Explanation
The reception is a one of the focus points of the business (as well as the visitors' coffee area!). It performs a vital communication role. All telephone calls are answered here and an elaborate internal phone system and tannoy system enables the staff on reception to get hold of anyone anywhere in the factory.
The reception area also has three meeting rooms and a classroom. These are used primarily for meeting with clients and suppliers but also occasionally for internal management meetings, staff meetings, interviewing and also for meeting other external stakeholders of the company.
An important function of the reception area is a marketing one. Clients who come to the factory are faced with an extensive exhibition of the range of products that Cameron balloons offer - photos, press clippings, brochures and some sample balloon equipment and cold-air inflatables.
There is a display of spares and small items in the reception and these are a vital source of revenue for the company making up perhaps as much as a quarter of total revenue. The sales of these items are handled by a separate department with two people working full-time. They are:
- David Pearce
- Richard Bradley
The principal work carried out by them is:
- Arranging and completing paperwork for accounts / Customs and Civil Aviation Authorities around the world
- Preparing, packing and arranging transport for balloons
- Directing customers as appropriate to staff or to dealer network
- Checking accounts and obtaining payment for spares and repairs work (by credit card / switch / cash / bank transfer / letter of credit)
- Arranging and booking in balloons for their annual C + A (MOT) test
- Assisting with the despatch of complete balloons
- Booking in and issuing works orders to all members of staff
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