Embracing Modern Technology in a 100-Year Business
We spoke with Kit Greenslade, Sales Negotiator at Boyce Brixham, about their journey from desktop-based software to a cloud solution. After a decade with the same system, this century-old agency needed technology that could support their evolving needs while maintaining their commitment to personalised service.
“When you say it’s cloud-based, there are always concerns. People were asking, ‘Will I need tech wizardry? Will it move too fast? Will I be able to keep up?’” Kit explains, describing the initial apprehension among team members.
The Challenge: Breaking Free from Office Constraints
With nearly 100 years serving Brixham and the surrounding Devon communities, Boyce Brixham had built their reputation on combining traditional values with reliable service. However, their established desktop-based software was creating barriers:
- 4+ hours daily spent on administrative tasks that could be automated
- No remote access, tying staff to their desks even during property viewings
- Difficulty managing increased market activity efficiently
“Our previous system served us well for many years, but we realised we were spending too much time on administrative tasks that could be automated,” Kit says. “We needed something that would allow us to focus more on what we do best—providing personal service to our clients.”
A Surprisingly Smooth Transition
Despite hesitations, Boyce Brixham moved forward with Alto, recognising that modernising their technology was essential. The transition process took just one month – far quicker than anticipated.
“The migration and onboarding team were always on hand to support, and we’ve made good use of the user guides too,” Kit shares.
Alto’s anywhere-access capability immediately solved their remote working limitations, allowing staff to securely log in from any location. The platform’s automated processes streamlined tasks that had previously consumed hours of staff time each week, from matching buyers to properties to tracking client communications.
Measurable Results That Matter
Within 90 days of implementation, Boyce Brixham experienced significant improvements:
- 65% reduction in time spent on administrative tasks
- An increase in property viewings scheduled
- Average response time to client enquiries down from an hour to just 15 minutes
Team flexibility improved dramatically as staff could access the system from anywhere with internet connectivity. This allowed agents to update records immediately after viewings or client meetings, rather than needing to return to the office first.
