StaffSavvy - the story behind the software

StaffSavvy founder Andrew Treadwell was studying at Bournemouth University and working in one of the student union run venues called The Old Fire Station. It was, and still is, a very busy nightclub. Back in 2003, though, they were using a very basic shift-swapping system of a corkboard with post-it notes. As with such manual systems, they are open to error and miscommunication. Andrew had an idea to fix the constant problem of too many or too few people turning up for a shift - he built StaffSmart, as it was originally called.

This very first iteration of StaffSavvy was a really basic online shift-swapping interface to manage the 70 or so staff working in the nightclub. And it worked really well. After six months, the managers wanted to expand into online scheduling. They had seen the shift from paper working so well for shift swapping, so they knew the potential. From there, they went on to request template shift patterns, and the bones of StaffSavvy were taking shape.

During this time, staff were moving on from university and spreading the word about this new online system for scheduling and shift swapping. Andrew got his big break when an ex-employee of The Old Fire Station went to work at the Royal Albert Hall. After an initial demo, they knew that with some tweaks, it was the software they had been looking for to manage their complex staff setup. It was this partnership that brought our contract manipulation rules to what they are today. 

Working with such a big organisation with varying types of staff (contract, full-time, freelance etc.)has helped mould StaffSavvy into the multi-layered software that helps companies of all sizes, shapes, and needs. This focus on venues and working with their requirements has brought about integrations with the likes of Artifax, leading to our expansion into Australia and the US.

Over the years, the team has grown, bringing in specialists in HR, scheduling, payroll, and tech. Today, we specialise in helping businesses with complex staffing structures, with clients ranging from museums to care homes and everything in between. If you think StaffSavvy sounds like a good fit for your company, drop Andrew Treadwell a message to organise a demo.