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The problem/challenge

The major problem that NNDC faced was that comprehensive SME data can be very difficult to find, especially for those companies turning over less than the £10.2 million reporting threshold.

NNDC realised that the lack of this information was severely limiting to their ability to develop strategy and be a positive force for businesses in their area.

This became especially problematic during the pandemic when access to relevant information was crucial for effective decision-making and resource allocation. As a result, the need for a solution to bridge this informational gap became evident, prompting the search for ways to better identify and utilise the resources available within these hidden gems.

The consequence

For NNDC, lacking useable data caused a knock-on effect to other local authorities. Despite sharing similar goals and aspirations, limited information meant they were less equipped to provide optimal services to neighbouring businesses and customers. 

The need for information became even more apparent as local authorities turned their focus to enhancing their services and becoming the industry leaders in their spaces. 

These data issues began to manifest themselves through the realisation that despite the desire to grow and excel, local authorities were operating with incomplete information about the range of products and services existing in their area.

This gap created a chasm between current resources and future goals, leaving the needs of constituents and local businesses unfulfilled. In a motion to prevent growing tension, NNDC needed to ensure local authorities had the data they needed to improve service delivery and fulfil objectives to appease stakeholders.

The solution

Red Flag Alert is the data provider designed to bridge the gap NNDC was facing. 

Initially, NNDC approached larger names in the industry for demonstrations and pricing, however, Red Flag Alert caught their eye after evaluating our service offering. 

Once a demonstration had been booked, NNDC was clued into how Red Flag Alert compares to other solutions. Our focus on ease of access and useability was emphasised through the ease of use evident across our platform.

Out of the four businesses that pitched to NNDC, Red Flag Alert stood out for its practical and straightforward online portal and comprehensive features, which made accessing and utilising the data hassle-free.

One of the key features that appealed to them was our standout health rating system (featuring gold, silver, bronze and three levels of risk ratings), which provided a clear breakdown of how businesses were performing. 

NNDC required this level of insight, and our services not only provided this but visualised it so it could be accessed and understood by all skill levels. 

The council specifically appreciated the ability of Red Flag Alert to identify struggling businesses, as indicated by the growth flag feature, especially as this feature outlined potential businesses that were facing difficulties but had a strong potential for growth.

Once the implementation process began, our dedicated customer support team trained NNDC staff to use the platform effectively, and integrated it into their existing CRM and workflows to provide the ultimate solution to address the needs and challenges of the local authorities. 

Results and benefits

NNDC immediately experienced a positive impact of Red Flag Alert across their key accounts and their newfound ability to assist larger organisations in overcoming challenges and obstacles within the district. 

By utilising the Red Flag Alert platform, they were able to expand on their existing information about businesses, enhancing their understanding and enabling them to provide more targeted support.

NNDC has been utilising our services extensively, running businesses through checks, analysing their sectors, and examining their directors. This use of Red Flag Alert as a reference tool has facilitated their decision-making process and improved their understanding of the businesses they engage with.

Moreover, our industry-leading platform has been instrumental as a mailing tool, allowing NNDC to target businesses in specific sectors more effectively. By identifying businesses they weren't previously engaging with, Red Flag Alert has broadened its scope and provided a more comprehensive picture of the market, enhancing NNDC’s ability to target businesses for grant support initiatives.

The impact of Red Flag Alert was immediate, as we provided valuable insights and streamlined processes from the early stages of its implementation. Not only did NNDC find it extremely useful across all aspects of their operations, but they are now able to make informed decisions, target businesses more effectively, and ultimately enhance their support for organisations within the district.