About Doug Hargrove Doug Hargrove joined Advanced in 2013 via an acquisition, and brings over 25 years of senior management experience in software companies in the UK and globally. A well respected software business leader with strong industry, operational and leadership skills, he is comfortable managing businesses with turnovers of hundreds of millions of pounds. About Advanced Advanced is a UK software solutions provider with more than 2,700 employees and 22,000 global customers. Advanced provides enterprise resource planning (ERP), people management and vertical market software solutions to help its customers excel in their field of expertise. Contact Doug Hargrove Managing Director Advanced The Mailbox, Level 3, 101 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RF, UK Tel: +44 03304 040810 Fax: +44 01213 594200 www.oneadvanced.com accurately identifying high and lower performing areas of business, tracking the performance of fee-earners and much more. Actionable insights based on high quality data ensure that every decision makes the greatest possible impact on efficiency, productivity and profitability while ensuring high quality client service and employee satisfaction. Implementing a digital-first strategy can help firms get on top of some of the other, current challenges that impact on firm management, including ESG reporting often required by clients, employees and investors. Sustainable, low-carbon strategies can help reduce costs associated with printing, copying cost and waste removal, while remote working reduces pollution from commuting. Fewer employees in the office at any one time enables hotdesking and downsized premises with lower energy emissions and costs. Digital technology, such as employee platforms, helps firms to build an accurate view of their people so that policies and new ways of working can be shaped to suit everyone. Seeing people like themselves represented in a firm may attract new clients. It may also attract talent from more diverse candidate groups who can see the potential for a long-term career in an authentically inclusive working environment. In conclusion, a digital-first approach will elevate all areas of business and functions within it. It can raise productivity, reduce operational costs and increase profit and market share. It also plays an important role in a successful talent attraction and retention strategy, helping to attract new business and retain existing clients for repeat work. It ensures legal compliance and elevates data security. As law enters this new era it will be important for leaders to invest time in getting to grips with all of the considerations in order to access the many benefits that digital technology can bring. latest versions of the law and other mandatory requirement, which is invaluable during times of change such as post-Brexit employment law. 9.Raise security levels. Recent years have revealed disturbing increases in cyberattacks on businesses, and legal firms hold particular allure for criminals. Remote and hybrid working has increased the risk of ransomware entering a system via a poorly configured connection or device. As holders of large quantities of sensitive and personal data for clients and employees, firms have a responsibility to implement the highest available levels of security to safeguard this data. Unlike on-premise systems, the cloud incorporates high levels of in-built security with encrypted data held across multiple servers, making it far more robust and resistant to cyberattack. 10.Implement smarter business strategies. Good governance, effecting planning, strategy and budgeting all require accurate and up-to-date information. Digital solutions can help improve these processes in numerous ways, for example by easily and SPECIAL FEATURE 53
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