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MICROSOFT'S WEST YORKSHIRE CONNECTION
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December 2005
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Relay staffing for world’s first next generation console.
Relay has handled staff supply and management for the international roll out of this year’s most sought-after Christmas gift, Microsoft’s Xbox 360 games console, which hit stores on 2nd December.
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The Xbox 360 is the first next generation console and intended to end PlayStation’s market dominance. Its launch is the biggest in gaming history, with the Christmas release timed to give Microsoft the vital edge over Sony, whose PlayStation 3 won’t debut until 2006. The 360 has a host of extra features designed to make it a part of family life. It can play music, display photographs and show DVD films, and a curvy, white and silver design makes it an attractive living room feature, far removed from the ‘traditional’ black box stowed away in teenage bedrooms.
Relay managing director, Steven Street, says, “With so much at stake, an impressive retail presentation was crucial. Our client, The Valley Group, was tasked with producing, distributing across Europe and installing 7,300 of the most impactful, reliable in-store demonstration units ever seen.
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“Sound human resources underpinned the entire project. Extra workers were needed who could both demonstrate exceptional technical skills and pass incredibly strict vetting too, as Valley had committed to punitive confidentiality clauses. Hand picked individuals had to submit to the most rigorous reference checking and agree to non-disclosure and right-of-search policies.
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“The contract was undertaken in total secrecy, meaning that not only could no components leave the Keighley factory, but all word of the project had to stay there too. Selection, induction and training for the 15 permanent Valley staff and 50 plus temporaries was as scrupulous as any programme we have run.”
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The result, according to Valley commercial director, Jonathan Haggas, is the successful introduction of the world’s most advanced interactive demonstration kiosk. “The unit is a testament to the quality of staff sourced for its assembly. It has best-ever resolution and its robust controls and revolutionary failsafe mechanisms give durability in the face of punishment at the hands of excited gamers of all ages.”
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With Microsoft stealing a march on arch-rival Sony - and Nintendo’s next generation Revolution console also unavailable until next year – Relay is now staffing for the second phase of the Xbox 360 project, intended to consolidate initial sales success. This will involve the production of over 4000 additional demonstration units, as well as numerous merchandising and in-store solutions at the point of purchase.
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