IN THESE testing times for businesses, savvy use of technology can mean soaring to the top of the game.

Using technology for competitive advantage and boosting customer satisfaction, as well as profits, is at the core of the criteria for the Best Use of Technology Award.

To win, judges will have been impressed by use of technology that stands out from its competitors and exceeds the expectations of clients, as well as businesses that embrace new technology to improve efficiency, levels of service and product quality.

Last year’s winner was the Dental Confidence Implant Centre which used 3D software technology to provide a range of dental implants. Fareham-based Taylor Made Computer Solutions is one of the Solent region’s largest and growing IT service providers.

The firm’s managing director Nigel Taylor, who judges the award, said: “We have been particularly impressed with the standard of entrants this year; it has been great to see so many local businesses successfully using technology to improve their business performance.

“The competition is strong so we are now looking forward to the next stage of the judging process.”

 

THE NATURAL TRAVEL COLLECTION

THE Natural Travel Collection, based in Bridge Street, Winchester, is an award-winning tour operator specialising in bespoke holidays to over 240 locations worldwide through its two travel brands, Wildlife Worldwide and Dive Worldwide.

In operation for 20 years they have revolutionised their business based on robust decisions to invest in emerging technology.

A state of the art website, in-house designed client management system, and flexible office technology have contributed to an annual booking revenue increase of 25 per cent in 2013, and the company has seen a 40 per cent increase in like-for-like sales in the first quarter of 2014 compared with the same period in 2013.

 

M12 SOLUTIONS

M12 SOLUTIONS is delighted to be shortlisted for the ‘Best Use of Technology’ Award.

We areaHampshire based “single source” telecommunications company serving a wide variety of businesses.

M12 Solutions featured its own rural superfast internet brand – ‘Wessex Internet’ providing 30mbps internet speeds to rural businesses and communities.

M12 adopts best practice using cloud applications ensuring 15 per cent monthon- month growth of the Wessex Internet base.

We practise what we preach with use of comms, helpdesk and billing systems helping us achieve a 98-per-cent-plus track record of client retention, because we’re able to provide exemplary client services efficiently.

 

ETCH

ETCH is an award-winning digital agency.

As one of the larger agencies they command a particular presence within Southampton.

Etch is particularly focused on the user’s experience when creating digital solutions.

They do not follow traditional methods but rather focus utilising digital solutions by way of using humancentric design.

They boast an i m p r e s s i v e client list together with a list of awards, most recently MCA 2014 awards.

Etch has been shortlisted in the Taylor Made Computer Solutions Award for Best Use of Technology for their recent solution for British Airways in helping to alleviate airline disruption.

 

ANDREW SMITH & SON

ANDREW Smith & Son is Hampshire’s leading firm of fine art and antiques auctioneers and valuers based in Itchen Stoke, near Alresford.

The company has successfully embraced emerging technologies into the traditional remit of auctioneering, with the most notable being the introduction of online bidding which has proven to be important both in increasing turnover, and gaining international recognition in the field of art and antiques.

Although set in a provincial country location, the exposure afforded by the internet has allowed the company to compete against the top London salerooms while maintaining a personal service to their clients.