The North East’s largest housing association, Thirteen is transforming its facilities management (FM) services with new mobile workforce management technology supplied by Leeds-based BigChange. The system, which incorporates CRM, job scheduling, a customer portal, vehicle tracking and a mobile app, is helping to improve services, reduce costs and boost productivity. Thirteen’s facilities management team provides services such as grounds maintenance, estate care, caretaker and cleaning services to its 70,000 customers.

Cyclehoop, the innovator of secure on-street cycle parking solutions, has introduced the latest mobile technology as part of a cloud-based mobile resources management system from BigChange. Using tablets and phones running a mobile app called JobWatch, field operatives synchronise in real time with the office as part of a completely paperless management system that has transformed productivity and allowed Cyclehoop to rapidly expand their business. Cyclehoop has transformed cycling in cities across Britain and 16 countries worldwide by providing secure on-street parking for bicycles. Founder Anthony Lau came up with the idea after his bicycle was stolen and designed the company’s first product, the Cyclehoop, in 2008. Today the company’s secure cycle parking solutions include Bikehangars, shelters, hubs and racks as well as cycling infrastructure and accessories. Prior to the introduction of JobWatch, Cyclehoop relied on paper records to manage orders, installation and servicing.