Case Study

With 420 staff split between three sites in Nottingham, Birmingham and London internal and external communications for a leading UK legal firm used to involve excessive time and travel costs – as well as the mental and physical stress associated with constant travel.

But now this is a thing of the past thanks to the latest videoconferencing communications systems purchased by the company.

Communication barriers have been broken down and staff can talk to colleagues, clients and legal advisers anywhere in the world – all at the touch of a button.

Staff are so impressed with the extensive savings and increased efficiency the equipment is achieving that they say their use of the technology will continue to grow. The first systems which were installed over 2 years ago are now used so frequently that additional systems have been installed in the Nottingham office.

A company spokesman explains: “Obviously with a firm our size, communication is a key element. As well as internal meetings, we had members of staff constantly having to travel between the three offices to meet clients and a wide range of other contacts.

Now we use the videoconferencing systems as much as possible and everyone has noticed the results in time savings and efficiency. We can hold internal meetings between the three offices but, most importantly, it has also improved our service to clients as we can arrange consultations more quickly and frequently as the issue of travelling and people being at remote locations is no longer a concern.

We also use the systems for briefings with counsel, other legal advisers, presentations and training events.”

He adds: “Everyone has accepted the technology extremely well and we’ve held a series of training sessions to help people adapt to the different applications. Right from the start we’ve seen our use of the equipment grow, and I’ve no doubt that this trend will continue.”

Whilst reaping the benefits of the new communications technology, the company stresses that face-to-face meetings are still an important part of day-to-day business. The spokesman comments: “Ours remains a people business and personal contact is often essential. However, in this high speed commercial environment videoconferencing provides us with a fast and flexible alternative communications solution.