While the recession is certainly bringing major challenges to the doors of many businesses for others it is an environment where they are set to flourish.
Scottish based company HIGHnet has been on a winning streak recently making a number of major changes including appointing a Board of Directors and recruiting a new Billing Manager. The company is also a finalist for Reseller of the Year (Large Category) for the CommsBusiness Awards.
Major plans for expansion include a £100,000 injection into staff recruitment and a new company wide incentive scheme resulting in substantial salary increases.
Dave Siegel, Managing Director of HIGHnet said: “We are not complacent about how challenging this year might be. But with over twenty years of experience in the business we know that standing still is not an option. We have a superb team behind us including our new Board of Directors who have been appointed to ensure overall growth of the business in their respective areas.
“The appointment of a new Billing Manager and other key staff has seen our work force grow by 20%. In the current climate customers are expecting more service for their money and better choice. As a result we’ve expanded our customer services team and we’re also increasing our product knowledge with the appointment of a specialist mobile sales person.”
The appointment of Keith Masson, as Billing Manager is a significant one, freeing up Siegel family member and Director David J from his current role in that position to allow him to focus on the strategic development of the company.
David commented: “The changes we’re implementing aren’t just about our staff and customers. Our channel partners will feel the benefit too. We hosted our first national recruitment event for channel partners in Edinburgh at the beginning of this year. The response was tremendous with 50 percent of those attending signing up as channel partners. We’re also looking forward to our annual channel partner event in June which will take place at the home of Scottish rugby – Murrayfield Stadium. Fittingly Scott Hastings, one of our nation’s rugby heroes will be there on the day to welcome guests.”
A key member of the team and recently appointed Board member is Kim Moran-Hogg – the winner of the 2008 Comms Business Channel Sales Person of the Year winner. She believes some businesses are viewing the recession as an opportunity to look at how they can review their outgoings and save money rather than lose it. “We help businesses save money so now is the ideal time for us to sell our services and also to expand as a business. Many people are reviewing their outgoings to look for the most competitive offers out there,” she said.
Kim added: “The demand for bundled packages for example has gone through the roof. Clearly customers want to have a clear idea of what their outgoings are each month. Yes, it means stability for them but it also means we have a clear idea of our income, so it’s a win-win situation.”