BuBul’s software aims to help SMEs get expert advice
A CUSTOMER experience expert has launched new software that puts directors of start-ups, or existing SMEs, in a virtual room with 30 business experts.
Nigel Greenwood has created BuBul, which is free for start-ups and has been developed with the support of the University of Bradford. It delivers customer journey driven analysis, advice, resources and tailored recommendations.
Mr Greenwood said: “I’ve spent my career analysing the importance of the customer journey and improving it to increase sales and profitability.
“Seven years ago, I decided I wanted to help small businesses grow and prosper by giving them access to the tools and advice that larger companies take for granted. By using those skills face-toface in SMEs, we were able to drive tangible results.
“BuBul is the next step in the evolution of advice to SMEs providing online access to the tools, advice and resources that have helped companies like Amazon and Apple rise above the competition on the back of a superior customer experience.
“It’s well-known companies who seek advice increase their chances of success and that most SMEs don’t because of the cost – that’s why we’re offering BuBul Start free to those companies who are just starting out and BuBul Grow is available at a fraction of the cost of face-to-face advice for those companies who are already established.”
In 2019 there were 429,000 SMEs in Yorkshire but 20 per cent of SMEs fail in their first year and only 42 per cent last more than five years.
David Spicer, director of business and community engagement from the School of Management at the University of Bradford, said: “We are delighted to see the launch of BuBul and look forward to seeing this delivering real benefits for SMEs.
“Our work with Nigel on the development of BuBul is a great example of our partnerships with local firms, linking them with expertise and supporting their work and development thought working with our staff and students on projects like this. This creates great opportunities for us and our students to learn on live business challenges too.”
BuBul works by asking directors a series of questions that can take up to 30 minutes to complete, each answer determines the next question, so the user has an experience that is tailored to their business and customers.
BuBul is then able to identify changes and developments that are needed.