Saturday 24 December 2011
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place: Fraud in the Work Place Technology has opened up doors for a new class of high-tech criminal. Business owners and consumers are bombarded wi...
Business Intelligence UK: Matrimonial and divorce investigations
Business Intelligence UK: Matrimonial and divorce investigations: At The Covert Agency we are specialists in the ultra sensitive area of divorce investigations and cheating spouse investigations. In these c...
Business Intelligence UK: Surveillance
Business Intelligence UK: Surveillance: Utter discretion is the key to successful operations in the field of surveillance. We have significant experience in conducting surveillance...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Visa and background chec...
Business Intelligence UK: Visa and background check verification service... : Retailers often employ members of staff who are non UK nationa...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK...
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place : Fraud in the Work Place Technology h...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Individual and Business ...
Business Intelligence UK: Individual and Business Background Checks : Intelligence wins wars and separates friends from foes. Whether you ar...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK...
Business Intelligence UK: Tech brands and the cust... : Attention tech brands such as: LG, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Panasonic, ...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK...
Business Intelligence UK: Does your retail marketi... : Show your clients how your...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK...
Business Intelligence UK: Do you need a corporate ... : We are private and corporate investigators. Our work includes: ...
Business Intelligence UK: Background checks
Business Intelligence UK: Background checks: For us at The Covert Agency, background checks are not just useful for business to business dealings. We receive an increasing number of ins...
Wednesday 26 October 2011
Matrimonial and divorce investigations
At The Covert Agency we are specialists in the ultra sensitive area of divorce investigations and cheating spouse investigations. In these circumstances, where there is a suspicion of unreasonable conduct, hard facts are needed and mere suspicion leads to ongoing mistrust.
There are also situations in which we are instructed as part of U.K. divorce proceedings in order to investigate conduct and assets, and we work closely with specialist divorce and matrimonial lawyers to maximise results for clients, as part of a comprehensive matrimonial investigation.
The divorce and matrimonial services we provide include:-
· Surveillance
· Vehicle Tracking
· Mobile phone investigations
· Computer forensics investigations
· Asset tracing and hidden asset investigations
Our divorce investigators are fully trained, experienced and proficient both in obtaining evidence, preparing reports and in giving evidence in court should the need arise. We understand that investigation of personal issues can be painful and distressing and we are sensitive to those issues in working for clients. Transparency on costs is also vital whether in cheating spouse investigations, property and assets investigations or generally in divorce and/or matrimonial investigations. Please get in touch for a discreet initial assessment of your case.
Regards
Andrew Mileham
AstonCovert is part of The Covert Agency group
The Covert Agency
info@theagency.eu.com
email: Nigel@happycustomers.info
Office: 01409 281544
Mobile: 07984 406025
email: David@happycustomers.info
Office: 01630 672046
Mobile: 07960 131408
Tracing missing people..
We at The Covert Agency are expert people finders.
There are many circumstances in which our investigators are instructed to trace, with the common thread being a need to definitively locate a person, and quickly. Our services as people finders are often engaged in the following circumstances.
· Tracing debtors
· Adoption related people finder services
· Missing beneficiaries
· International tracing
· Pension tracing
The above circumstances can vary from a missing beneficiary under a will to a debtor deliberately seeking to go “underground”. In the latter case, standard database checks will often not suffice, and our investigators have the skills and experience to understand the mindset of deliberate absconders and how to find them quickly and definitively. Consequently, we have established a reputation for locating individuals that others cannot.
We offer a fixed fee service, and our people finder services are regularly used by leading property companies, solicitors, accountants and Insolvency Practitioners. Our results speak for themselves.
Please contact us now for an immediate confidential discussion either by telephone or by return on this email.
Regards
Andrew Mileham
AstonCovert is part of The Covert Agency group
The Covert Agency
info@theagency.eu.com
email: Nigel@happycustomers.info
Office: 01409 281544
Mobile: 07984 406025
email: David@happycustomers.info
Office: 01630 672046
Mobile: 07960 131408
Surveillance
Utter discretion is the key to successful operations in the field of surveillance.
We have significant experience in conducting surveillance and counter-surveillance operations: producing video, audio and photographic evidence on the target subject.
Our work includes both mobile surveillance services in covert vehicles and static surveillance covertly situated at the subject location.
In a mobile role our commercial and private investigations are able to track subjects on foot and in vehicles using basic and advance surveillance techniques allowing evidence to be compiled for use in private disputes or as evidence in legal proceedings
We produce to a high standard video and or photographic evidence on the record subjects and a detailed report of the surveillance process to our clients.
We are also able to provide daily progress reports during lengthy surveillance operations.
If we can be of any help please contact us for a free quotation and case assistance.
Regards
Andrew Mileham
AstonCovert is part of The Covert Agency group
The Covert Agency
info@theagency.eu.com
email: Nigel@happycustomers.info
Office: 01409 281544
Mobile: 07984 406025
email: David@happycustomers.info
Office: 01630 672046
Mobile: 07960 131408
Background checks
For us at The Covert Agency, background checks are not just useful for business to business dealings. We receive an increasing number of instructions from private clients for these checks in a wide variety of circumstances. The common theme is a "hunch" that something or someone is not what he/she/they seem.
We are often instructed on background checks by private clients as well as businesses. Instructions are prompted by a variety of situations, such as a private business deal or a family issue such as concerns about a son or daughter, who they are mixing with or potentially might get married to. We are also increasingly being instructed to run reputation checks for individuals on themselves to ensure that they are not subject to defamation online.
Increasingly, we are being asked to do Pre-Employment Screening checks for employers and employment agencies as occasionally CV's have been known to be 'enhanced' by the employee.
Obviously, in these situations we operate with the utmost sensitivity and discretion. We also offer a range of different options and budgets for background checks, which can be carried out both in the UK and internationally.
Please contact us either by telephone or email for an immediate, fixed fee quotation.
We are often instructed on background checks by private clients as well as businesses. Instructions are prompted by a variety of situations, such as a private business deal or a family issue such as concerns about a son or daughter, who they are mixing with or potentially might get married to. We are also increasingly being instructed to run reputation checks for individuals on themselves to ensure that they are not subject to defamation online.
Increasingly, we are being asked to do Pre-Employment Screening checks for employers and employment agencies as occasionally CV's have been known to be 'enhanced' by the employee.
Obviously, in these situations we operate with the utmost sensitivity and discretion. We also offer a range of different options and budgets for background checks, which can be carried out both in the UK and internationally.
Please contact us either by telephone or email for an immediate, fixed fee quotation.
Regards
Andrew Mileham
AstonCovert is part of The Covert Agency group
The Covert Agency
info@theagency.eu.com
email: Nigel@happycustomers.info
Office: 01409 281544
Mobile: 07984 406025
email: David@happycustomers.info
Office: 01630 672046
Mobile: 07960 131408
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Do you need a corporate ...
Business Intelligence UK: Do you need a corporate ...: We are private and corporate investigators. Our work includes: ...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Tech brands and the cust...
Business Intelligence UK: Tech brands and the cust...: Attention tech brands such as: LG, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Panasonic, ...
Business Intelligence UK: Investigations seminar
Business Intelligence UK: Investigations seminar: We are planning to put together a seminar aimed at employers, HR professionals and solicitors. This will be held at a suitable location (pr...
Business Intelligence UK: Individual and Business Background Checks
Business Intelligence UK: Individual and Business Background Checks: Intelligence wins wars and separates friends from foes. Whether you are hiring a new employee, in...
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place: Technology has opened up doors for a new class of high-tech criminal. Business owners and consumers are bombarded wi...
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place: Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place : Fraud in the Work Place Technology has opened up doors for a new class of high-tech crim...
Friday 9 September 2011
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place: Fraud in the Work Place Technology has opened up doors for a new class of high-tech criminal. Business owners and consumers are bombarded wi...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Tech brands and the cust...
Business Intelligence UK: Business Intelligence UK: Tech brands and the cust...: Business Intelligence UK: Tech brands and the customer experience : Attention tech brands such as: LG, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Panasonic, ...
Individual and Business Background Checks
Individual and Business Background Checks
Intelligence wins wars and separates friends from foes. Whether you are hiring a new employee, investigating liability claims or screening a potential newcustomer, the ability to conduct effective background research can reduce your risk and improve your productivity.
A good background investigation program has been demonstrated to reduce theft in the workplace, absenteeism, worker’s compensation claims, moraleand production issues. While companies offer basic background services, most HR departments have policies of providing only limited information andmost public databases are fragmented and do not contain comprehensive information.
The Covert Agency draws on its 15 years of experience and vast resources to deliver extra value in background research. The Covert Agency has access to most proprietary
databases currently available and utilizes these in combination with a unique business system and methodology which gets the most from them.
Additionally, The Covert Agency focuses on the human intelligence aspect of background investigations and doesn’t solely rely on databases and simple Internet searches to probe the depths of a subject’s history. There are many firms that offer background information. There’s only one that marries the technology, public and proprietary data sources and human intelligence aspect that can deliver on a global basis, and that is The Covert Agency, your powerful and creative business partner, anywhere in the world.
Regards
Andrew Mileham
info@astoncovert.com
07775 603025
AstonCovert Ltd is part of The Covert Agency
David Loades Partner The Covert Agency
info@theagency.eu.com email: Nigel@happycustomers.info
Office: 01409 281544 Mobile: 07984 406025 email: David@happycustomers.info
Office: 01630 672046 Mobile: 07960 131408
Intelligence wins wars and separates friends from foes. Whether you are hiring a new employee, investigating liability claims or screening a potential newcustomer, the ability to conduct effective background research can reduce your risk and improve your productivity.
A good background investigation program has been demonstrated to reduce theft in the workplace, absenteeism, worker’s compensation claims, moraleand production issues. While companies offer basic background services, most HR departments have policies of providing only limited information andmost public databases are fragmented and do not contain comprehensive information.
The Covert Agency draws on its 15 years of experience and vast resources to deliver extra value in background research. The Covert Agency has access to most proprietary
databases currently available and utilizes these in combination with a unique business system and methodology which gets the most from them.
Additionally, The Covert Agency focuses on the human intelligence aspect of background investigations and doesn’t solely rely on databases and simple Internet searches to probe the depths of a subject’s history. There are many firms that offer background information. There’s only one that marries the technology, public and proprietary data sources and human intelligence aspect that can deliver on a global basis, and that is The Covert Agency, your powerful and creative business partner, anywhere in the world.
Regards
Andrew Mileham
info@astoncovert.com
07775 603025
AstonCovert Ltd is part of The Covert Agency
David Loades Partner The Covert Agency
info@theagency.eu.com email: Nigel@happycustomers.info
Office: 01409 281544 Mobile: 07984 406025 email: David@happycustomers.info
Office: 01630 672046 Mobile: 07960 131408
Thursday 25 August 2011
Business Intelligence UK: Fraud in the Work Place
Fraud in the Work Place: Fraud in the Work Place Technology has opened up doors for a new class of high-tech criminal. Business owners and consumers are bombarded wi...
Fraud in the Work Place
Fraud in the Work Place
Technology has opened up doors for a new class of high-tech criminal. Business owners and consumers are bombarded with articles and news reports warning against the dangers of identity theft, computer hacking and other scams that were unheard of 25 years ago.
While it’s important to keep your computer and financial records safe from unknown tech-scam professionals, the criminal your business could fall prey to may be much more familiar. Unfortunately, many of the most common types of fraud cases are internal.
What you can do to protect your small business against internal fraud.
How common is internal fraud?
Employee-committed acts are the most common and most expensive type of fraud, accounting for more than half of all reported cases. Employees have the easiest access and can sometimes harbour resentment or anger that pushes them to break the law. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, £300 billion per year is lost to internal fraud. Small businesses are the most vulnerable, accounting for a whopping 80 percent of all internal fraud cases.
What types of internal fraud should I be on the lookout for?
The most common ones are asset misappropriation, corruption and doctoring financial statements, as well as pilfering company cash or resources. Bribery and kickbacks, which involve vendors or others outside the business, are also common.
One thing that is helpful in alerting management to a possible internal theft is a company policy that requires employees to report suspicious activity of another employee. In order to be successful, there must be a secure, anonymous method for the employees to report any such activity.
What preventative measures can I take?
Many businesses fall victim to fraud because they trust their employees and think that it can’t happen to them. One of the most effective measures a business owner can have in place to protect his or her business is a solid set of policies and procedures. Employees should be well versed in these policies and know that violations will not be tolerated.
How can I help ensure the people I hire are trustworthy?
Small businesses should take measures to screen potential employees before they entrust them with the company’s confidential information. Inform candidates they are subject to a background check for initial employment and a subsequent check if they move into a new function in a more sensitive area. Permission for credit checks should also be a condition of employment.
Additionally, separation of duties is an effective control a company can put in place to protect itself. For example, inventory warehouses can be full of loopholes that should be watched. It may be as simple as having a different person check out equipment than the one who checks it back in. Make sure that your employees know exactly what their responsibilities are and have been thoroughly trained.
What role can I play in preventing fraud?
It is best to be involved in your business and oversee all areas of operation so if something doesn’t look right, it can be addressed right away. For instance, keep control of your bank account. Too often, small businesses tend to give other people control of their accounts and do not monitor the account activity until it is too late. Also, scrutinize checks for your signature and never sign a blank cheque. Avoid using a signature stamp, as that will limit the potential for someone to forge a company cheque. Finally, have an outsider review your books monthly, or at least quarterly, with no advanced warning to your employees.
We at the Covert Agency are experts in this field and are spread across the UK and parts of Europe and can offer you an in depth look at your business for fraud risk from as little as £150 plus Vat
If you are concerned why not give us a call and we will see if we can arrange a free introductory meeting with you away from your location to discuss your fears and concerns.
Your local contact:
AstonCovert is part of The Covert Agency
David Loades or Nigel Manners
Co Founders of The Covert Agency who have over 30 years experience in their field.
The Covert Agency info@theagency.eu.com
Investigations seminar
We are planning to put together a seminar aimed at employers, HR professionals and solicitors.
This will be held at a suitable location (probably a hotel) in the Thames Valley in the near future.
The seminar is to demonstrate how using our services can help employers who have misbehaving employees.
Topics will include:
At this stage, we are asking for your input:
Are there any other topics you would like discussed and would you be interested in attending?
Regards
Andrew Mileham
http://www.astoncovert.com/
07775 603025
This will be held at a suitable location (probably a hotel) in the Thames Valley in the near future.
The seminar is to demonstrate how using our services can help employers who have misbehaving employees.
Topics will include:
- Pre employment screening
- Staff absence issues
- Unwarranted sick leave
- Fraud by employee
- Theft by employee
- Visa verification
- Surveillance
At this stage, we are asking for your input:
Are there any other topics you would like discussed and would you be interested in attending?
Regards
Andrew Mileham
http://www.astoncovert.com/
07775 603025
Monday 22 August 2011
Business Intelligence UK: Tech brands and the customer experience
Business Intelligence UK: Tech brands and the customer experience: Attention tech brands such as: LG, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Vodafone, Sharp, Philips, T-Mobile, Nikon, HTC and HP...
Business Intelligence UK: Does your retail marketing actually work?
Business Intelligence UK: Does your retail marketing actually work?: Does your retail marketing actually work..? Show your clients how your retail marketing works in practice by using our Genesis package whic...
Business Intelligence UK: Visa and background check verification service...
Business Intelligence UK: Visa and background check verification service...: Retailers often employ members of staff who are non UK nationals. They are a vital addition to the UK workforce, but few employers take the ...
Business Intelligence UK: Do you need a corporate or private investigator?
Business Intelligence UK: Do you need a corporate or private investigator?: We are private and corporate investigators. Our work includes: Asset checking Cohabitation reports Tracing missing people Surveillance ...
Saturday 9 July 2011
Do you need a corporate or private investigator?
We are private and corporate investigators.
Our work includes:
- Asset checking
- Cohabitation reports
- Tracing missing people
- Surveillance
- Covert business audits
- Indepth background checks
- Customer experience and franchisee reports
- Benefit fraud
- Matrimonial issues
- Whistleblower assistance
- Probate
As experts in our field we offer case investigation services and evidence assessment services that will allow you to resolve any clients need for information or proof for any case work you are working on.
Our expert teams across the UK and Europe are not ex Forces or Police, but are fully trained in the fields they specialise in. We are able to work with you directly offering hourly and daily reporting details in line with any deadlines you may have, should they involve Surveillance, Tracing or Documentation proof. Plus many other areas of current 21st Century Domestic and Business requirements.
We are in a position to investigate any business or individuals activities professionally giving you the quality service you would expect from a professional investigation service which has been set up to supply a confidential service such as ours.
We look forward to having the opportunity to cover in more detail our professional services, so if you are interested or we can be of immediate service to you please do not hesitate to contact us on 01630672046 Central Office, Berkshire Investigator Mobile 07775 603025 or email info@theagency.eu.com.
We are across our multi locations able to help you with any support services you may require.
Regards
Andrew Mileham (local contact)
07775 603025
David Loades/Nigel Manners
Partners
The Covert Agency
email: Nigel@happycustomers.info
Office: 01409 281544
Mobile: 07984 406025
email: David@happycustomers.info
Office: 01630 672046
Mobile: 07960 131408
Visa and background check verification service...
Retailers often employ members of staff who are non UK nationals. They are a vital addition to the UK workforce, but few employers take the time to ensure that the employee is who they claim to be and hold a valid visa to work here.
If discovered, the employer faces a hefty fine.
Our standard visa checking service costs just £49.50 and takes as little as 48 hours.
We can also do indepth background checks (to verify qualifications and experience etc) from £195.
Andrew Mileham
http://www.astoncovert.com/
http://www.thecovertagency.eu/
If discovered, the employer faces a hefty fine.
Our standard visa checking service costs just £49.50 and takes as little as 48 hours.
We can also do indepth background checks (to verify qualifications and experience etc) from £195.
Andrew Mileham
http://www.astoncovert.com/
http://www.thecovertagency.eu/
Does your retail marketing actually work?
Does your retail marketing actually work..?
Show your clients how your retail marketing works in practice by using our Genesis package which is made up from Covert undercover filming experiences of your ideas and your clients current promotions & products working together.We have that solution to that question “what will it look like to our customers and does it do as you say” what more could you want than a professionally produced Genesis DVD Covert production to show your clients how it worked without you promotional support and how it could work with you, and how it does work after they invest in your experience .
This email must at least grab your thinking process, so lets us present to you and show what we can do for you and your clients, both current and for the future client awareness, let us show the real journey through your quality professional promotions and your clients customer experiences.
Let Genesis show you and your client the before and the after as the real customer sees it.
This email must at least grab your thinking process, so lets us present to you and show what we can do for you and your clients, both current and for the future client awareness, let us show the real journey through your quality professional promotions and your clients customer experiences.
Let Genesis show you and your client the before and the after as the real customer sees it.
We are UK wide and have experience in shopping centres, retail outlets, coffee shops, car dealerships and service stations.
Andrew Mileham
Andrew Mileham
Thursday 19 May 2011
LG flatscreen TV and its replacement...
My roughly four year old flatscreen TV (37LC2D) seems to be dying.
On switching it on I was greeted by the sound of automatic gunfire. After a few seconds it would revert to normal. A few days later whilst watching a programme, a faint rustling sound could be heard, and then yesterday the screen would turn blank and all sound would disappear.
Now, if you have tried finding a TV repair man recently you will know that there are very few around. When you do get to talk to one, they will blame the TV manufacturers for wanting to build and design TV's that collapse minutes after the warranty has expired, and make finding spare parts very difficult. Clearly manufacturers want consumers to buy more TV's. No shock there.
I was however hoping for a better response from my TV manufacturer, LG.
Let me just explain that part of my work involves gauging how tech brands sell their products instore. If you watched the Secret Shopper programme on Channel 4, you will recall that she went into stores wearing a hidden body worn camera to record the customer experience. Thats what we do.
So, when my TV started playing up, I thought here is an ideal opportunity to see how LG reacts to a real life customer (me) having a product of theirs which is kaput. I got myself noticed by them on a social networking site, and even responded to. They said customer services would contact me. Wrong! Complete silence.
So, now I am giving the opportunity to other manufacturers to sell me a TV. I will visit a number of high street stores to gauge the level of customer service, staff availability and product knowledge and buy a nice new flatscreen television.
I will consider the top Brands: Sony, Panasonic and Samsung.
Who will not only win my business, but also get to see what its actually like to be a customer and test their instore retail training?
info@astoncovert.com
On switching it on I was greeted by the sound of automatic gunfire. After a few seconds it would revert to normal. A few days later whilst watching a programme, a faint rustling sound could be heard, and then yesterday the screen would turn blank and all sound would disappear.
Now, if you have tried finding a TV repair man recently you will know that there are very few around. When you do get to talk to one, they will blame the TV manufacturers for wanting to build and design TV's that collapse minutes after the warranty has expired, and make finding spare parts very difficult. Clearly manufacturers want consumers to buy more TV's. No shock there.
I was however hoping for a better response from my TV manufacturer, LG.
Let me just explain that part of my work involves gauging how tech brands sell their products instore. If you watched the Secret Shopper programme on Channel 4, you will recall that she went into stores wearing a hidden body worn camera to record the customer experience. Thats what we do.
So, when my TV started playing up, I thought here is an ideal opportunity to see how LG reacts to a real life customer (me) having a product of theirs which is kaput. I got myself noticed by them on a social networking site, and even responded to. They said customer services would contact me. Wrong! Complete silence.
So, now I am giving the opportunity to other manufacturers to sell me a TV. I will visit a number of high street stores to gauge the level of customer service, staff availability and product knowledge and buy a nice new flatscreen television.
I will consider the top Brands: Sony, Panasonic and Samsung.
Who will not only win my business, but also get to see what its actually like to be a customer and test their instore retail training?
info@astoncovert.com
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Do you sell private jets, helicopters and yachts etc..?
Historically we are a research and investigations company, but a few years ago a client asked us if we could find some High Net Worth Individuals for him to sell his product to.
After much success and tweaking of the system, we are now looking to add to our portfolio of high end products and services we offer to our clients.
Our portfolio already includes:
Top end car marques
Property
Power boats
Jewellery
And we would like to add:
Private jets
Helicopters, and
Yachts
We are also considering high end memberships of spas, gym's, private clubs, car clubs etc. Anything prestige and exclusive.
If you (or someone you know) sells the above, please contact us in confidence.
If chosen, you will be allowed access to our Club, where we will actively market your product to members of our High Net Worth Individuals Club.
Contact Andrew Mileham in the first instance.
http://www.astoncovert.com/
info@astoncovert.com
After much success and tweaking of the system, we are now looking to add to our portfolio of high end products and services we offer to our clients.
Our portfolio already includes:
Top end car marques
Property
Power boats
Jewellery
And we would like to add:
Private jets
Helicopters, and
Yachts
We are also considering high end memberships of spas, gym's, private clubs, car clubs etc. Anything prestige and exclusive.
If you (or someone you know) sells the above, please contact us in confidence.
If chosen, you will be allowed access to our Club, where we will actively market your product to members of our High Net Worth Individuals Club.
Contact Andrew Mileham in the first instance.
http://www.astoncovert.com/
info@astoncovert.com
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Tech brands and the customer experience
Attention tech brands such as: LG, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Vodafone, Sharp, Philips, T-Mobile, Nikon, HTC and HP etc
How many marketing people out there have seen the Mary Portas Secret Shopper programme on Channel 4?
And how many millions of pounds do you spend getting your latest TV or mobile phone onto the market?
And who amongst you has considered how your product is actually sold to your customer?
You may well have put training schemes in place for your retailers, but are they actually following it, or as we have seen from the secret instore footage: giving terrible customer service and pushing the wrong product?
By using our expertise and technology, we can enter the stores and covertly film the whole buying experience.
You give us a brief and a scenario and we act it out for you...for real.
How is your Brand spoken of instore?
Is the salesman trying to upsell?
Does he demonstrate a clear knowledge of the product and its advantages?
This information can then be fed back to your company (rather than shown on TV) so you can adapt the training and marketing accordingly.
The end result is a happier and larger customer base, which has to lead to increased profits.
You all say that the 'Customer Experience is paramount', well lets see who is prepared to really do something to prove it.
http://www.astoncovert.com/
http://www.thecovertagency.eu/
http://www.happycustomers.info/
How many marketing people out there have seen the Mary Portas Secret Shopper programme on Channel 4?
And how many millions of pounds do you spend getting your latest TV or mobile phone onto the market?
And who amongst you has considered how your product is actually sold to your customer?
You may well have put training schemes in place for your retailers, but are they actually following it, or as we have seen from the secret instore footage: giving terrible customer service and pushing the wrong product?
By using our expertise and technology, we can enter the stores and covertly film the whole buying experience.
You give us a brief and a scenario and we act it out for you...for real.
How is your Brand spoken of instore?
Is the salesman trying to upsell?
Does he demonstrate a clear knowledge of the product and its advantages?
This information can then be fed back to your company (rather than shown on TV) so you can adapt the training and marketing accordingly.
The end result is a happier and larger customer base, which has to lead to increased profits.
You all say that the 'Customer Experience is paramount', well lets see who is prepared to really do something to prove it.
http://www.astoncovert.com/
http://www.thecovertagency.eu/
http://www.happycustomers.info/
Tuesday 1 February 2011
Mary Portas: Secret Shopper
I somehow missed the first show, about the retail fashion stores, but watched the sofa show with interest. As you know, part of my work is to carry out exactly those projects to see what its actually like to be a customer. My clients are usually either tech brands or car manufacturers/dealerships.
It came as no surprise to me to hear that all the brands mentioned claimed that the customer experience was paramount, but it was plain to see that in reality they are not prepared to invest in proper training or even the kind of business intelligence (mystery shopping) shown in the programme.
I use hidden, body worn cameras to find out what really happens, but the brands balk at paying for my equipment, time and expertise. They prefer to go for the least expensive route which means they can tick the box marked 'mystery shopping programme initiated' and continue giving terrible customer service and claiming that current staff training is adequate.
I wonder if that now they were named and shamed on television, whether they now regret those decisions. Anyone from DFS, SCS, Furniture Village etc want to comment..? Presumably they would have preferred to have been the only ones seeing the footage (as happens in our projects) and taking the necessary steps to put it right.
But will things change for consumers..? Only when we complain enough and demand better customer service, and ultimately boycott companies who are not upto scratch.
http://www.astoncovert.com/
It came as no surprise to me to hear that all the brands mentioned claimed that the customer experience was paramount, but it was plain to see that in reality they are not prepared to invest in proper training or even the kind of business intelligence (mystery shopping) shown in the programme.
I use hidden, body worn cameras to find out what really happens, but the brands balk at paying for my equipment, time and expertise. They prefer to go for the least expensive route which means they can tick the box marked 'mystery shopping programme initiated' and continue giving terrible customer service and claiming that current staff training is adequate.
I wonder if that now they were named and shamed on television, whether they now regret those decisions. Anyone from DFS, SCS, Furniture Village etc want to comment..? Presumably they would have preferred to have been the only ones seeing the footage (as happens in our projects) and taking the necessary steps to put it right.
But will things change for consumers..? Only when we complain enough and demand better customer service, and ultimately boycott companies who are not upto scratch.
http://www.astoncovert.com/
Friday 21 January 2011
Seminars for HR professionals and Solicitors
Many solicitors and HR professionals hold seminars to engage with their clients and inform them of the latest updates.
I have been involved in a few of these seminars, and they are a perfect opportunity for me to explain my work to business leaders.
It also provides the host with a chance to offer a secondary view of carrying out investigations and evidence gathering.
I dont take up time at the podium, but am referred to by the speaker, and those who have questions can then seek me out during a coffee break or at the end of the meeting.
Most of my work involves :
Pre employment screening/indepth background checks - how much do you know about the candidate..?
Asset checking - no point suing them if they have no money !
Sick leave fraudsters - who is playing golf while claiming to be sick?
Tracing missing people - usually debtors
Rogue traders - residential and corporate fraudsters
Fraud in the UK is an enormous problem, and in a recession it only increases. Fraud takes many forms; theft of goods or money by an employee, fraudulent days off work or false claims to get a job.
Solicitors and HR professionals both need to earn billing fees. By knowing more about my work, they can improve their standing with their clients and earn more revenue.
To talk about an upcoming seminar, or to enquire about my work, just contact me...
Andrew Mileham
AstonCovert
info@astoncovert.com
I have been involved in a few of these seminars, and they are a perfect opportunity for me to explain my work to business leaders.
It also provides the host with a chance to offer a secondary view of carrying out investigations and evidence gathering.
I dont take up time at the podium, but am referred to by the speaker, and those who have questions can then seek me out during a coffee break or at the end of the meeting.
Most of my work involves :
Pre employment screening/indepth background checks - how much do you know about the candidate..?
Asset checking - no point suing them if they have no money !
Sick leave fraudsters - who is playing golf while claiming to be sick?
Tracing missing people - usually debtors
Rogue traders - residential and corporate fraudsters
Fraud in the UK is an enormous problem, and in a recession it only increases. Fraud takes many forms; theft of goods or money by an employee, fraudulent days off work or false claims to get a job.
Solicitors and HR professionals both need to earn billing fees. By knowing more about my work, they can improve their standing with their clients and earn more revenue.
To talk about an upcoming seminar, or to enquire about my work, just contact me...
Andrew Mileham
AstonCovert
info@astoncovert.com
Wednesday 19 January 2011
Mary Portas : Secret Shopper
Channel4 are showing a series on Customer Service beginning tonight (Jan 19th, 9pm) with Queen of Shops, Mary Portas.
Hopefully the use of hidden cameras in store will highlight to retail bosses just how poor their customer service is.
We have been using the technology (covert, body worn cameras) for many years to show what really happens when a customer visits a store.
We have worked with major retailers, shopping centres, coffee shops and car dealerships.
Mostly it is with technology brands who want to see how their products are being sold in store, and if the staff training is being used properly.
We approach a member of instore sales staff, pretend to be buying (a new TV for instance,) and see what they say about certain brands and which they ultimately recommend.
By covertly recording the whole store visit and interaction with staff, the bosses in Head Office can see what its really like to be a customer.
The principal in fashion stores is just the same.
Customers deserve to be shown respect by store staff, who have to realise how their actions are interpreted by customers.
In these tough economic times, you might assume that stores make customer service their top priority, but apparently not.
Many say that it is their highest priority, but when it comes to investing in the research, training and education programmes needed, suddenly other priorities arise.
The stores who do invest in this will be the first out of recession, and will force the others to play catch up.
So hopefully Channel 4 and Mary Portas will help all shoppers get the customer service they demand.
I for one, will be watching with eager anticipation.
http://www.astoncovert.com/
http://www.thecovertagency.eu/
http://www.happycustomers.info/
Hopefully the use of hidden cameras in store will highlight to retail bosses just how poor their customer service is.
We have been using the technology (covert, body worn cameras) for many years to show what really happens when a customer visits a store.
We have worked with major retailers, shopping centres, coffee shops and car dealerships.
Mostly it is with technology brands who want to see how their products are being sold in store, and if the staff training is being used properly.
We approach a member of instore sales staff, pretend to be buying (a new TV for instance,) and see what they say about certain brands and which they ultimately recommend.
By covertly recording the whole store visit and interaction with staff, the bosses in Head Office can see what its really like to be a customer.
The principal in fashion stores is just the same.
Customers deserve to be shown respect by store staff, who have to realise how their actions are interpreted by customers.
In these tough economic times, you might assume that stores make customer service their top priority, but apparently not.
Many say that it is their highest priority, but when it comes to investing in the research, training and education programmes needed, suddenly other priorities arise.
The stores who do invest in this will be the first out of recession, and will force the others to play catch up.
So hopefully Channel 4 and Mary Portas will help all shoppers get the customer service they demand.
I for one, will be watching with eager anticipation.
http://www.astoncovert.com/
http://www.thecovertagency.eu/
http://www.happycustomers.info/
Thursday 6 January 2011
An open letter to Guy Buswell, CEO of UKMail
Mr Buswell is clearly an intelligent man and an astute business man.
As can be read in the following article in The Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2789755/First-class-war-for-Business-Posts-Guy-Buswell.html
UKMail delivers parcels and mail throughout the UK.
Interestingly, in the article above, there is no mention of parcels or customer service.
Have you ever tried contacting them..? I have, and it was many things, but fun it was not.
After calling the 'Customer Contact' number on the website, I was left on hold for 9 minutes and eventually gave up. So I rang a Birmingham number only to be told it was the wrong department, and was given a new number to try.
After dialling that a recorded message informed me that it was incorrect and I should try a third one.
So I tried another Birmingham number, and after much sighing and rolling of eyes, I got the information I needed.
And remember, this was 'Customer Contact'.
The reason for my call was that my client, who had been spending £20,000 a month with UKMail for parcel delivery, had recently changed to an alternative parcel delivery company, and we were surprised that no one from UKMail had contacted them.
I should point out at this stage that my work involves helping my clients improve their customer service, and thus improve as a business and retain their clients. Hence my surprise at the lack of action from UKMail.
I had emailed Mr Buswell on the 17th of December, raising this point, and so far have not even had an acknowledgement from his office. Maybe I should not be surprised, judging by my contact with UKMail so far.
Maybe UKMail can afford to lose contracts worth £240,000pa...maybe they are concentrating on Mail as opposed to Parcels...who knows..?
A brief search on any social media site quoting UKMail will inundate you with horror stories from customers. I suggest any PR companies out there contact UKMail, because they could make a name for themselves by working on this worthwhile project.
I have resorted to this letter because nothing else seems to work, and there is plenty of competition out there for UKMail, but mostly because their customers deserve better.
Lets see if this approach works, and find out if UKMail value their customers at all.
AM
http://www.astoncovert.com/
As can be read in the following article in The Telegraph:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/2789755/First-class-war-for-Business-Posts-Guy-Buswell.html
UKMail delivers parcels and mail throughout the UK.
Interestingly, in the article above, there is no mention of parcels or customer service.
Have you ever tried contacting them..? I have, and it was many things, but fun it was not.
After calling the 'Customer Contact' number on the website, I was left on hold for 9 minutes and eventually gave up. So I rang a Birmingham number only to be told it was the wrong department, and was given a new number to try.
After dialling that a recorded message informed me that it was incorrect and I should try a third one.
So I tried another Birmingham number, and after much sighing and rolling of eyes, I got the information I needed.
And remember, this was 'Customer Contact'.
The reason for my call was that my client, who had been spending £20,000 a month with UKMail for parcel delivery, had recently changed to an alternative parcel delivery company, and we were surprised that no one from UKMail had contacted them.
I should point out at this stage that my work involves helping my clients improve their customer service, and thus improve as a business and retain their clients. Hence my surprise at the lack of action from UKMail.
I had emailed Mr Buswell on the 17th of December, raising this point, and so far have not even had an acknowledgement from his office. Maybe I should not be surprised, judging by my contact with UKMail so far.
Maybe UKMail can afford to lose contracts worth £240,000pa...maybe they are concentrating on Mail as opposed to Parcels...who knows..?
A brief search on any social media site quoting UKMail will inundate you with horror stories from customers. I suggest any PR companies out there contact UKMail, because they could make a name for themselves by working on this worthwhile project.
I have resorted to this letter because nothing else seems to work, and there is plenty of competition out there for UKMail, but mostly because their customers deserve better.
Lets see if this approach works, and find out if UKMail value their customers at all.
AM
http://www.astoncovert.com/
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