At the beginning of 2010 we decided to help a small business by giving away a telephone system, complete with installation and 12 months’ support. How to choose the right business was the problem as there are so many organisations in need or updating their current set up. So the contest concept was born (and entitled the Golden Giveaway) and we began inviting companies to tell us how they would benefit by having the free system.
The idea was launched at the Be An Amazing Business Builder Show held at the Inn on the Lake, Cobham. The show was a perfect place to network with like minded people and it was in fact here that we met Shiel Campbell of the Utility Warehouse. As senior executive at the Utility Warehouse and a serial networker, Shiel has helped many individuals and businesses with their utility requirements, including phone lines. Shiel immediately identified a possible candidate for our free system and made sure she had all the necessary information to pass on. Throughout the summer our campaign was advertised in various publications, newsletters, mailshots and of course by word of mouth.
Our Business Link advisor Debbie Hough, kindly agreed to judge the entries, along with two Telcare directors. Our aim was to find an organisation that would truly benefit by having a telephone system installed.
One entry really stood out and that was the application made by a care home/hospice for disabled adults in Faversham, known as Fynvola Foundation. Incidentally, the very people Shiel Campbell had in mind. Their current set up was just two cordless phones. They had no facility to transfer a call, other than dashing about, phone in hand, searching for member of staff. The advantages that a system could provide were enormous. Needless to say Fynvola made the shortlist and then went on to win the system. Telcare awarded the system to a delighted Jenny Gurney and staff at Fynvola on the 8th November and on the 29th the system went live. The home are now happily using the system and are comforted to know that they have continued support from Telcare along the way.
We would to say thank you to all those involved in the process, including those that participated by submitting an entry. We received lots of enthusiasm and support for the idea as well as for the search for the lucky winner. Special thanks go to the following:
Jason & Stella Hulott at Speedie PR
Debbie Hough at Business Link
Paul Cummins at DPS Printers
Louisa Felstead at the BAABB Show
Kirsten Gibbs at Replica
Sheil Campbell at The Utility Warehouse
