How investment in technology helped roll out a new piece of HR software
CharlieHR is a HR software company that allows small businesses to manage the entire employee life cycle, in one place. With the tools in their reach, those tasked with HR will have the free time and energy to focus on growth instead. It’s of particularly great value to those office-based enterprises where people are a key asset. This can range from professional services like accounting and legal to creative industries such as digital and tech start-ups.
The software aims to remove the burden for business owners, empowering any professional to seamlessly manage HR admin whilst also helping their team grow with functions such as reviews and work perks.
Having only commenced business in 2015, they’ve already achieved substantial success and growth – and people are central to this. Not just because they lever their business to victory, but because people sparked the idea for CharlieHR in the first place. Here, CEO and Co-Founder, Ben Branson-Gateley explains how exactly people led to a successful HR software enterprise…]
The CharlieHR story
Back in 2012, Ben co-founded a social media agency ‘Born Social’. It thrived, and it wasn’t long before they had a considerable-sized team. But, like with any creative agency, they experienced staff turnover, which added to their already cumbersome HR responsibilities.
Instead, they wanted to focus on other high-value activities. Born Social decided to tackle this challenge head on and use software that would remove this burden. They needed a tool that would support, grow and manage their people seamlessly. However, they soon realised there was no such solution. This gave them the inspiration to build one.
With this idea ignited, they wanted to ensure the software took it further than just solving Born Social’s problems. CharlieHR was created so that anyone running a business, especially those with no prior HR experience or expertise, could manage all needs of the team. So, an entirely new enterprise and tool was exactly what they created.
Within months, they experienced growth, and technology has been a key factor in their success. With team members spending eight hours a day on a computer, from designers to engineers to copywriters, they required the very best equipment. As believers in marginal gains, the intuitive interface of the Mac ensured optimum efficiency.
This wasn’t their only reason for taking advantage of Macs. Apple’s infrastructure is also more secure than the other options available. Operating in the HR sphere, they deal with a lot of data. Therefore, they can’t afford for there to be any sort of non-compliance. For CharlieHR, it’s non-negotiable.
However, Macs don’t come cheap. As a start-up looking to balance both cash flow and achieve ambitious plans, they went on the hunt for an alternative. And so, Lease Loop joined in on CharlieHR’s tale of success…
Support for the dynamic
“We were recommended Lease Loop by a former employee of our business. This endorsement, along with the fact they were very communicative and simple to deal with, made going with them a no-brainer.
At first, we leased several Macs from the team. The process was smooth in every sense of the word. They were incredibly easy to get hold of and are happy to continue the interaction after the sale. It’s very clear that for Lease Loop it’s all about the interaction – not the transaction.
Since then, they’ve provided support of the very same high standard. They’re super honest, always there when we pick up the phone, and are able to do things quickly, including fast turnarounds with Macs. This is vital when you’re a tech business in such a dynamic industry.
Currently we have over 20 team members, but we’re looking to bring this up to 40 by next year. As we journey ahead with our growth plans, Lease Loop will be our leasing partner joining us along for the ride.”
