LEADING contact centre Echo-U has appointed Dave Halford as sales director to aid its strategic business development plans across the UK.
Dave, 53, will work closely with Echo-U’s senior management and marketing teams to generate overall sales growth across the owner-managed contact centre business and will be responsible for securing new clients, with a particular emphasis on the firm’s new southern office.
Bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Dave joins Echo-U with a strong sales background. Having spent five years as a consultant providing business development advice to a wide range of BPO providers, Dave has worked with many household names including John Lewis and Ralph Lauren as well as the NHS.
He has previously held senior positions in the UK, South Africa and Romania; with particular experience in the outsourced contact centre arena, and most recently worked at the largest contact centre outsourced provider in Spain.
Dave, who lives in Bedfordshire, said: “I was initially drawn to Echo-U due to its great reputation as a people-focused business. Having worked in the industry for a number of years, it is refreshing to see a contact centre with such a great business culture and excellent approach to client management.
“Developing Echo-U South is going to be a great challenge for me to sink my teeth into, whilst also supporting with new business development at our head office in Newcastle. The sales cycle in our industry can often be quite lengthy, especially for a new office venture, so I will be working closely with the senior management team at Echo-U to create a realistic timeline and establish the company’s business growth plans for 2018.”
Outside of work, Dave likes to spend his free time with his wife and 17-year-old daughter. He is a school governor, with a keen interest in DIY and gardening, and a passion for golf.
David Blakey, director at Echo-U, added: “Dave is a welcome addition to the Echo-U senior management team, and his appointment places us on track in ensuring the company’s continued development over the next 12 months.
“Given his wealth of expertise, I have no doubt that he will play a pivotal role in driving forward our sales growth for Echo-U North and Echo-U South, as we add to our existing portfolio of high-profile clients following our recent expansion. I know that Dave will be an excellent new member of the team, fitting our business culture and values well.”
Echo-U is an established owner-managed contact centre creating growth for many of the UK’s biggest brands including DPD, Sage Plc and Sky. For more information, visit www.echo-u.co.uk/.