How to power growth with great customer service
“Customer service excellence has, does and will continue to differentiate successful businesses in the future.” Dame Irene Hays DBE says the success of Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent, is built on that simple premise.
So how can you gain competitive advantage for your business by making your customers feel special and valued? What does good customer service actually look like these days? And how important is the human touch in an era of innovative, technological solutions? Let’s find out together from Dame Irene herself and the panel of speakers.
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One morning. Five speakers. Endless learnings
Dame Irene will be among a panel of seasoned experts who have made great customer service the cornerstone of their business growth. Join them to hear first-hand their personal experiences and learn how you can employ the same powerful tactics to benefit your own business.
This interactive session brings the panel and audience together in lively conversation to learn from each other. Expect refreshingly honest opinions and wide-ranging perspectives from businesses, consultants and investors about what is working for their businesses right now.
And with plenty of chances to ask questions and contribute your own experiences, it’s a value-packed morning of collaboration and fresh ideas you can put to use straightaway.
Meet the speakers
Pete Wilkinson, panel host
Founder and CEO, Reclaro
Ted Stone
CEO, Customer First UK
Dame Irene Hays DBE
Owner, Director & Chair, Hays Travel
Dame Irene served as Chief Executive of both Sunderland and South Tyneside local authorities and also worked in Whitehall. Her late husband, John Hays, began selling holidays in 1980 and she joined him in running Hays Travel when she left central government. Proud to be headquartered in Sunderland, Dame Irene states that the success of Hays Travel has been built upon the premise that customer service excellence has, does and will differentiate successful businesses in the future.
Jon Malton
Former MD, Ringtons & Founder, Lighthouse Business Club
Jon was Managing Director of the iconic, 115-year-old family firm Ringtons Ltd for many years. More recently, he founded the Lighthouse Business Club which provides a safe, confidential place for business owners and CEOs to learn, share skills and experiences, and hold each other to account. The 10 members’ combined annual turnover exceeds £350m and, between them, they have over 2,500 employees.
Natasha McDonough
Founder & CEO, MMC
Eligibility
Growth Lab events are fully funded by the BIC’s Enterprising Sunderland programme so priority is given to businesses in the Sunderland City Council area. Not based in Sunderland? Join our mailing list using the link below and we’ll be in touch if there’s space. We’d love to see you there if possible!
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Growth Lab Sunderland
The session is part of Growth Lab Sunderland, a new event series designed to inspire and empower Sunderland-based business owners and leaders with ambition to grow.
Held in a fun, friendly and inclusive environment, the events take place at different venues across the Sunderland City Council area and feature local businesspeople sharing how they introduced innovative ways to survive and thrive.
“Such a fascinating event. I came away with TEN pages of notes and learning from the panel and the wonderfully-engaged audience!”
Phil Young, Solicitor and Founder, Tiger Energy Consultants
Come along to...
- Learn from others who’ve been there and done it
- Shortcut to what works and what doesn’t
- Ask the questions you need answered
- Share your own insights
- Get introductions to useful new contacts
- Discover new opportunities and new ways to adapt
This event is now fully subscribed
Join the Growth Lab mailing list and be kept up to date with future events.
This event is now fully subscribed
Please complete the form below to join our waiting list. If there is any cancellations a member of our team will be touch.
