UK Enterprise Awards 2022

130 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 This allows meaningful relationships to be built both with the organisation’s board and its members.” This approach means that queries can be answered immediately, whether they be about board papers, finance or events. It is also much easier for organisations to implement new strategic plans when the membership feels they have a good relationship with the organisation. The internal culture at Cygnul is one of openness and honesty with a great sense of team, with every new client or new initiative presenting a learning opportunity which is enthusiastically embraced. Kirstie looks for individuals with empathy, an aptitude for problem solving and an ability to think on their feet when recruiting. “This is vital as every role is public facing. Staff often have to move seamlessly from providing minute taking services at a board meeting to managing multiple conflicting priorities during an event they are running.” Having recently been recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards and bestowed with the Based in Worcestershire, Cygnul Ltd is committed to helping membership associations and not-for-profits by providing a complete outsourced office solution. We find out more from Managing Director, Kirstie York, about this family-run business and its customer-centric approach. Working exclusively in the not-for-profit space, Cygnul Ltd (Cygnul) provides administrative, secretarial, financial, and event services for membership organisations and charities. Cygnul is able to offer proactive support and advice to the boards and trustees running them. These client organisations are almost exclusively run by volunteers and once they grow to a certain size it becomes impossible for the board members to cover the workload in the hours available. This is when organisations face the difficult choice of taking on staff or cutting back on service delivery. “We provide a painless way of increasing capacity without having to take on the burden of recruitment and training,” says Managing Director Kirstie York. “Our team of experienced administrators can hit the ground running and instantly become part of the client’s organisation, handling enquiries from the client’s members and supporting the board.” The firm is proud to be a family-run, values-based business. Kirstie’s two adult children are codirectors and her partner is company secretary. “It is great that we are all involved because although office hours are 9-5 this is not a 9-5 job,” she elaborates. “You will often find my team providing secretarial support to meetings in the evenings or running conferences and events up and down the country.” The firm’s holistic approach is what differentiates it from competitors and, in a world which values efficiency, Kirstie sees company structures becoming increasingly fragmented. “There are departments to deal with each aspect of the customer journey which, unless done very well, can lead to customer frustration.” “I have turned that idea on its head and provide every client with at least two named administrators. They work closely together with the client to deliver every aspect of the service. Best Membership Association Admin Services Provider 2022 May22236 prestigious title of Best Membership Association Admin Services Provider 2022, Kirstie and her team are looking forward to a bright and lucrative future. Currently she is writing a book which aims to demystify the legal and regulatory frameworks and how these apply to different types of voluntary and membership groups, from sports clubs to membership associations and charities. Kirstie and the Cygnul team are also busy building on the community concept and have founded a free membership which brings together individuals who are running and supporting not-for-profits in all sectors, with the aim of providing resources, guidance and discussion on best practice. With all of this in the pipeline, Cygnul is sure to succeed even further. Contact Details Contact: Kirstie York Company: Cygnul Ltd Web Address: www.cygnul.co.uk

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==