As a result of a partnership between the London Business Support Network, Business Competitiveness Group in Yorkshire and Humber and the Quality Working Group, the not for profit organisation Customer First UK was born.

Using the catchy registered trademark ‘putting the customer first’ they invite companies to apply for their ‘Customer First Standard’ which is a comprehensive award encompassing three key areas; building customer relationships, maximising market awareness and developing your people.

This national standard has just been awarded to Cambridge Enterprise Services whose Chief Exec commented “Cambridgeshire Enterprise Services are no stranger to going out of our way to help customers and I’m delighted we have been officially recognised for this. Our job is all about nurturing the potential of people as new business owners. We always strive for great customer service and tell our customers they should do the same.”

It’s good to see that businesses are being recognised for their investment in personal development and customer service training of their staff. However, as great as they are, awards and recognition is not as important as the learnt skills themselves, and how they are actually applied to the business, its people and its customers.