"Seeking expert advice on technology has improved the way I run my business dramatically. Not only does properly set up ICT allow more efficient use of my time, it also means I am able to manage the running of my company regardless of geographical location" Sue Spencer-Harrison, owner, Xue
Xue (sh-way), which in Chinese translates as to learn, is a performance coaching, people development and mediation company with its base in the Peak District. Xue offers a bespoke and holistic approach to personal and organisational development that supports individuals to identify their next steps through personal learning. Sue's experience and qualifications in performance coaching have built on her expertise in education, psychology and change management. She firmly believes that ongoing learning is essential for personal growth and fulfilment, thus allowing people to develop the skills necessary to become confident, effective and energised both personally and professionally. Clients range from Chief Executives, Directors, owners of SMEs and their leadership teams, to individuals who want to develop new insights or personal skills, to change direction or to manage conflicts in their lives. The business has been running for just under a year and Sue is delighted with how the advice she has received on technology has helped support the company's rapid growth.
Having had considerable experience as a successful leader, in both the private and public sectors, Sue understands the pressures and often the loneliness that surrounds leadership and decision making as well as the personal stresses and strains individuals face on a day to day basis. This led her to develop The Lodge, which provides a tranquil and inspirational environment where learning can take place free from interruption. While knowing what she wanted to achieve she had limited understanding of current technologies and was directed by Business Link to a local source for ICT guidance . . . "The help and advice I have received from Business Link has been fantastic, allowing me to have complete confidence that each decision is moving me closer to my ultimate goal by ensuring that I am investing in the correct equipment for my needs".
Sue needed to be able to connect with her clients without making them feel like they were in the boardroom or in a busy environment. The quiet and calm atmosphere at The Lodge is perfect for this. Following discussion with her ICT supplier, a large-format wide screen presentation panel has been installed on one wall at the Xue base. This connects directly to Sue's tablet computer so allowing interactive presentations to aid her individual coaching and development sessions with clients.
In addition the Xue team, a network of nationwide consultants and associates, each with specific skills which overlap and interlock, are linked to the home base via technology. Team members are often 'out and about' on a daily basis, thus there was the need to have a single point of communication with access for all at anytime and from anywhere, in order to maintain contact with both the Xue office and clients alike. To this end, Sue has recently installed a server which allows remote log-in for authorised users and also utilises 'SharePoint' software to allow file-sharing by all consultants and associates.
"I believe that this technology will save the business time and money. We can all log in at the click of a button from anywhere in the world and are able to interact with each other and our clients. This really means that Xue can feel, as well as work, as one organisation with greater ease."