Budgens is a supermarket and convenience store chain with 260 locations across the UK. Established in 1872 as a family-owned grocer, it now operates as a franchise business under Booker UK, with stores managed independently to serve local communities. One such community is Bourton-on-the-Water.
Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, this charming village of 4,000 residents is renowned for its five low stone bridges over the River Windrush, earning it the nickname “the Venice of the Cotswolds.” The Budgens store serving the village is centrally situated on the High Street, overlooking the river.
Searching for efficiencies
The store team sought to enhance communication to streamline daily operations. Previously, staff relied on a bell at checkout for assistance and had to walk across the shop floor to relay messages.
This system caused delays in customer service, as customers might be left waiting at the till while a replacement item was fetched or a price checked. It also made stock checks and replenishment inefficient, with staff frequently walking back and forth to the stockroom.
The lack of an effective communication system also raised safety and security concerns, especially during shifts with fewer staff members, making it difficult to ask for help from colleagues in other parts of the store. After an initial enquiry, Budgens sought out the expertise of Brentwood Communications, a specialist two-way voice and data communications supplier and authorised VoCoVo reseller.
The Brentwood team arranged a phone consultation to gather detailed information about the business, including how staff collaborate and their communication priorities. A key requirement Budgens had was a hands-free solution allowing team members to scan items and restock shelves without the distraction of using a radio handset.
A bespoke solution for customer-facing teams
After consultation with Budgens, Brentwood recommended VoCoVo Link single earpiece headsets for their mobility and hands-free convenience, enabling users to perform other tasks and interact with customers while still hearing calls from colleagues. The headsets feature a push-to-talk (PTT) button on the earpiece for making calls, or users can opt for the Talk Lock function for completely hands-free use.
In addition to convenience, VoCoVo Link is very user-friendly. Each package includes four headsets and a charging dock, with setup taking no more than 10 minutes out of the box. Brentwood initially provided a trial pack for the team to ‘try before they buy’, and Budgens were immediately impressed and recognized how VoCoVo Link would improve their workflow.
Empowering Budgens’ teams through technology
Feedback from the store team once the full system was implemented was very positive. The improved communication has empowered staff to make quicker decisions, enhance customer service, and boost efficiency, particularly in stock replenishment. Staff also reported feeling safer and more secure, especially during evening shifts with only two people working, as they can instantly report and request help if there is any suspicious activity or emergencies.
Following Bourton-on-the-Water’s purchase of VoCoVo Link, two other Budgens stores in the local area have also acquired and installed VoCoVo Link from Brentwood Communications.
Joanna Bainbridge – Business Development Executive, Brentwood Communications
“Budgens, like many retailers, wanted to improve team connectivity on the shop floor for faster responses and seamless customer service. Working closely with them, I saw firsthand how the VoCoVo Link could make a difference, and seeing the positive impact on Budgens and their teams has been so rewarding!”
To learn more about VoCoVo, please visit our VoCoVo brand page or get in touch with us today!
About the Reseller
For over 50 years, Brentwood Communications has provided bespoke communication solutions to various market sectors across the UK and globally. As a leading supplier, Brentwood’s customers consistently return to hire or purchase the latest two-way radio equipment at competitive prices, along with high-tech accessories like headsets and earpieces.
Two-way communication products supplied by Brentwood from leading brands such as VoCoVo, Hytera and KENWOOD are known for reliability, durability, and ease of use. Brentwood backs this up with a suite of value-add services including system design and management, installation, maintenance and technical support.
Call: 0808 149 1330
Email: web.enquiry@brentwoodradios.co.uk
Website: www.brentwoodradios.co.uk
