Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE is set to host the inaugural Government, Local Authorities and Business Customer Service Conference next month. The event is being organised by the Contact Centre Association of Zimbabwe in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development. The event is set for July 5 in Harare.
CCAZ president Mr Owen Vere said service excellence has become a strategic aspect not only for businesses but for State enterprises and utility service providers as well.
“Service delivery is extremely important in today’s fast- paced and service-centric economy because enhanced customer support system is at the core of all business transactions.
“The conference will focus discussion on Government and business organisations’ global competitiveness and lay emphasis on strategic approaches and forward-thinking ideas to ensure consistency in transporting responsive customer service delivery,” he said.
It will run under the theme “Bridging the Gap: Proven Commercial Practices for Helping Organisations to Deliver Services Better, Faster, and at Lower Cost”.
The conference will see discussions on topical issues of service delivery, with focus on streamlining service delivery, improving customer service and with the aim to establishing a profound knowledge of proven strategies that can potentially change the future of the customer care service delivery in the country.
“This conference will equip delegates with knowledge and understanding of the latest strategies that can lead to legendary customer service in the country through re-defining traditional service offering in line with the global best practices,” said Mr Vere.
According to one of the conference organisers, Mr Dave Emberton, the conference has been well received in both the public and private sectors with over 150 delegates already booked for the event, including some participants from Europe, India, the United States and South Africa.
He further added that the conference will draw internationally reckoned speakers who are “gurus” in the field of customer service industry and experts in addressing customer service delivery in the local authorities, government and business sector.
Some of the keynote speakers include renowned author and researcher on customer loyalty Professor V. Kumar (India), REAP Consulting chief executive Mr Doug Leather (South Africa), Minister of Local Government Dr Ignatius Chombo and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Engineer Walter Mzembi among others.
The CCAZ has also indicated that later this year, it will host the second edition of the International Customer Service Week and the Service Excellence Awards.
The CCAZ has been at the forefront in championing the call centre industry development and promoting a culture of service excellence through various programmes and events.