Enterprise Nation

Do you remember us announcing our 10 winners of the Orange/BlackBerry competition at the back end of May? Well, they’ve now received their prize of a BlackBerry handset and free Orange data so we’re back and knocking on their doors to find out how they’re getting on. Tom Reader is the first winner we call. And what a surprise we’re in for.

Hello Tom. Remember us?

When Tom Reader was informed that he’d won a new BlackBerry and Orange contract, we posted his entire response. Tom was pretty excited that his new gadget would help him more easily blend his work and life. But, oh boy, it’s done much more for him than that.

We called to re-introduce ourselves and ask what Tom thought of his prize.

“If I’d known how useful this would be, I’d have bought one months ago. Winning this competition has, quite literally, changed my business.

I’ve re-designed the way my customers place an order with me so I can now receive orders – and reply with an authentication key – whilst I’m on the move. Before receiving this prize I used to have to employ people to watch over orders when I went way – that would cost me – and now that’s a cost I don’t have to carry. I can manage everything from the BlackBerry. It’s given me the freedom to roam (and go to the airfield once a week which I love to do!) and the peace of mind, knowing that I’m still on top of things.

The other thing I like about this package is that the BlackBerry is connected all the time. I did try using Windows Mobile but it only worked when there was a signal – which there isn’t at the airfield. With the BlackBerry, I’ve got much more flexibility in when I can send and receive emails.

Not only though has this given me freedom to travel about and reduce my costs, I’m also seeing a new business opportunity as you can write software for the BlackBerry and I’m a software writer! I’m going to look into this in more detail in the next couple of weeks but I think there’s a whole new market out there waiting for me.

So, yes, winning this prize has been totally amazing. Thank you.”

• Tom Reader, Alver Valley Software

And here is a picture of Tom's desktop with essential home office items:

• his new BlackBerry
• energy drink
• baby monitor (to hear his 2 month old baby girl!)  

We’ll be visiting our other 9 winners over the course of the next 6 months to see if they’re loving work and life as much as Tom!