Go BackMinister calls on RESPONSE
David Cairns, Scotland Office Minister of State, recently visited customer contact centre RESPONSE's operations in Glasgow to see first hand how the UK is gearing up for the digital switchover.
RESPONSE is handling the customer helpline on behalf of Digital UK, an independent organisation set up by the main UK broadcasters to ensure that viewers across the country know when the switchover takes place in their area and how to prepare.
During his visit to RESPONSE, Mr Cairns met with staff to gauge first hand what sort of help and support is being sought by callers, the main areas of concern surrounding the switchover and the kind of issues that are of most interest to members of the public.
David Cairns said:
"I am pleased that the switchover in Whitehaven was a great success, and have every confidence that the next switchover, due to take place in the Borders later this year, will be every bit as successful. Work towards digital switchover is well under way, with figures showing that public awareness is up to 89%. But it is important that everyone is aware of the help and assistance available from the Digital UK call centre, and takes full advantage of this service for the price of a local phone call."
Paul Hughes, Digital UK's National Manager for Scotland, said:
"Switchover is happening throughout the country and the Digital UK national helpline is on hand to offer essential support and advice during the process. With the call centre and through a number of new partnerships across the country, we are working hard to ensure that every household is ready for the switchover and that all viewers are provided with all the help and support needed in advance of the switch."
David Wallace, RESPONSE Chief Executive, said:
"The team are already experiencing a growing number of calls as we move towards the first phase of the switchover. Many of these are general queries but we are also here to provide support in regards to their individual circumstances. This can range from the different options for converting to digital television through to providing information about special help schemes which will provide practical support for older and disabled viewers. We are delighted to welcome the minister here today so he can see first hand the support systems that are in place to meet the needs of viewers."
Across the UK, switchover to digital television will take place between 2008 and 2012. The Scottish Borders will be the first area to start the switch to digital on November 6 this year, with the rest of the UK following on a region by region basis.
About Digital UK
Digital UK is the independent body implementing the UK's switch to digital television. The company communicates switchover to the public; manages the upgrade of 1,154 transmitters for digital; and works with industry to ensure understanding and support for switchover. Digital UK was set up by the public-service broadcasters, and offers independent switchover advice to the public through its helpline (08456 50 50 50) and website www.digitaluk.co.uk.
Switchover will create a fairer situation in which everyone has access to a choice of affordable digital TV services. Between 2008 and 2012, all TV services in the UK will go completely digital, region by region. The UK's old analogue television signal is being switched off and replaced with a digital signal, a process that will also allow the UK to remain a world leader in broadcasting.
About RESPONSE Intelligent Outsourcing
Part of Murray International Holdings, RESPONSE was established in 1991. RESPONSE has an annual turnover of approximately £50m, 2000+ seats across 7 UK sites, 2500 quality agents and a portfolio of blue chip clients.
About Murray International Holdings
Murray International Holdings Limited was founded almost 30 years ago and has been a private company throughout its existence. It is owned and controlled by Sir David E. Murray. At inception, it was focused on steel stockholding and trading but has grown significantly through a combination of organic growth, investment, diversification and acquisition. The group is a multi-faceted business employing 4,000 people across the globe with interests in metals, property, private equity, outsourced services and football, including Murray Metals Group.
Date - 04/03/2008
