More Than a Supplier: How SolaaS Became CV Life’s Trusted Technology Partner

Introduction

Although SolaaS is only two years old, the relationship between SolaaS team members and CV Life spans over 20 years, with René Wheeler, MD at SolaaS and engineer Martin Neale, both having worked with the organisation is different guises since the early 2000s.

CV Life is a partnership between Coventry Sports Foundation and Culture Coventry Trust, working together to deliver sport, leisure, and cultural experiences across the city.

From museums and attractions to leisure centres and community programmes, CV Life offers inclusive activities for all ages and backgrounds. With locations city-wide and a focus on tailored, place-based services, the organisation is committed to helping residents and visitors stay active, engaged, and connected.

Challenges

In terms of the technology infrastructure, there are the challenges of a multi-site, multi-user operations. Different users, with different types of needs – from back-office to customer facing as well as mobile staff members who need seamless access to technology as they move around and between sites.

As you can imaging with a multi site operation, challenges arise, but SolaaS are always there to solve issues quickly. They are trusted throughout the organisation.

The organisation is also going through a process of digital transformation and alongside its technology needs for today, it requires technology solutions for the future.

CV Life require a robust, reliable and secure service.

Working with SolaaS as Partners

We spoke to CV Life’s Head of Programme, Suki Sahota, about the unique relationship between the organisation and SolaaS.

Suki explains, “CV Life is undergoing a process of digital transformation, and my role is supporting the organisation through that process and having SolaaS on hand to help with advice is invaluable as well as them managing our day-to-day tech support requirements.”

When asked how the relationship between SolaaS and CV Life started, Suki explained that René Wheeler has been the Account Manager for CV Life for many years,  “ because of René’s skillset, in terms of knowledge about transformation this makes SolaaS a natural partner to guide us through today’s tech requirements and the next steps. He’s good at looking at the bigger picture. Working with SolaaS is more of a partnership than a typical supplier relationship.”

Suki views SolaaS as her “team” and she speaks to at least one of them on a daily basis and sees them as an extension to the CV Life team. In fact, Martin Neale, Engineer at SolaaS, used to work for CV Life and Suki feels they really benefit from his knowledge. Particularly when there is an issue with a software they  – RecreateX, CV Life’s first point of contact will be Martin, rather than the software’s technical support as they know Martin will be able to resolve things for them quickly.

When asked what makes SolaaS different from other suppliers, Suki says, “They have a very personal approach when dealing with us, and it is not a typical supplier/client relationship. Before Martin joined the SolaaS team, we were looked after by Jordan Woodbridge, and nothing was ever too much trouble. I find that whoever I deal with, they get the technical stuff done, and the way they communicate shows they know their audience.”

Suki feels that the fact SolaaS don’t lock you into a long-term contract says a lot about the confidence they have in their level of service and that they are “always happy to go out of their way to support.”

And some final words from Suki, “I would 100% recommend SolaaS”

SolaaS – More than technology suppliers, we are your technology partners.