10th July 2009, Hemel Hempstead, UK – Telephonetics VIP, the speech automation specialist, is proud to announce that three of their customers were commended in the field of Telecoms Innovation at the Good Communication Awards on 8th July 2009. Now in its fifth year and organised by Government Technology, the Good Communication Awards aims to promote and recognise excellence in public sector communications.   Wandsworth Borough Council were recognised for their innovative use of speech automated, direct debit technology. The council tax department at the authority introduced Telephonetics VIP speech automation to facilitate the set up of customer direct debits for the payment of council tax. Since its implementation, Wandsworth have seen the number of customers opting to pay by direct debit rise by 40% compared to the same period last year.    Swale Borough Council were also commended for the use of speech automation for the payment of council tax.   In the month following its introduction, Swale Borough Council had 862 residents pay their council tax this way.

Not only has this freed up staff resources but feedback internally and from their customers shows that the system has been positively received.   Hertfordshire County Council were commended for introducing a Telephonetics VIP mobility solution to aid the flexibility of their workforce and promote hot desking. At a time where central government focus is around public sector property rationalisation, Hertfordshire demonstrated how the introduction of Telephonetics VIP Operator and Mobility solutions have supported those members of staff who are frequently out visiting clients or at meetings.   Anthony McKay, Chief Executive at Telephonetics VIP, comments, “We pride ourselves on our ability to place our customers at the forefront of all we do. We take time to listen to and understand their challenges, before developing a cost effective solution to meet their needs.”   “Although our customers didn’t win the Telecoms Innovation award this time round, the fact they were all recognised for their innovative telecoms solutions, highlights the core benefits of automated telephony in a local authority environment.”