The recently re-launched UK Consultants Network (UKCN or ukc.net for short), was conceived and constructed to form an online web-based community dedicated to the consultancy and associated professional services vertical market. Additionally, in the coming months, it will deliver a rapid deployment web-based solution providing independent consultants and small professional services organisations with the ability to build successful online collaborative trusted networks with website, Intranet and Extranet facilities aimed at creating an online presence for themselves, their clients, suppliers and partners.
Introduction
The recently re-launched UK Consultants Network (UKCN or ukc.net for short), was conceived and constructed to form an online web-based community dedicated to the consultancy and associated professional services vertical market. Additionally, in the coming months, it will deliver a rapid deployment web-based solution providing independent consultants and small professional services organisations with the ability to build successful online collaborative trusted networks with website, Intranet and Extranet facilities aimed at creating an online presence for themselves, their clients, suppliers and partners.
The Challenge
Professional Services Organisations (PSO’s) need to communicate and collaborate more effectively with clients, partners, suppliers and other service providers such as graphic designers, lawyers and accountants.
Increasingly we are seeing the establishment of virtual networks - groups of inter-related individuals or organisations that drive wealth creation across a region or industry vertical. These collaborations recognise the added value of improved internal communications between members, but need a vehicle to support the required level of interaction.
PSO’s also find that identifying a solution to meet their core needs ‘now’, and one that underpins and supports e -Business strategies, is a complex and time-consuming process. What they need is an open, scalable and configurable environment of web-based tools that will provide some early wins, and a sound foundation for on-going business development.
The Solution
The UK Consultants Network harnesses the power of effective collaboration between PSO’s and their trusted network of peers by exploiting the ubiquitous Internet.
The ukc.net is a powerful Web Portal that structures and supports the business network’s online presence, whilst underpinning their core business strategy. It provides partners, members and suppliers with online tools that make a real difference to their business, both in terms of online business interaction and cost reduction/containment.
The Network delivers a range of business enhancing facilities for PSO’s and independent consultants without having to invest in their own IT infrastructure. Features such as secure project working areas, document management, specialist areas and themed sub-portals. All of our tools are designed to aid in the rapid deployment and growth of an online network for PSO’s, their partners or suppliers.
Key Features
Directory: The Directory enables clients and consultants alike to find the expertise they need – we call it P2P – Professional-to-Professional. Includes informative listings for each consultant or company; area’s of expertise; recent projects and track history; and full contact details.
Forums: Qualified opinions from people in the know! Use the ukc.net forum to find out what’s happening in your industry and be part of a vibrant community. Need help? – ask the community – somebody out there will have an answer. Be informed; develop your network and build your brand; find people you want to work with.
Articles: written from experience, which you can put in to practice! Submit to gain visibility and demonstrate your expertise; best-in-class approaches to solving problems; valuable insights and other perspectives.
Blogs:Standing out from the crowd is always difficult, but not with a ukc.net blog. Show people who you really are, what you can do for them and how you work. You never know, they may like what they see. There’s lot’s of ways to use your blog: promote yourself and your company; document a project to show others what you can do; share your opinions.
Communities of Practice: Communities of Practice are created by the categories within ukc.net that support special interest groups and provide focussed areas for clusters of businesses and individuals within a network. They are intended for groups of independent consultants and organisations with a common interest such as Information Technology or Human Resources. They can have their own membership, news, events, links, information areas and newsletters.
Web portals (coming soon): use the power of our network and be found on the web. Feature rich websites to promote your business; Extranet to securely share information with clients and suppliers; Intranet providing the privacy and security for internal use.
PM Central (coming soon): Easy to use, powerful project management tools; view project information, in one place, over the internet; current plans, status reports and document archive for clients; manage multiple projects in one place.
Accreditation: In the directory, gain credibility no matter how big or small you are; industry-wide accreditation scheme; Independently verified by ukc.net; carry the ukc.net Qualified Professional Services logo; transfer your existing credentials.