Fujitsu : enables Shelter to reach more people in housing need

Fujitsu today announced that it has selected Shelter as its charity partner of choice - and will help the charity deliver on its ambitions of helping more people in housing need than ever before. The decision was made by Fujitsu's own employees, following a vote which saw an overwhelming 52% opt for the housing charity from a selection of three charities in total, in a poll open to 14,000 people working in the UK and Ireland.

Fujitsu will help Shelter to modernise its shop network and connect more people to the charity's housing and homelessness advice and support services. Utilising 25 years' experience working with the UK's largest retailers, Fujitsu will modernise the tills, hardware, software and technology infrastructure behind the scenes to save time and increase efficiency. It will also help Shelter revamp its digital presence, implementing tools such as webchat within new stores to link customers to Shelter's online advice service. Furthermore, Fujitsu will work with Shelter to increase the capacity of its helpline.

Fujitsu will also support fundraising efforts in practical ways, by providing volunteers and promoting skills-sharing. An example of this activity is the Graduate Shop Challenge, which is taking place in five Shelter stores across London, Manchester and Wellington, near Telford. Five teams of Fujitsu graduates have developed business plans outlining how they would improve the stores, and started implementing the plans alongside Shelter store managers.

"Amid growing economic gloom and rising unemployment, increasing numbers of ordinary families are falling victim to the housing crisis - this is why the partnership with Fujitsu is so timely," said Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter. "We were looking for the support of a technology partner to help us reach more people in housing need. Fujitsu is perfectly placed to do this and has exceeded all our expectations with its experience and innovative thinking. We look forward to a long and successful partnership together."

"Responsibility is at the heart Fujitsu's business - and we believe we can use our expertise and resources to help shape stronger communities," said Duncan Tait, CEO, Fujitsu UK & Ireland. "Our employees are truly passionate about this partnership and are excited about providing hands on support to one of the UK's leading charities. This passion, together with our retail technology expertise - puts us in a strong position to help Shelter achieve its goals."