ILEX Customer Service Excellence Recognised

1 October 2009 pr040.09

The very best in customer service in Bedfordshire has been recognised with the first Apprentice of the Year 2009 Awards from the Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber of Commerce. The Award for Customer Service goes to Simon Hoinca, a Membership Administrator with the Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) in Kempston, Bedford.

Simon (26) won the title in recognition of his excellent customer service skills honed while studying for his Apprenticeship in Customer Service through the Chamber. He is one of the winners of what is hoped will become an annual award.

The winners were selected from over 30 entrants from all part of Bedfordshire who were nominated by course assessors. A selection committee from the Chamber chose the finalists.

At his desk in Kempston, Simon deals with inquiries from the 20,000 Legal Executive Lawyers from across England and Wales. Profession development, regulation, training and membership reinstatements all fall within his remit.

“I am absolutely thrilled with winning this Award,” he said. “Although I am proud of what I have achieved it also shows how ILEX is committed to investment in people and its continued high standard of customer service.”

“Simon worked extremely hard at his apprenticeship finishing well within the target date, despite undergoing significant hospital treatment at the same time”, said course assessor Katherine Hills. “I was particularly impressed by Simon’s work for his communication project, which lead to Simon discovering untapped writing skills. As a direct result of the apprenticeship, Simon is now considering a career in journalism – something he’d never previously considered.

“Simon demonstrated during the apprenticeship that he was an excellent customer service representative for ILEX. I am really proud of his achievements,” she continued.

“My congratulations to Simon on his success,” said the President of the Institute of Legal Executives, Judith Gordon Nicholls. “Good quality customer service is vitally important for any organisation in today’s business climate, especially for a membership organisation like the Institute, where members expect a quick and knowledgeable response to their inquiries. Simon is a shining example of what good customer service should be.”

Simon will receive his Award at the Chamber Annual General Meeting in Luton on Thursday 1 October.

Posted 01.10.09