Businesses urged to sign up and celebrate customer service

Published by FionaBrunning for Institute of Customer Service in Health and also in Housing

Companies and organisations throughout the UK are being urged to celebrate the importance of excellent customer service by taking part in National Customer Service Week – 5-11 October.

Employers in all sectors, from the largest business to the corner shop and local authority see the week, which is organised by the Institute of Customer Service, as an ideal time to recognise the efforts and achievements of those working in customer service activities.

In the past these activities have included job swaps between management and staff, fancy dress or food-themed days, talent shows and inviting customers to nominate their customer service champion within an organisation.

The main purpose of the week is to:

• raise awareness throughout organisations of the crucial role customer service plays in building positive reputations and increasing customer loyalty
• boost morale and teamwork
• let your customers know you are committed to meeting and exceeding their expectations
• recognise contributions made by colleagues and thanking them for their support.

“We want to show our staff and customers that we care about the service we provide,” says Bradley Johns, Ipsos MORI. “Taking part in National Customer Service Week is a great way to do this - especially now during these tough economic times.”

“People are working hard, particularly in the current recession and National Customer Service Week offers the perfect opportunity to recognise individuals’ talent, commitment and achievements,” says Jo Causon, chief executive of the Institute.

“It’s important that we all realise how, by working together and focusing on our customers, we can make a difference for them, our colleagues and our organisations. This week provides organisations with an ideal platform to demonstrate to their customers that they are totally focused on the service they offer them.”

To find out more and register for this free event, or for further information go to: www.nationalcustomerserviceweek.com

Ends
6 July 2009

Notes to Editors:
The Institute of Customer Service is the professional body for customer service whose primary purpose is to lead and raise customer service performance and professionalism.

It is the authoritative voice of customer service and a catalyst for all those whose focus is on the delivery of world-class service experiences.

The Institute is a membership body with a community of more than 350 organisational members - from the private, public and third sectors - and around 7,000 individual members.