CRM UK - the official blog of the CRM specialists at TSG

Don't Miss Out! Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online offer still available until 30th June 2011

Over the past few months Microsoft has been offering Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online for the special price of £22.75 per user, per month. Unfortunately, this price can’t last forever and is due to end on 30th June 2011.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is ideal for medium to large businesses, but also smaller ones too thanks to the minimal start-up cost. Microsoft Dynamics CRM online is quick and simple to deploy, as it means no new hardware costs and the friendly user interface is easy to grasp. New users will also love the familiarity of a Microsoft system, and what’s even better is that it integrates fully with Outlook!

Since being released in early 2011, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online has taken the CRM market by storm. A CRM system is key to keeping track of new business leads, sales pipelines and customer account information. A no obligation, 30 day free trial of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is available, so you can try the product before you buy! Microsoft is also offering cash back offers when switching from other CRM providers such as Salesforce.com.

However, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online may not necessarily be right for your individual business needs. As we always take a product agnostic approach, please contact us to speak with one of our CRM specialists who will be able to advise you on the best CRM or ERP product for your organisation.

Concentrix TSG to hold Sage 200 v2011 Launch on 29th June 2011

Here at Concentrix TSG we’re holding a launch for the new 2011 version of Sage 200.

As a Concentrix TSG Sage 200 customer you should have received your invite to the launch, and there is still time to register! Simply click here to let us know that you would like to attend. Not only will the launch allow you to find out about all the exciting new features in the latest version of Sage 200, but it will also be a great opportunity to catch up with your account manager and contacts at Concentrix TSG.

Whether or not you’re looking to upgrade, the morning will be packed with useful information about Sage 200 and related software. Some of the key themes of Sage 200 v2011 include accessibility, information management and improved usability. Sage have listened and reacted to what their end users, like you, want from the updated version. Impressive capabilities like e-Marketing, Sage 200 Mobile for iPhone and the improved Web, Time and Expenses modules make for an exciting launch this year.

Our Sage specialist Andrew Siddles will be able to give you info about Sage 200 for Business Intelligence and CRM, along with demonstrations of Sage on the iPad. What makes the day even more special is the launch venue; the beautiful Highpoint Conference Centre in Leicester, which used to be a chapel and convent!

So, if you are free on the morning of 29th June, join us for the latest on Sage 200. For more info on the launch or ERP software, feel free to contact us.

Concentrix TSG to exhibit at TFM&A in Manchester on Thursday 26th May 2011

Concentrix TSG will be attending the Technology for Marketing and Advertising (TFM&A) show on Thursday 26th May 2011. Not only is it the first time TFM&A is being held in Manchester, it is being held at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United FC!

The exhibition is the ideal place to chat with businesses that specialise in CRM, data, direct and digital marketing. The event will bring guests the latest marketing, advertising and sales solutions and technology combined with helpful seminars.

Make sure you visit our stand where we will be demonstrating Microsoft Dynamics CRM on the iPad! Our friendly sales consultants will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about CRM, whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or not. The event will bring you the latest marketing, advertising and sales solutions and latest technology combined with helpful seminars.

Here at Concentrix TSG we help all types of companies and organisations with their CRM and ERP needs. We are product agnostic so we take pride in being able to recommend the right product for your business’s needs. Just a few of our products include Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Sage 200. For optimum performance of your business software, we also offer a full range of managed IT services, IT security, and infrastructure.

The last TFM&A show at Earls Court attracted 11,000 visitors, so it is a valuable and worthwhile visit. On top of this, it is free for you to come along! Doors open at 9am until 5pm. To register, click here. If you are not attending but you are interested in CRM or ERP solutions, feel free to visit the Concentrix TSG website where there’s lots of information to help you get started.

We look forward to seeing you in Manchester!

Microsoft Dynamics NAV Offers Update: Buy One License, Get Two More Free

Last year, Concentrix TSG ran a promotion to help UK businesses, and in particular smaller businesses, get started with Microsoft Dynamics NAV. The offer, which we ran in association with Microsoft, gave the chance for companies and organizations that hadn’t used Microsoft Dynamics NAV before to buy three licenses of this leading ERP solution for just one UK pound (£1).

Occasionally we do come across businesses or individuals that seem to have a perception that Microsoft Dynamics NAV is just for larger organizations. While the choice of accounts and ERP software always comes down to your business requirements (your aims, objectives, processes and business strategy), the perception that Microsoft Dynamics NAV is just for larger businesses is incorrect.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV is an extremely flexible ERP product that is designed for a wide range of different sizes of organizations and different business process complexities. This flexibility means that it’s often a great fit for small and medium sized businesses, and at Concentrix TSG we can give you examples of where we’ve effectively and successfully deployed it in companies with less than five users.

Concentrix TSG had a great deal of interest in the three licenses for a pound offer and it wasn’t surprising that a number of companies took us up on it. The feedback from our clients on both the offer and the product has been great and has helped a number of organizations get started with Microsoft Dynamics NAV. Unfortunately, as we’re a business as well, so we couldn’t continue that level of discount for long. The offer ran throughout the autumn of 2010 and ended promptly on 23rd December.

Despite finishing a few months ago, we still get enquiries about the three for a pound offer (word must have got around!). We also had a few clients that for various reasons couldn’t commit by the deadline and just missed out. So, here’s a new offer. Until June 23rd 2011, if you’re a UK business that hasn’t used Microsoft Dynamics NAV before, you can buy one user license of the product, and we’ll give you up to two more for no extra cost. This reduces licensing costs on larger projects, and again helps smaller organizations get started with the product. Whether you choose one or two additional licenses is entirely your choice; whatever is right for your business. We're also discounting our implementation and support services.

Like any ERP solution, Microsoft Dynamics NAV has its own features, strengths and benefits. But just because it’s a great fit for many small businesses doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right choice for everyone. Sometimes a solution such as Sage 200 may be more suited to your requirements, so you should always talk your options through with an independent business management software specialist (like Concentrix TSG!).

There’s more information on how you can get your free licenses for Microsoft Dynamics NAV on the Concentrix TSG website, or to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact Concentrix TSG direct.

Evaluating CRM Software? Some Useful Resources to help you Choose a CRM Solution

Although a mature market, at Concentrix TSG we still get a lot of enquires from organisations that are looking in to implementing a CRM solution for the first time. In fact, these are the majority of enquires we get from new clients. Of course we also get enquiries from businesses that have used CRM for some time and approach us for advice on the latest software, to find out what’s changed since they deployed their CRM solution, and what their best options are.

Whether it’s the first time your business has deployed a CRM solution, or you’re looking to review, replace or upgrade an existing system, you need to start doing some background research. But where do you start?

Well, the obvious place is to contact an independent CRM specialist such as Concentrix TSG (many people do!), or you could start approaching vendors and business partners directly. But wherever you choose to start, it certainly won’t hurt to do some research on your own.

With many different CRM solutions, different deployment options, prices and technologies available, it’s not always easy to know where to begin and how to determine which CRM solution or solutions will best fit the requirements of your business. Fortunately there’s quite a lot of help and guidance available, and here are some resources which will make investigating, deciding on and ultimately purchasing a CRM system easier.

Firstly, there’s a knowledge base on the Concentrix TSG website which contains a selection of articles, advice and information about CRM, including a number of guides and downloads. This knowledge base gets updated and added to regularly so is a good first port of call when investigating CRM systems. If there’s a gap in the information, or you have a request or ideas for more content you would like us to include, please let us know.

If you’re not already familiar with focus.com, it’s worth a browse if you have a minute. Focus is a respected community of business experts from all over the globe and a great place to ask questions and find advice on just about any business issue. Recently, Focus published a guide, which is free to download, with advice on some of the top questions buyers should ask before purchasing a CRM solution. We recommend you download the guide and read the full details and explanations which accompany each question, but in summary the experts list of top questions to ask are:

- What are the desired outcomes of the CRM initiative?

- Is management fully on board with the new system?

- How do you characterize your company’s style of selling?

- How will we get quick adoption of the system?

- How will the system perform when executing your processes?

- Will the new system foster productivity?

- What integration and customization needs will you have?

- Is the CRM software available as a cloud-based solution, or on-premise, or both?

- What are the costs – including maintenance?

- Is the support type and level appropriate for your business?

- How reliable is the vendor?

- What references for or case studies of the solution are available?

- How does independent research position the product in the market?

- Will the solution continue to meet your needs in the future?

Please note Concentrix TSG is not in any way affiliated or linked to Focus.com. However we’re pleased to say that we recently had some of our contributions included in the above guide.

Another great resource of information to help you choose CRM software is over at the CRMSoftwareblog. Here, experts provide reviews, comparisons and opinions to professionals to help with the CRM software selection process. Although this blog tends to focus on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, it has new contributions from CRM experts almost daily, and you’ll be hard pushed to find an area of CRM that hasn’t been discussed, commented on or written about. Concentrix TSG also contributes to this blog, and as an example one of our recent posts was specifically designed to help in CRM software evaluation with 10 Questions to Help You Shortlist the Right CRM Solutions.

If you’re investigating CRM solutions and are looking for help and advice, it’s always worthwhile doing some background research and talking to an independent CRM specialist such as Concentrix TSG. Being independent we’re not reliant on any particular product or vendor, we’re able to discuss the various choices with you and help you find a CRM solution best suited to your business strategy, objectives, and requirements. So if you need help choosing a CRM system, or just need some advice on where to start, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Concentrix TSG to attend iT Showcase in Leeds in May 2011

On Tuesday 10^th May 2011, Concentrix TSG are exhibiting at the iT Showcase in Leeds.

If you are looking for business management software, the most effective way to find out what's right for you is to talk to people who not only understand your business issues, but also provide the right solutions to solve them!

Which is why the iT Showcase is a good place to start.

The showcase will allow you to chat with the best solution providers, and also network with other IT professionals in your region. Our stand will be welcoming all to come and have an informal chat with our experienced consultants.

Here at Concentrix we specialise in CRM and ERP software, including Sage, Microsoft and Goldmine, which can be tailored to your individual business needs.

So be sure to look out for us on the day. And what’s better, to attend the iT Showcase Live exhibition won’t cost you a penny!

The showcase is being held at the Centenary Pavillion in Leeds and doors open at 10am until 2pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

Concentrix TSG holds another successful business software seminar for partners

On Tuesday 19th April 2011 Concentrix TSG held a business software seminar for members of our Professional Partnership Programme. A good number of people showed up to attend and the event was a huge success!

Our Sage 200 and Microsoft SharePoint specialists did a great job presenting, as did our Managed Services Account Manager and Sales Manager. Business Development Manager from Sage, Lisa Warburton, was also at our head office to update everyone on the latest news from Sage.

Here at Concentrix TSG we take a partnership approach towards businesses that offer products and services that complement those provided by us. Membership of our Professional Partnership Programme is free and it gives partners a wide range of benefits to help their businesses, their customers and their clients.

Topics that were covered in the seminar included:

- Sage 200 – Our Business Intelligence Consultant Andrew Siddles gave us an overview of the key differences between Sage 50 and Sage 200.

- Microsoft SharePoint – James showed us what can be gained from using SharePoint, it’s so simple! 

- Cloud Computing – Richard Bates, one of our Managed IT Services Account Managers, delved into the growing craze of the ‘Cloud’ and our new Intuition Managed IT Services. All of these products and services, including SharePoint and BizNetix; the ‘instant’ intranet built on SharePoint and Intuition Managed IT Services - are provided by Concentrix TSG.

Microsoft SharePoint specialist James Nightingale said “The morning was great, and it allowed our partners to see what other software is available to help benefit not only their own business, but their client’s also”.

The feedback from all attendees was very positive and we are already thinking of what topics to include in the next seminar, a few of which look to include Microsoft Dynamics CRM and our new ‘Cloud’ services team. Microsoft Dynamics NAV is also a popular topic, which is no surprise as it is Microsoft’s leading ERP and business management solution.

Do you have any topic ideas that you would like to be discussed? If you are interested in our Professional Partnership Programme, seminars or our products please feel free to contact us.

He did it! Concentrix TSG's Roger Peacock Successfully Completes the London Marathon (and raises well over £7000!)

Here’s a message from Concentrix TSG Sales Director, Roger Peacock, after he successfully finished the London Marathon on Sunday.

“I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone for your sponsorship and support over the months in my fundraising for Rainbows Hospice. The 17th of April finally arrived and all my training came to fruition at the start of the 31st London Marathon. Nervous anxiety turned to youthful excitement and the pace went well for the first 12 miles or so, after that it was pretty much agony all the way!!!

The day was extremely hot with temperatures in excess of 20°c and this definitely took its toll, with runners dropping every few miles. Having reached the Embankment and the 25 mile marker, signs started to count down to the finish and finally Buck House was in view, with only one corner left and a ‘sprint’ to the finish.

I finally finished with a time of 4hrs and 39 minutes. A little longer than I would have liked, but at least I’m still walking, didn’t hit ‘the wall’ and can now tick that little challenge off the list. Having completed the run I cursed and vowed absolutely never again; however the demons may well have caught up with me and I’m now thinking about the next one – so watch this space.

As for the fundraising side of things, I am delighted to announce that overall we have raised in excess of £7,000 + Gift Aid for Rainbows. This is a fantastic amount that will make a real impact to their work and the lives of the children and families they support. The website http://www.justgiving.com/roger-peacock/  is still open and I’ve added a couple of pics if anyone wants to see how we’ve done or add their congratulations after the event.

So once again thank you for all your overwhelming support, it’s been truly motivational and there is no way I couldn’t have sustained all the winter training without everyone’s backing. Many thanks to everyone

Roger

A message to Concentrix customers: Concentrix Limited acquired by Technology Services Group

We’re pleased to announce that Concentrix Limited has been acquired by Technology Services Group (TSG) as part of its on-going strategy to provide a “one stop” local IT service to businesses across the UK. This acquisition is a key step in the growth of TSG and Concentrix have been chosen as a perfect fit for TSG due to our skills and expertise in the mix of business software products that we provide and support.

To give you some background on TSG, they are one of the UK’s leading IT companies and support thousands of customers throughout the UK from Aberdeen to Southampton. They offer a wide range of IT services and products including a comprehensive choice of business software solutions and on-site/ remote support services, network solutions, telecoms, cloud computing and virtualisation technology, all specifically developed for small to medium sized businesses. They can also assist larger organisations through their specialist division, TSG Enterprise Solutions offering services such as unified communications, VoIP, cabling, wireless systems and much more.

We would like to reassure all our customers that these developments will not cause you to experience any changes to the services you receive today. Ian Dawkins will be continuing his role as Managing Director of Concentrix TSG, ably assisted by the existing Concentrix management team and you will continue to deal with the same personnel as you do at present.

Our immediate priority is to ensure that service levels are maintained and that all of our customers are happy.

Your existing account manager will be in touch to answer any questions that you may have. We look forward to continuing to work with you and your business. For more information please see the press release about the acquisition of Concentrix by TSG, or if you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact Concentrix.

Concentrix customers will not experience any changes to the services they presently receive. All Concentrix staff will be remaining with the business and you will continue to deal with the same personnel as you do at present.

New Range of Cloud-Based Managed IT Services from Concentrix

Cloud computing is being adopted as a new way of working for an increasing number of businesses. CRM software in the cloud, for example, is really taking off in the UK and is proving to be the right strategic decision for many organisations.

As well as CRM and other business management software and applications, it’s also possible to run, manage and support your IT infrastructure from the cloud. These remote services typically include IT security, system and data back-up, disaster recovery, proactive maintenance and intervention, network monitoring, website hosting and email hosting, management, archiving and protection.

This week, Concentrix launched a new range of managed IT services. We call these services our Intuition range.

Concentrix Intuition Managed IT Services are run by our team of IT experts at our head office in Loughborough. Through Intuition we aim to provide you with better IT infrastructure, reduced downtime and disruptions and better service at much lower costs than employing full-time or even part-time IT professionals.

Concentrix Intuition Managed IT Services are an efficient, low cost and easy way to ensure the smooth running of your IT systems. Intuition enables you to effectively outsource as much or as little of your IT management as you want, to a UK based company. The broad range of services we provide remotely would cost you much, much more to run in-house using trained IT staff. That’s why we do it.

What Managed IT Services Does Intuition Provide?

Currently Concentrix Intuition Managed IT Services include:

• Remote IT Management and Monitoring

• Managed IT Support

• Web Protection

• Email management and Protection

• Remote Email Archiving

We hope to extend the range of services we provide in the future. And if there’s a service we don’t provide that you would like us to, please get in touch.

So What are the Benefits of Concentrix Intuition Managed IT Services?

In summary, Concentrix Intuition Managed IT Services will reduce your IT costs, help you manage your IT more effectively, increase your business productivity, reduce problems and fix those that do arise more quickly. Intuition provides you with a fully maintained and up to date system, and access to a team of IT experts.

To find out more about Concentrix Intuition, please visit the Managed IT Services and Infrastructure section of our website, or contact Concentrix.