BroadSkill

IT training and data solutions firm BroadSkill works hard to practise what it preaches, making optimum use of the technology it promotes to customers.

Notably, the company has developed an in-house SQL Server database tool for paperless management of its 1,700 IT trainers. The database contains details of their skills and location, which can be searched rapidly against client requirements.

The system then contacts appropriate trainers via email or text message, tracks replies and rates and generates booking details, which are then passed to the accounting systems. This has helped BroadSkill triple its turnover to £3m.

Coffee Republic

Coffee Republic is saving five days’ work each month and has improved job satisfaction levels with the implementation of a web-based IT procurement solution. The IT Index, owned by supplier Proband, lists more than 100,000 products from 1,200 suppliers by best price and availability, updated daily. IT staff can specify direct delivery to any location.

Information systems manager Pee Herron says: ‘Previously, we were wasting vast swathes of time on administration and chasing orders. The IT Index made a significant impact on our department very quickly, improving team morale by allowing us to focus on managing IT systems rather than on buying kit.’

MSB International

A CV management software system at recruitment firm MSB International has allowed the company to reduce its number of manual input staff from 14 to four, saving more than £300,000 in the two years since implementation. It has also enabled the company to more than double the number of candidates being entered into the system each day from 80 to 170.

The CV-management system was implemented in-house across central and sat ellite offices with minimum disruption to the business. MSB’s 200-plus consultants can now match candidates’ skills to clients’ requirements far more quickly and accurately, and fulfilment ratios have improved significantly.

North East Chamber of Commerce

The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) is a private, non-profit membership organisation representing 10 per cent of businesses in the region. A year ago, NECC embarked upon the largest overhaul of its IT systems for seven years. The project has revolutionised the organisation’s infrastructure. A wide area network has reduced annual telecoms costs by more than four-fifths.

In addition, standardising on Microsoft technology has cut annual software costs by 80 per cent. The new system has enabled the organisation to introduce next-generation services such as push email to smartphones and secure remote working via Citrix, with other exciting projects in the pipeline.

Smart Holograms

Cambridge-based disease diagnostics firm Smart Holograms has shown considerable strategic depth in its first two years, modelling IT needs for the next five years to ensure it maintains flexibility, scalability and a commitment to continuous improvement and best practice.

Since May 2005, the company has implemented a Laboratory Information Management System, rolled out Dell servers and clients, BlackBerrys and Cisco networking technologies, including wireless and voice over IP.

Plans include installing a document management system as part of its knowledge management strategy and a network to connect its Cambridge office to an international manufacturing base and its remote US office.

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