latest call handling & answering news

Christian Pawsey, Ansaback Call Centre Commercial Director, competed in the 2nd annual Great East Swim, at Alton Water near Ipswich recently.

3,000 swimmers braved the 40 mph gusts and driving rain that day, to complete the 1 mile course on the reservoir near Holbrook, Ipswich. 200 people set off at 30 minute intervals, with different coloured swim hats for each wave. Christian, pictured here before the race, was in the ‘sky blue’ wave with the start delayed for 20 mins to wait for the not-so-sky-blue wind and rain to subside.

The choppy waters and horizontal rain eventually died down a little and they all set off, hoping just to complete the course rather than record a good time, as the conditions were so difficult.

One or two brave (!) competitors decided not to wear wetsuits and a Spiderman wetsuit lifted spirits of those waiting to take the plunge...

38 minutes and 22 seconds later, Christian emerged exhausted and relieved after zigzagging round the course and beating last year’s time of 39 minutes. All the training had paid off and the improved time was a personal achievement, especially given the wind, waves and rain that day. “I’ll be back next year” he said.

Ansaback (part of IPPLUS (UK) Ltd) has received The Investors In People accreditation, passing  with flying colours following their 3 year review.

Investors In People (IIP) is a prestigious award, and is gained by companies that can show that they invest in their staff and that the staff are involved in a big way in what the company is trying to achieve. Therefore we are extremely pleased to have been awarded this accreditation for a second consecutive time.

The feedback received by IIP from staff interviewed was extremely positive, with comments such as:

‘This is a great place to work’
‘I could earn more in town but its relaxed here and I prefer that’
‘I just love it here’
‘They try and offer you the hours you want’
‘It’s corny I know but it really does feel like a family’

Individuals confirmed they have the opportunity to develop their skills and strengths, with the company giving the opportunity where possible for them to move into a role they may feel more suited to. This not only retains key skills for the organisation but contributes towards individuals feeling their contribution is valued. Some 87% of promotions are internal, which also ensures that the culture and ethos of the organisation are retained.

The culture and values of our organisation are set and led from the top with a clear understanding about strategies that create a good working environment to make people feel valued.

The calls received within our contact centre and our dedicated desk service are continuously monitored, as a result this is a superb opportunity for us to reward the most hardworking and dedicated agents within our company. 

Each month Ansaback team leaders and supervisors nominate call centre agents for the ‘Call Centre of the Month Award’.

The winner is based on various factors such their overall call quality and performance, best adherence to schedule and generally going above and beyond the call of duty.

The reward gives them well deserved recognition for their extra hard work and the cash prize given shows our gratitude. Junes' winners are Louise Cousins (above) and Karen Pryke (right).

Ansaback call centre have unveiled a brand new addition to their team this week… a new car with a personalised number plate.

Ansaback took the decision to purchase a new company car to replace the much-loved, but very tired Volkswagen Golf nicknamed BOT (due to the last three letters of the number plate), who has sadly been put out to pasture. BOT has travelled to numerous places in his time and has been with us through thick and thin, seeing in various changes of the company name throughout the last twelve years of dedicated service. However it was time for a newer, greener and younger model, so farewell BOT and we all wish you a very happy retirement. 

With this subtle advertising message for our UK contact centre, it is hoped that people will recognise the brand image as we are driving around the country. People have already made comments about it locally and we are hoping this will spread the word further afield about the excellent telephone answering service that we offer.

The new number plate reads: AN54 BAK and once it was spotted by our Financial Director, he thought it was the perfect finishing touch.

Ansaback call centre agent Lora Caie took some time out from call handling to complete the charity cycle ride from London to Paris last month. Lora has so far raised a staggering £1800 with donations still being pledged, and her choice of charity was the Addenbrookes Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. 

The 309 mile event had its up and downs throughout with the worst being the 25% gradient hills, riding parts of it in the dark and the burning thighs!  However the highs certainly outweighed the lows, with fantastic views whilst entering Paris and the immense buzz of passing the finish line. Lora also met lots of people on the bike ride who were riding for various different charities.  

Lora says of the ride, ‘it was an amazing experience and worth every achy muscle.’

What a tremendous achievement, a huge well done to Lora from everyone at the call centre and a massive thank you to everyone who donated to such a worthy cause. 

By utilising our contact centre, we can help you manage your calls during the World Cup period. Scroll down for the 2010 World Cup fixtures list.

Ansaback Head of Sales, Toni Vincent, took part in the Ipswich Midnight Walk on Saturday 22nd May. Dressed as bumblebees, Toni and her sister Melanie completed the walk and raised almost £300 for St Elizabeth's Hospice.

Toni said "The first 4 miles were relatively easy and it was such a great atmosphere. Despite it being past midnight many spectators lined the route handing out sweets and drinks, spurring on the walkers. The last 4 miles proved harder, by the end my feet felt like lead weights, needless to say I was extremely pleased to cross the finish line"

Over 2,200 women completed the 8 mile walk, raising over £250,000 for St Elizabeth's Hospice, which is a fantastic achievement.
They are already organising the event again next year so watch this space!