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Home > Blog > News

Category Archives: News

Blue Donkey is delighted to have secured the Investors In People standard for its 14th year

Posted on 29 December 2020 by bluedonkey

IIP telemarketing business

Having recently achieved another year of the ISO:9001 quality standard, Blue Donkey are absolutely thrilled to have now secured yet another year of Investors In People (or IIP) too. As an IIP telemarketing business, we’re committed to the growth of our people through both the training we provide and the collegiate practices we share.

We strongly believe being an IIP telemarketing firm is important for a business like ours that attributes people power as one of their main competitive differentiators. Blue Donkey enjoys the prestige this internationally acknowledged accreditation gives companies that demonstrate strong leadership, excellent employee development, and robust people management systems.

Organisations looking to achieve the standard are assessed using a broad framework that challenges the ability to perform across all of the complex IIP barometers. For an IIP telemarketing business to demonstrate their competence in this way, they have to truly embrace the idea that people are not just staff. In fact, our people are our main stakeholders, and they contribute something special with every dial or key stroke. Only their continued dedication allows us to clock up another year of IIP, and our 24th year with, in some cases, a client family who joined on day one.

Investors in People accreditation is a standard that recognises people management and people management systems. It’s granted to companies who invest the time and resources to observe certain key measures. Until 2017, Investors in People was owned by the UK government because it was considered such an important enabler of success for the countries workforces. Since then it has transitioned to the Investors in People Community Interest Company and conducted through local centres across the UK and internationally.

In September 2015, Investors in People launched the sixth generation standard, evolved from the previous fifth generation to keep pace with modern practices. The current framework reflects the latest workplace trends, leading practices and employee conditions required to create outperforming teams. The latest framework focuses on three key areas: leading, supporting and improving. Within these sit nine performance indicators based on the features of organisations that consistently outperform industry norms. Organisations are assessed against these indicators using a performance model made up of four levels: Developed, Established, Advanced, High-Performing. In order to achieve the minimum level of accreditation against this framework, an organisation must meet all nine indicators at ‘Developed’ level

Though UK-based, the Standard has been licensed to a number of other countries through Investors in People International. Investors in People International operates in more than 80 countries and delivers services in more than 30 languages

According to Investors In People “Your people are your most valuable commodity. Central to the success of any organisation – whatever their size or sector – is the right blend of talent, motivation and leadership. And for this reason, investing in your people is not only the right thing to do, it’s proven to be essential in delivering sustainable results, especially in a crisis. Organisations that lead, support and develop their workforce effectively are 17% more productive and 21% more profitable. Employers who get this wrong not only suffer the performance consequences but also see a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of their employees.”

Posted in News | Tags: IIP, Investors in people |

Blue Donkey Intelligent Telemarketing again rates as ‘Strong’ in latest industry report

Posted on 22 December 2020 by bluedonkey

Blue Donkey Intelligent Telemarketing again rates as ‘Strong’ in latest industry report

Blue Donkey Intelligent telemarketing has once again been rated as STRONG in the latest analysis of the UK’s 245 influential Call Centre companies. The Plimsoll Analysis (December 2020) also reveals Blue Donkey among the fastest growing in the market. What is more impressive is that Blue Donkey has achieved this in a tough market where 65 companies have made a loss, with 41 of those having made a 2 year loss and struggling to find liquidity.

As with previous years, Blue Donkey Intelligent telemarketing has taken great pride in being rated as Strong, as this is the highest rating available. However, it’s more important this year than ever before in our 23 year history. The Coronavirus epidemic has placed a huge pressure and challenge for the business to perform, more than we’ve ever seen as a business or as an industry. Clients need the absolute best from their projects and budgets right now, so every penny they spend with Blue Donkey is tasked to do more than it was previously.

With this in mind, we’d like to express gratitude to our wonderful client family for their continuing support of Blue Donkey. We are so lucky to work with client colleagues who aspire to be the very best in their markets, it’s a pleasure to serve you.

And special gold star thanks to the amazing Blue Donkey team. Your hard work, good humour, rock solid support, and unerring confidence make Blue Donkey the best B2B telemarketing agency in the world!

If you would like some advice on how best to uncover B2B market opportunities or service your existing B2B customer base please contact Blue Donkey Intelligent telemarketing on 01353 724 880 or follow us on Linked In and Twitter.

Posted in News |

Blue Donkey has achieved the world’s most recognised quality management standard, ISO 9001: 2015 for the 14th year running.

Posted on 17 November 2020 by bluedonkey

Blue Donkey has achieved the world’s most recognised quality management standard, ISO 9001 2015 for the 14th year running.

In a huge boost to staff pride and credentials, the quality management process at Blue Donkey was audited for the 14th year but this time under lockdown conditions.

The achievement has once again underlined Blue Donkey’s commitment to providing best in breed service excellence, as well as being a place of work that offers satisfaction and learning.

Managing Director Sureya Landini said: “I am so proud that my staff have not only achieved ISO 9001: 2015 continual certification for the business but also did so while continuing to provide excellent results for clients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a source of huge pride for us all at Blue Donkey. It shows just how high the quality of telemarketing and research services we provide are. We’re busier than ever, and our teams have absolutely excelled themselves in not only reaching and exceeding the high standards set by ISO:9001 but also in outperforming normal trading conditions.

Our staff’s jobs have been harder in the face of this pandemic and they’ve had to adjust to working remotely, under enhanced scrutiny, and without the normal quality management support, but as ever, the whole team has pulled together, giving heaps of discretionary effort, to make client budgets go further, and create calls that are more impactful. I can’t thank everybody enough. It’s quite humbling, that during times such as these, it’s our precious workforce who have one by one done the heavy lifting required to carry the business to safety. We’re really excited about the future.”

To attain this extraordinary standard of excellence at any time is worthy of note, but to do so during one of the worst crises facing business and society, it is an indication of the robustness and calibre of the organisation’s people and quality management systems. The goal of ISO 9001: 2015 accreditation is to make sure an organisation has fully incorporated a quality management system so it can increase productivity, reduce unnecessary costs and ensuring the quality of processes. Companies which achieve this certification have successfully demonstrated how their service meets client and regulatory quality standards.

Special thanks to our certification partners ACM who’ve gone beyond the call of duty to help us manage the challenge of the audit under lockdown. They were helpful, accommodating and fun to work with. ACM is a UKAS-accredited certification body helping businesses around the world perform to a higher standard. A friendly and experienced team of over 280 auditors worldwide, they’ll understand your business, your sector, and can make the journey to success as smooth as possible.

And of course, no Blue Donkey achievement can happen without the enduring support, kindness, and goodwill of our wonderful client family. You’ve said such lovely things in response to our recent client survey, thank you so much…..

  “Easy to work with, good quality leads with proven results.”

“Best business I have found in this sector so far.”

“Highly professional approach, excellent management information, good results to date from a standing start.”

 “Brilliant customer service, super thorough with the data and work collaboratively.”

“Good working with the team – I know that my requirements are listened to and that the call quality is high.”

“Wouldn’t hesitate to use Blue Donkey again, brilliant service from start to finish.”

“Great service, results and response rate.”

“Professional, reliable.”

“Great service and results.”

Posted in News |

Blue Donkey signs up to Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce’s new programme

Posted on 21 July 2020 by bluedonkey

Blue Donkey Ely Standard News 19.07.2020

Blue Donkey Intelligent Telemarketing is one of the first local businesses supporting the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce’s local business champion initiative, which aims to rebuild the region’s economy, help local business and global trade.

The initiative is open to all businesses – from the smallest independent micro-business to the largest exporter – whether they are a chamber member or not.

Sureya Landini, founder and managing director, said: “Being recognised as a local business champion is very important to us – especially since we have employed people in the region for 22 years.”

Find out more here.

Posted in News |

Choosing the right support for building leads out of lockdown

Posted on 13 May 2020 by bluedonkey

Choosing the right support for building leads out of lockdown

For anyone worried about taking steady steps out of lockdown, or if you’re starting the process of building leads to help grow momentum, you can do a lot worse than taking a look at your local Chamber of Commerce.

Cambridgeshire Chamber has been absolutely excellent! John Bridge OBE, Cambridgeshire Chamber’s CEO, has an uncanny knack of knowing what’s worrying local membership the most and as if by magic, something appears in the inbox to help.

Most SME’s will be thinking about how they’ll begin building leads to get off the starting blocks. However, the practicalities of dealing with the risk of Coronavirus are complex and loaded with potential risk.

We’re sharing the latest guidance below. Including a helpful summary of business owners legal obligations.

Well done Cambridgeshire Chamber and thank you!

Click here for information on the more detailed sector safe workplace guidance released by the government.

To assist, the Chamber has highlighted the following points from the guidance:

Legal obligations

  • The guidance is not statutory – it is described as a practical ‘framework’ for businesses to think about what is needed to continue or restart operations during the pandemic
  • It gives practical considerations of how this can be applied in workplaces and businesses will need to translate into specific actions depending on the nature of their business
  • The guidance does not supersede any legal obligations relating to health and safety, employment, or equalities. It is important that businesses and/or employers continue to comply with existing obligations, including relating to individuals with protected characteristics
  • The government is clear that workers should not be forced into an unsafe workplace
  • Businesses should share the results of their risk assessment with their workforce. If possible, they are encouraged to consider publishing the results on their website (and there is an expectation that all businesses with over 50 workers would do so).

Risk Assessments

  • All businesses will need to carry out an appropriate Coronavirus risk assessment in ‘consultation with unions and workers’
  • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has provided best practice risk assessments
  • Businesses will need to do everything reasonably practicable to minimise risk to workers, although it is clear that the risk of Coronavirus cannot be eliminated completely. The business will need to manage risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level by taking preventative measures
  • Generally, if businesses read the guidance, undertake a risk assessment and take steps to minimise risks they will have taken reasonable steps
  • There is a 5 point notice for display in the workplace indicating that a business has completed a risk assessment and taken steps to protect their workforce.

Enforcement

  • The actions the HSE can take ranges from the provision of specific advice to employers, through to issuing enforcement notices to help secure improvements
  • There is a mechanism for employees to report poor practice.

In addition, to summarise what you can and can’t do, FAQ’s have also been published based on the new guidance.

Chamber Summary of Government Guidance for Business

For further help, a summary of government guidance for business can be found here.

Other essential information links on all aspects can be found at Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Coronavirus Hub and at the British Chambers of Commerce Coronavirus Hub

Posted in Business advice, News | Tags: leads |

Our offices are temporarily closed

Posted on 30 March 2020 by bluedonkey

Covid Closed Image

In accordance with government guidance for limiting the spread of Coronavirus, our offices are temporarily closed.

We are still available to handle any client queries. We also welcome any new clients to the Blue Donkey family, so do please feel free to contact us by telephone on 01353 724 880, you can text us at 07917 608944, or email enquiries@bluedonkey.co.uk. A member of the management team will respond to you within two hours.

We hope to resume normal operations as soon as we are advised it’s safe for our team, their families, and our local community for us to do so.

We’re looking forward to providing our intelligent B2B telemarketing with a new sense of energy and enthusiasm when normality returns. As ever we pledge to work hard to help restore and grow the businesses we are delighted to support. Together we will get through these challenging times.

We wish you and your family a safe, healthy few weeks.

Warm regards,

The Blue Donkey team

Posted in News |

Croucher Needham & CNM Advisory COVID-19 Business Support

Posted on 23 March 2020 by bluedonkey

COVID-19 Business Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our friends at Croucher Needham have produced this clever one page summary to help companies understand and access the support they need during the COVID-19 disruption. At this time a lot of the details are still undisclosed but having an awareness of what will be on offer will hopefully help you focus your plans.

It is expected that more measures will be introduced in due course, Croucher Needham will endeavour to keep this information up to date with the key areas they think you will need to understand.

 

Croucher Needham

Market House, 10 Market Walk, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1JZ | 01799 521301

Unit 4, The Limes. Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 8EP | 01992 471472Click for map

http://www.cnmadvisory.com

 

Posted in News |

Information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and business from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Business Board

Posted on 20 March 2020 by bluedonkey

The business board 19.03.2020

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Business Board wants to keep businesses up to date with guidance regarding the potential impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

The Combined Authority is monitoring the situation daily and will be proactively updating our information for business via their website and social media.

Here you can find Government Guidance for employers and business about COVID-19 in the workplace in relation to:

  • How to help prevent the spread of all respiratory infections including COVID-19
  • What to do if someone with suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting
  • What advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas
  • Advice for the certification of absence from work resulting from COVID-19
  • Latest public information and advice

If you are concerned about being able to pay your tax due to COVID-19, call HMRC’s dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559.

Posted in News |

Coronavirus (COVID-19) March 2020

Posted on 19 March 2020 by bluedonkey

Coronavirus (COVID-19) March 2020

As the coronavirus outbreak and responses by governments and firms intensify globally, GDP growth forecasts are being revised down. The rough reality for companies and bosses who began breathing a heavy sigh of relief after the past 2 years of Brexit, is they now need to find a way to sustain operations through yet another completely unprecedented set of conditions.

In last week’s budget, and pretty much every day since, the Chancellor has been setting out various packages of measures designed to help support business, individuals and public services through the outbreak and the disruption caused as a result.

So what is happening so far? News has never moved so quickly. Even for the many who watch the news on a loop, it’s a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ situation. The key points currently (at 11.30 am 18th March 2020) are:

  • £330bn of government-backed loans to support businesses
  • Tesco reducing the opening times of their 24-hour stores to 6 am to 10 pm opening
  • Business rate holiday extended to all hospitality sector
  • 3 month mortgage holiday for households in financial difficulty due to coronavirus
  • Cash grants of up to £25,000 for small retailers, hospitality and leisure businesses
  • Government advising everyone to avoid non- essential foreign travel for 30 days
  • 18 new deaths bring the total number of fatalities in UK to 71
  • Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief scientific adviser says UK has up to 55,000 coronavirus cases already. He estimates that 20,000 deaths or below ‘would be a good outcome’

Source Sky News 19/03/20 https://news.sky.com

Government guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) for UK businesses can be found here.

Posted in News |

Blue Donkey named Cambridge Prestige Awards Telemarketing Specialists of Year!

Posted on 12 March 2020 by bluedonkey

Cambridgeshire Prestige Awards Winner

Blue Donkey Intelligent Telemarketing has been named Cambridge Prestige Awards Telemarketing Specialists of Year!

The Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards celebrates small and medium-sized enterprises consisting of local businesses that have thrived in their highly competitive community and have proven their success during the past 12 months.

The Cambridgeshire Prestige Awards recognise businesses located in the popular county at the East of England that provide a personal approach towards their customers to maintain a high-quality level of service and experience.

With such a broad range of businesses being recognised companies were looked at individually and assessed on how they have harnessed more effective processes, products or ideas in order to transform their industry for the better, increase profits, and/or offer a more successful service.

Winners were chosen on marketing and branding, business growth methods, customer experience, and approach to new ideas. The accolades also allow businesses to celebrate their achievement within the business community.

Blue Donkey Intelligent Telemarketing were one of five companies shortlisted, and after winning the award Managing Director Sureya Landini said “We are delighted to have won the Telemarketing Specialists of Year award. I take it as recognition of how hard all the members of our team at Blue Donkey work to give our clients a unique experience of B2B telemarketing.”

For the last 16 years Cambridge Prestige Awards have been running national and international awards under the Luxury Travel Guide and Corporate Live Wire platforms, in 2019 they introduced regional awards to recognise smaller, independent businesses that are extremely successful and hard working on a local level.

Posted in News | Tags: awards |
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