The Department of Economic Development has increased the suite of ongoing business support by providing assistance with a Customer Service Excellence accreditation for local companies.
The accreditation is a new addition to the Department’s successful Business Support Scheme (BSS). The BSS provides funding (of up to 50%) of development projects designed to improve local companies. Last year 28 projects were completed under the scheme.
Alfred Cannan MHK, Department Member with responsibility for Grants and Assistance, commented:
‘Through working closely with local businesses, particularly from the Retail Chamber of Commerce, we have had feedback on the need for customer care training and planning. The new Customer Service Excellence accreditation offers local businesses support in this area. Companies who work on a customer service project can build team and individual skills and deliver a truly customer focused service to drive sales, give added value and show a commitment to improvement.’
The new Customer Service Excellence (CSE) accreditation will allow local companies to demonstrate the quality of their service and bring professional, high-level customer service concepts into common practice.
Helen Cowley, Director of Paradigm Consultants Limited and accredited BSS Quality project consultant, said:
‘The CSE standard helps businesses improve business planning and engagement with customers, focusing on marketing to save money and the delivery of improved services, helping to retain customers and win new business. The standard also helps to develop an internal organisational culture which will in turn be positively reflected on final service delivery. In doing so improvements in overall business performance can clearly be demonstrated’.
The Department of Economic Development Business Support Team can provide guidance regarding eligibility and offer a range of support to grow and develop a business. For more information complete the online enquiry form at www.gov.im/businessenquiries or call +44 (0) 1624 687333
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