Genesis Housing Group

Building with a Trusted Partner

Our client
Genesis Housing Group is a major housing association in the East of England and London. They operate over 40,000 properties in a diverse range of tenures from supported rental to outright sale. They are devoted to providing customers with homes and services which help them build communities and better futures.

Our challenge
Offering services and homes in a financially sustainable manner is important to Genesis and a commitment to efficiency is embedded in all they do. When Rob Sproule was newly appointed as Group IS director, he initiated a review of efficiency in IT services. Although happy that many of the IT solutions enabled teams to work more effectively and easily, the feeling was that efficiencies could be gained; particularly with their approach to supplier relationships. Genesis wanted to work with organisations which were willing to become partners; taking on a share of the risks in the projects.

Our first project
Our team was asked to replace the ad hoc mix of spreadsheets and databases (used by the shared ownership sales team) with more cohesive system. As well as gaining more centralised information and simplified administrative processes, Genesis also wanted live management information. This project was chosen to pilot the new partnership style of implementation Genesis wanted from suppliers.

Crimson was identified due to our record of ensuring optimum value with IT solutions by accurately aligning with a client’s people, processes and goals. Always working to our own instinctive partnership approach, we helped Genesis see the potential of the new project with a clear roadmap. We developed a solution that didn’t just meet the identified needs of the department but also allowed response to future changes in processes and needs; whilst always integrating closely with incumbent systems.

Our ongoing partnership
Developed and implemented in accordance with agreed timeframes and budgets, the project had an immediate impact on the department. In fact, it met the key markers for success even before the final iteration was released. Moving forward, we are continuing as trusted advisor to Genesis and are partnering with them in the development of their SharePoint-based intranet. We are helping to push more information out to the customer-facing elements of their website with the aim of helping customers to organise and manage their own communities.

Our client’s perspective
Paul Negi, Marketing Manager, explains “By releasing the system to us piece by piece Crimson allowed a natural take up by our people. As each release was easing and simplifying their tasks, it meant there was a great deal of enthusiasm for the project by the time it was done and this enthusiasm has continued. We have seen a real improvement and measurable savings in areas such as the cost of generating leads and the length of time a property is vacant and, more importantly, our customers are enjoying a smoother and improved experience from initial enquiry to final signing.”

Can Crimson help with your unique challenges? Talk to people who get closer to issues to make a difference - call 01675 466 477 or email us.