. BrightOffice CRM boasts robust reporting features with customisable dashboards and real-time insights. Gain instant visibility into your sales pipeline, loan performance, and overall business health. Beyond an “off-the-shelf” Loan Management System: BrightOffice's Winning Edge BrightOffice goes beyond just solving common pain points. Here's what truly sets us apart: Built for Lenders: Unlike generic CRMs of off-the-shelf loan management systems, ours is tailored to the specific needs of your industry and combines CRM with loan management in one place. We understand your workflows, regulations, and unique challenges. Automation Magic: Automate repetitive tasks, from lead capture to follow-up emails, freeing up your team's time for what matters most – building relationships and closing deals. Openness and Integrations: BrightOffice integrates seamlessly with your existing 3rd part software, ensuring a smooth data flow and eliminating data silos. It has powerful audit trails too! My experience isn't just about the platform, it is about the people it empowered. BrightOffice CRM empowers lenders by giving them the tools they need to streamline operations, improve communication, and focus on what they do best – serving their clients and growing their businesses.

a man is sitting at a desk using a laptop computer .

Adapting to Change: How Cases CRM Evolved from PPI to a Versatile Claims Management Solution

February 20, 2024

BrightOffice's Cases CRM system, once the 'go-to' solution during the peak of PPI (Payment Protection Insurance) claims, is making a significant comeback. This resurgence is largely due to the versatile and robust nature of the system which now supports a wide range of claim types beyond PPI, illustrating the adaptability and longevity of Cases CRM in the ever-evolving claims management landscape. Initially, Cases CRM established its reputation as an indispensable tool for managing the flood of PPI claims that businesses faced. Its ability to handle thousands of open cases simultaneously, streamline customer interactions, and reduce administrative overhead made it a critical asset for businesses navigating the complexities of PPI claims. However, the versatility of Cases CRM has truly shown through its adaptation to the changing claims management industry. As the PPI claims wave has subsided, businesses have shifted their focus to other areas of claims management, such as pension transfers, mis-sold mortgages, and other financial products. This shift required a system capable of evolving with the industry's needs, and Cases CRM has proven to be just that. Customers who once relied on Cases CRM for PPI claims have found it equally effective for managing a broad spectrum of other claims. This adaptability has allowed them to seamlessly transition to new types of cases without the need for investing in different systems or undergoing extensive retraining. The system's all-in-one solution approach, featuring efficient case management, sales process automation, and comprehensive reporting, has enabled businesses to maintain high levels of efficiency and customer service. The enduring relevance of Cases CRM in the claims management sector underscores a critical truth: there will always be claims to manage, and having a robust, adaptable system is key to navigating this dynamic landscape. BrightOffice's dedication to evolving Cases CRM in line with industry demands ensures that its users are always equipped with a top-tier tool for their case management needs, capable of processing thousands of cases at any given time with efficiency and precision. As BrightOffice continues to innovate and adapt its Cases CRM to meet the changing needs of the claims management industry, it reinforces its commitment to providing customers with a reliable, scalable, and versatile system. This forward-thinking approach not only cements Cases CRM's position as a comeback solution but also as a future-proof platform for claims management. Find out more about our Cases CRM system .