Don’t stop at the price tag! [case study]

Arena works with many clients in the education sector, helping them with the common issues they face relating to the management, control and security of their vital documents. In addition to copy and print, and managed print services, Arena Group has developed mstore for Education, its own electronic document and records management system (EDRMS). mstore delivers a user-friendly mechanism to improve the whole document storage, retrieval and archiving process, whilst adding a level of security and functionality to improve legal compliance and the security of critical files.

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Image courtesy of supplier.

If you want to get more from your supplier, why not think beyond price? Arena has been supporting schools and colleges from day one, and specifically founded the business on strong community values that still stand 25 years later. Whilst price remains key for cash-strapped schools, many appreciate the additional, community-driven contributions that Arena can make. To see how much a supplier can help with the school community and beyond, take Ashton Sixth Form College in Greater Manchester...

“Price was obviously a factor because we wanted to save a significant amount of money,” explained Sally Shaw, head of IT and Learning Resources at the college, “but the quality of the provider and our relationship with them was important as well. Arena brought additional benefits to us, such as helping us to reduce our carbon footprint through the Toshiba carbon offset scheme.”

Arena also offer interview skills and workshops on-site, which resulted in employing one of Ashton's previous students as an apprentice field service technician. “Everyone talks about corporate social responsibility,” explains Sally, “but not everyone goes into the detail of it. Having a student of ours become an apprentice with Arena was amazing - this has never happened before with any of our other suppliers.”

The partnership between Ashton and Arena has been transformational, with annual cost savings reaching five figures, and staff and students enjoying new, more efficient ways of working. “Arena understands education. It's not just been about the contract; it's about the good relationship we have with them.”

Arena’s support of education has also seen contributions being made to the purchasing of essential library books and equipment - they even have a TeleTubby-style annex in the school grounds!

And it doesn’t stop there, of course. Our partnerships with schools, and the wider community, deepen with sponsorship of local family, junior and mini runs that encourage young people to take part in healthy activity. The Arena Owl mascot (pictured top) is a firm favourite at these events.

Don’t forget to come and see @ArenaGroup Owl when you have finished running this morning! #RunWithArena pic.twitter.com/4oYcsAI1xH
— Run For All (@runforall) March 17, 2018

Adrian Fitzpatrick, managing director of Arena Group, which has supported Run For All’s mini and junior runs since 2010, said: “We are delighted to continue our support for such an excellent series of children’s runs. They are a great way of encouraging youngsters to be more active and to support a charity. It’s always wonderful to see a young runner wearing his or her finisher’s medal with pride.”

Thanks to EVERYONE who made it to this weekend's @ArenaGroup #miniandjunior runs. #ArenaOwl had a great time cheering you all on & keeping the effects of the blizzards at bay! @runforall #RunWithArena pic.twitter.com/WcV8AdEs4o
— Arena Group (@ArenaGroup) March 19, 2018

Read more about Arena’s adventures in the community by visiting www.arenagroup.net/page/arena-in-the-community, and read the full Ashton Sixth Form case study here: www.arenagroup.net/case_studies.

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