Australia Procurement News Notice - 8963


Procurement News Notice

PNN 8963
Work Detail Xero (@Xero) today unveiled its expanded global Partner Program and Xero HQ, the open practice platform, at Xerocon South - the largest accounting technology conference in Australasia. Built in consultation with Xero’s global network of accounting and bookkeeping partners, the enhanced program brings together millions of dollars of investment in new tools to connect small businesses to advisors.

The program is designed to activate the success rate of partners and of small business owners by simply and easily connecting them to advisers and services that make a difference. Xero connects more accountants and bookkeepers to small businesses than any other platform. Some 89 per cent of Xero subscribers already connect to advisors.

Based on Xero research which suggests small businesses who used an accountant grew net profit 23 per cent faster than those who did not-, the partner program has been designed to support partners with a new Advisor Directory, enriched education and practice tools, and new levels of rewards and recognition.

Available in November, the expanded global Partner Program includes:

New way for partners to work with Xero HQ: The new Open Practice Platform will enable partners to connect to the apps they want to use:

Developers can integrate into the Xero ecosystem for small business apps and develop integrations for Xero HQ

Prioritise work using the activity feed to see which clients need action and when

Drill into clients with Explorer based on industry, apps or banking relationships

Streamline reporting with new Report Templates

View a list of all clients in one place

Use staff management tools including visibility over their staff’s certification status.

Attract new clients with better visibility on the Xero Advisor Directory: Xero’s Advisor Directory, already a substantial source of client leads for partners, has been improved with new technology and designs that make it easier for the more than 20,000 people globally who search the directory every month to find a financial advisor to suit their needs.

The new geo-sensing feature showcases partners that operate within the area that the small business is situated, while other features like the sophisticated search function, detailed listings and richer profile pages equips partners with the tools to market their businesses and grow their client base.

More interactive ways for partners to learn Xero: Xero U has a new look with a personalised learning experience and enriched Xero Certification process.

Points system for partners to earn a higher status and unlock new benefits: Pioneered in Australia, partners will now receive points for growing with Xero through adding new clients, being invited in to collaborate with clients and expanding into the Xero product suite so partners can grow at a faster pace, and unlock benefits.

New recognition for growing and highly trained partners: Many partners are investing to certify and grow their Xero client list. A new special distinction has been introduced in the partner program called Xero Champion, with extra reward for partners achieving champion performance.

Refreshed benefits, and a new Xero Store for Partners: Partners will be able to order branded Xero merchandise and other marketing resources exclusive to partners through the new Xero Store.

The expanded global Partner Program highlights Xero’s commitment to being the best in the industry, and follows Xero’s recognition for the second year running as the number one accounting solution in Australia, according to the annual Canstar Blue report.

Comments on the news

Doug LaBahn, Global VP Partner Marketing at Xero, said: "We’ve completely re-platformed our partner program to expand and improve all the ways that partners interact with us. The Partner Program will help them grow, put all the leading services right at their fingertips, differentiate their practices and take on new clients.

"Today, Xero is connecting over 89 per cent of small businesses to advisors and 29 per cent to apps in our Marketplace ecosystem. We know that every connection on our platform increases the success of small businesses and our Xero partners."

Tanya Titman, Managing Director of Consolid8 in Australia said: "The new Advisor Directory will really showcase the skills of our team and enable Consolid8 to attract clients that fit with our target market. With greater search functionality, clients will be able to find the advisor with the right skill set to provide them with the services they need. This will ensure we focus on our strengths as a practice and attract the right fit for our services.

"The recognition of skills through Xero Badges in the Xero Advisor Directory profile will make those practices that invest in the education and training of their team really stand-out."

Tim Hoopmann of Cornerstone Group in Australia said: "New ways to earn points gives my team and myself a great opportunity to strive for platinum. The improved visibility to points earned allows for reward and recognition of team members."

Edward Sanford of Chaddesley Sanford in the UK said: "Xero’s new Advisor Directory is another fantastic example of their continuous pipeline of innovation driven by a real desire to interact with the accounting community. From our own perspective the added features and functionality will really help us set out our strengths and skills to reach new clients."

Paul Gardner, CEO, Fresh Accounting Limited said: "The newly defined partner programme will be a significant boost for Xero accounting partners. We particularly like the new enhancements which will enable potential new businesses using Xero to be matched to the accounting firms with skills in particular industries. As more accounting firms become Xero certified, accounting firms such as Fresh Accounting will adapt to retain their competitive advantage and the changes to Xero Programme will enable this."

Aprilina Loh, Marketing Manager, CPA Connects in Singapore said: "The new partner program features are great! They provide better support, convenience and a more personal approach. I look forward to using these features to improve my company’s profile."
Country Australia , Australia and New Zealand
Industry Information Technology
Entry Date 15 Oct 2016
Source http://www.voxy.co.nz/business/5/262341

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