Case Studies

Systems for Leisure - going that 'extra mile'

“Microrate’s role is one of a genuine consultancy, with staff that are friendly and professional, know their jobs – and take the trouble to know ours.  Its staff have ‘gone that extra mile’ for us and we see them as very much part of our team, an extension of the personnel and resources within North Country Leisure.”

These are the words of chief executive, John Maude, who has overall responsibility for the management of North Country Leisure, a charitable company created in 1999, from Tynedale District Council’s Leisure department. 

 It was clear that the historical burden of old, outdated and diverse technology spread throughout the organisation was a burden that had to be urgently addressed.  As Maude says:  “There was paper flying about everywhere between head office and all the sites; there were various so-called central databases and systems and records were not accessible on line.  Out of date paper copies of essential documentation such as Health & Safety guidelines was a problem and keeping any vital information, procedures or data up-to-date was very hard.”

 “By 2002, because we already had a successful relationship with Microrate, we asked them to help us find solutions.  With an overwhelming variety of financial, personnel and client statistics held in a mix of formats and locations, it was quite a challenge! 

 “We started the implementation late in 2002 with the installation of a central server in preparation for transferring the financial systems in time for successfully going live by April 1 2003.”

In Autumn 2003 Microrate centralised data storage across the whole NCL organisation, installing a second server to run Microsoft Terminal Services to Hewlett Packard ‘Thin Clients’ (ideal as they take up no desk space says Maude!) in the remote sites.  These are then linked to HO via Broadband Virtual Private Networks (VPN). This delivers cheap, low maintenance communications between centres for email, Internet access and exchange of documentation.

 “When we took over the management of Alnwick’s leisure services, Microrate installed a cabling network and ISDN link to head office and several new PCs, and recently helped us move to Broadband,” said Maude.

 With access to the Internet, staff can place orders on line, which saves considerable time and money.  With head office open 37 hours a week and the leisure sites open 95 hours, seven days a week, it is vital that staff have access to information ‘out of office hours’ or to maintenance providers.  They can get on with doing their jobs even when central services offices are closed.

 In January 2005, NCL’s head office in Hexham will move to new premises and Microrate will manage the entire building preparation and move to ensure a smooth transition.

 John Maude’s conclusion is a remarkable one:  “Microrate is a rare example of a company that actually seems to care about its customers.  Its sales and technical staff have taken on every challenge with enthusiasm and consistently offer us practical ideas and cost savings.”