1st Touch (www.1sttouch.com), the UK’s leading supplier of mobile workforce systems and technology has announced the formation of a user group. Since the company’s formation three years ago, 1st Touch has established itself as the market leader in the social housing and public sectors; where RSLs, ALMOs, charities and local authorities have reaped the benefits of introducing mobile technology. Many organisations in these sectors have chosen 1st Touch as a result of talking to existing users about their specific requirements. The new group is seen as an acknowledgement of the rapidly growing number of users within the 1st Touch community and their need to share ideas.

The group’s aim, therefore, will be to encourage proactive networking with the sharing of ideas between user organisations and an opportunity for 1st Touch to identify common goals in future development. It will also serve as a platform for signposting new products and for pooling research results. One of the important issues on the agenda will be how mobile technology can drive efficiency and boost productivity against a backdrop of cuts and the current economic climate.

The independent Chair of the 1st Touch User Group, Louise Muirhead Senior Business Analyst at Wakefield and District Housing, will speak on how critical integration capabilities for property and land survey teams have enabled WDH to take the first step towards a scalable, enterprise-wide solution. Commenting on the launch she said, “Many organizations have become 1st Touch users by networking with similar organizations; discussing their specific needs for mobile technology in areas like responsive repairs, surveying and inspection. With so many 1st Touch users, now exploiting the benefits of the technology, it made sense to focus some of this energy on a structured format that allows them to talk freely about their experiences and to share information. I am delighted to be Chairing the group and look forward to the inaugural meeting.”

For his part Robert Dent, CEO of 1st Touch added, “So many of our users responded positively to the idea of a user group that we were convinced they would gain a great deal by participating. I am very grateful to Louise for taking the lead as its first Chair. I believe that she will provide an independent and creative contribution to its development and will ensure that all members will benefit greatly from it. I look forward to the group’s first meeting.”

The inaugural meeting of the 1st Touch User Group will be held at Wakefield And District Housing’s offices on January 14 2011. Users wishing to participate should visit the 1st Touch website for online registration or call Cherry Rance on 0871 716 3060.