At Taking Care we believe innovation and collaboration in Technology Enabled Care (TEC) are key to effective partnerships that have positive outcomes for customers.
This collaborative joint focus with our corporate partners enables us to develop our services and produce better ways to support those who require the assistance of TEC.
In September 2020 we partnered with Aster Group to provide their monitoring services. We could see the benefits this partnership could bring to both sides – with a joint focus on helping Aster Group support customers in the "here and now" combined with horizon-scanning activities to deliver their future needs.
This partnership is absolutely in line with our vision as an organisation and allows us to further demonstrate how, by working together, we can enable people to live independently for as long as possible.
Steve Gates
Managing Director at Taking Care
Right from the start of the contract it was a perfect strategic match of joint values and a shared vision. And we’re happy to say that the relationship with Aster Group is growing from strength to strength.
Aster Group are an ethical housing developer and landlord to benefit society. Aster Group help people to live independently by providing TEC and enhanced housing management services to over 10,000 older, vulnerable, or disabled customers.
Kerry Appleton is Operations and Contract Lead at Aster Group UK and has worked with the Taking Care team throughout the contract. We asked Kerry to share her views on the progress to date:
Q: Why did you choose Taking Care as your strategic partner?
“In the first instance your bid was fantastic! During the moderation meetings with you we got to meet your team and were very impressed by your welcoming, engaging, and honest delivery."
What really stuck out for me was that Taking Care were totally on the same page as us. I felt confident that this would be a partnership in the true sense of the word.
Kerry Appleton
Operations and Contract Lead at Aster Group UK
Q: Which part of our partnership stands out?
“Both Taking Care and Aster Group are in a very competitive space so there must be a significant element of trust on both sides of the relationship. Your willingness to support us, and to enhance our own service was very important to us."
"I think that’s where the strategic partnership bit features significantly. Also having an exceptionally good account manager, somebody who is your go to, who understands what you’re doing and has the expertise and knowledge has been invaluable."
Through the initial implementation stage during the pandemic in 2020 it was the willingness for it to work, a willingness to adapt, and to be flexible on both sides that made it run as smoothly as it possibly could in such difficult times.
Kerry Appleton
Operations and Contract Lead at Aster Group UK
Q: What are we doing well?
“Taking Care has been very accommodating in meeting our needs, and very patient when we were transitioning to a new system after a very long time with our previous supplier and being used to one way of working. You’ve always been very flexible in your approach which is hugely important to us."
"You’ve also given us some great advice which we’ve often taken on board not simply to fall in line with your process but because it’s been a good way of working. Everyone at Taking Care has been so welcoming and willing to listen with their expert advice. The partnership we have with Taking Care has been cemented by our account manager Brenda Jackson who goes over and above to ensure we have the right result and the best customer service possible.”
Q: What are the benefits?
“It’s very clear that Taking Care are a forward-thinking company which, with the forthcoming digital switch is so important for us. I’m confident that whatever solution we adopt, Taking Care will do some very rigorous testing and ensure that our needs are met in full. The ethos that runs through Taking Care is one of adaptability and being open to change. Nothing is too much trouble, and everyone is very open and honest. “
Q: And the future?
“Our partnership, even though we are two plus years into our contract, is still developing, still going strong, and we’re coming up with new opportunities which is great. Taking Care has truly delivered against the promise of being a highly knowledgeable and supportive strategic partner. It wasn’t just lip-service – it’s true!”
Would you like to reduce your alarm monitoring costs?
For more information about partnering with Taking Care, please contact our Business Development Team on corporate@ppptakingcare.co.uk or call 0800 085 8037.
