Page 36 - Phonebox Magazine January 2011

The Olney-Newton Link – What’s Next?
The neWTon coMMITTee and the olney committee have been working hard to finish 2010 off really positively. And what a year – two visits, information being passed between us, a bursary for a member of the community to be educated has been set up, I could go on... And to top it all we have received this picture of the Skills centre – doesn’t it look good?
So what IS the latest on the skills centre I hear you cry? Well, it’s just about ready to start taking in its first students... hurrah! The walls are painted and the electrics are going in, so with some furniture they can start to use the computers and
bring this project to fruition. Job done!
Well no, not really. There’s a snag - furniture for one.
The newton committee have received some money to
start building some, but we need some more to make enough for the class and the tutor. So that’s the next part of the project - and to get the 10 computers in that they can cater for. oh and there’s the small matter of paying for the internet and the teachers... So, job not done at all really!
But planning for the future is what we do at the link. Planning for getting
the centre finished, planning for supporting it for the first few years before it become self-sufficient, planning for assistance on other projects. So would you like to join us? There are loTS of ways to help - join in our events, help publicise them or even run one! or how about becoming a trustee? We meet about four times a year plus the AGM in May and oversee the link as a whole. Its good fun, doesn’t take up your life (unless of course you want it to) and you will be part of a charity that really makes a difference.
If you would like to join us in any way there is one simple step - get in touch for an informal chat! We’re not asking for you to give up your life savings - though of course if you WAnT to we won’t refuse, or take up every inch of your spare time. Anything you can do to help is gratefully received. So call rachel lintern on 01234 711751 for more details.
Businesses warned don’t get
caught out by bad weather
The recenT cold snap has caused all manner of disruption and chaos across the UK. even in Milton Keynes, where we missed the worst of the snow, some estate roads that had not been gritted were all but impassable.
Many businesses were affected as people were unable to make it in to work, either because the conditions prevented them, or they had to look after children who could not get to school. But for one local company, it was business as usual.
Star21 provides telephone answering and ‘virtual office’ services. So, even if a business cannot open, customer calls can still get through to the right person. owner, ethel Morris, said, “closure was not an option for us. We know how much our clients rely upon our services. If they’ve spent time and money on marketing in an effort to get the telephone to ring, they can’t afford to miss calls. We were not about to let them down.”
There has been a real growth in the virtual service industry in recent years, from telephone answering services to IT infrastructure solutions, but Star21 is not a ‘new kid on the block’. “We haven’t just appeared overnight,” says ethel. “Star21 is a well established company with 12 year’s knowledge and experience of what customers need and want.”
With further bad weather forecast right into January and February, it really makes good sense for business owners to put in place these additional support services. And it’s probably better to do it now rather than get caught out in the future. As an incentive, Star21 is offering a week’s free trial of its services. All you have to do is call the free hotline on 0800 860 0865. You’ve nothing to lose.
With all that said it’s important to point out that telephone answering service doesn’t just benefit businesses when the weather is bad. For smaller businesses in particular, owner managers to independent consultants, it can really make a difference to their success.
“If potential customers don’t get an answer to their calls or are diverted to voicemail, there’s a good chance they won’t call again or leave a message,” ethel explains. “If the call is answered in the name of the business in a human voice there’s a far greater chance of holding on to that customer.”
The service also means that calls can effectively be screened and prioritised, so the most important are put through immediately and messages taken for the rest. Star21 have been providing a professional and cost effective solution for clients throughout the UK. essentially allowing business owners to work more effectively and concentrate on running their businesses, confident in the knowledge that their telephones are being answered and their customers kept happy.
SUSANNE STIMSON
Traditional Upholsterer
• Antique restoration and modern upholstery
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For advice and estimate please call
01604 675488
07837 565029
email: susannestimson@hotmail.com
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07549 098891 Fountain Court, Olney, Bucks
Central Heating Services Keith Pryce
Tel 01234 241172 Mobile 07764 577292 www.climaheat.co.uk corgi registered 24-Hour call-out
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36 Phonebox Magazine