Greater London Enterprise Awards 2017

10 SME NEWS / Greater London Enterprise Awards 2017 , Locale is the only company in the UK to specialise in commercial, residential andmixed propertymanagement software. We spoke to GuyWindsor Lewis to find out more about the company’s success. Best Property Management Software Provider 2017 With clients that include a number of well-renowned brands; Locale’s cutting edge portals are used by some of the most iconic, high profile developments and management companies in Europe. The firm’s focus on innovation, its proven ability to forecast future trends and client-focused approach to business has ensured that the team widely recognised as experts in its field. With 100% customer satisfaction and client retention, Locale offers an unparalleled service for portfolios or single buildings. Its user- friendly and intelligent property management portals significantly improve the day to day running of a building or portfolio. Their easy navigation and fast response means day-to-day activities such as logging deliveries, permits or signing in a visitor has never been easier. Guy talks to us about it how it feels to have won this award and what he believes are the reasons behind the firm’s success. However, the hard work does not stop here as he also discusses the firm’s overall mission and what steps the team plans to take in order to achieve this. “Firstly, we are thrilled, we have always worked hard to deliver innovative solutions for our clients and our client services team strive to deliver unbeatable customer service. We work with some of the most prestigious property brands in the UK and this award is further testament to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. “Secondly, in line with our mission, we will continue to grow, innovate and deliver ground breaking solutions for the FM industry.” Marking itself out as the best possible option for clients is important to attract the best business. Locale is able to do this thanks to its wealth of experience and knowledge within the industry and the customer service it provides. Being based in Greater London also enables the firm to thrive as Guy observes. “Clients come to us because of our breadth of property management and communication tools; service and support levels; experience; high level of configuration and customisation and our engagement with the client at all levels from concierge through to steering groups at asset management level. “Although many of the PropTech companies are based in London, LON17014 Locale is based in Oxford which has excellent transport links in and out of London, Birmingham, Manchester Leeds and the North. Clients do not see this as being a hindrance.” There is a positive working relationship between staff at Locale, with staff all working cohesively and being well equipped to provide any answers to any questions clients have. “Locale has always been blessed with a great set of people. The majority are not technical (although we do now have an internal developers) and are from service industry backgrounds, i.e.; hospitality and retail, meaning they understand how important providing a good service is. The company is a software business; however, we prioritise providing a service and maintaining long term relationships with our clients, enjoying five and sometimes seven year agreements. We treat our staff well, providing generous holidays, above average salaries and generous add-ons such as regular, group staff activities, private health, beer Fridays and a great bean to cup coffee machine. We also provide ongoing training plans for each member of staff and in most cases a three-year development plan.” Looking ahead to the future, Guy talks about some of the exciting projects the company already has in the pipeline and his predictions for the market in Greater London and how Locale plans to adapt to these. “PropTech has been a great boost for Locale, as after 12 years in the sector with slow but steady progress and growth, the last 18 months has seen a rapid take up of our service from new and existing clients. With regards to upcoming projects, we have an app coming out later this year which will be a huge boost to our residential clients especially. Plus, we have just launched our portfolio structure allowing buildings with smaller service charges the same benefits of much larger schemes in terms of online processes, branding, visibility and communications. “Ultimately, we see London as leading the way in terms of developing and adopting new ideas. Locale is an evolving company and we are not content to stand still, we have an exciting roadmap plus numerous partners with whom we are working from key holding, security, concierge. PropTech is generating loads of new tech and companies and some of these will work their way into the market, and we see a new