World Class Software

Metafour UK knows that customers want something quick, simple and as easy to use as an i-pod.

"People's expectations are increasing enormously quickly and our software has to improve dramatically for every generation," observed Mark Rogers, Managing Director at Metafour.

In 2005, Metafour set out on a company-wide goal to double its size. However as a small business they did not have an overflow of reseources to help them reach this ambitious goal. A KTP programme soon emerged as the best plan. "Our first attraction to KTP was the grant funding. It allowed us to do more than we could have done on our own," commented Mark.

Metafour has expanded their business in the international courier and travel market as a result of this KTP programme with LSBU. "Tour operators are facing an increasingly competitive market and they have to show how they are different in order to acquire and retain more customers. Travelsite is a magnificent tool that can help to achieve this and help clients drive their sales. We are delighted to have worked closely with LSBU through a KTP project to develop Travelsite," said Rob Udwin, Metafour’s Business Development Director.

KTP Associate Sarah Javed developed the website enabled Content Management System. "Travel site has been successfully launched into the market. Travelsite gives companies complete control over their Website; for instance, users can add and change keywords and meta-tags to increase search engine positioning," explained Sarah.

Travelsite has been successfully adopted by Metafour's major clients. Prestige Holidays is already using it, and they are delighted with its functionality. "Travelsite is really easy to follow, and the software tools are superb because it allows our non-techie staff to update and change our websites. I am very pleased; it has helped us to move our websites to a new level, and we are already seeing the benefits on the bottom line," said Cheri Dixon, Director of Prestige Holidays.

KTP Associate David Ullman developed the NetCourier software, catering for mailroom, freight, next flight out and wholesale couriers, so it could be used by a much wider range of companies. "The new software has resulted in 12 new clients and in significantly increasing sales in New York plus small sales in Hong Kong," said Mark Rogers, Managing Director of Metafour.

LSBU Professor Allen Long assisted both associates in the development of the software. "Companies are seeking to use new technology to deliver a higher quality service to their clients. They demand systems that will provide sophisticated user interfaces for their clients, but they want something that is easy to use. The challenging part of this project was to make complex user interfaces simple to use for non-technical people," he commented.

Metafour have taken on a second KTP to develop a semi-automated help desk system allowing the company to offer 24 hour customer service.