Voicescape, the leading provider of communications software for public sector housing, including social housing providers and local authorities, has secured a £9 million investment from BGF.
The investment will be used to expand Voicescape’s product suite and to invest in the development and growth of its AI-driven Caseload Manager tool.
Founded in Manchester 1998, Voicescape combines automation technology, behavioural insights, and data science to create bespoke communication solutions that help public service organisations drive substantial operational efficiencies and service improvements.
Voicescape works with more than 50 registered social housing providers and local authorities across the UK, empowering them to connect with their communities at scale across various critical touchpoints, including rent collection, customer satisfaction feedback, gas and safety checks.
The deal will see Voicescape’s chief operations officer Gary Haynes become managing director and Bill Williams, chief revenue officer, will continue to lead the sales division which has generated 174 per cent growth in ARR over the last two years.
Dean Dickinson, who joined as non-executive chair in April 2022, will continue in his role. Dickinson was previously CEO at BGF-backed Castleton Technology – a software and managed services provider to the public and not-for-profit sectors.
Voicescape founder, John Doyle said: “The social housing and local authority sectors have displayed a remarkable appetite for digital transformation over the last few years, which was only accelerated by the pandemic. The constantly changing needs and circumstances of residents have been highlighted, making it crucial for organisations to use technology effectively. Voicescape’s solutions have been focused on helping organisations use technology to better understand their customers’ behaviours and improve engagement at scale, especially when faced with these strategic challenges. BGF is an ideal partner to support Gary, Bill and the team to help more organisations in the areas of greatest need.”
By using automation technology, behavioural insights, and data science, Voicescape delivers value-added products and services that drive innovation and tackle the most significant challenges faced by social housing. Through evidence-based digital transformation, Voicescape helps organisations improve engagement, streamline operations, and enhance service delivery.
One Key Voicescape product is Caseload Manager, developed in partnership with social housing provider Thirteen Group, which reviews resident behaviours and risks before automating every stage of the rent arrears management process and freeing-up human resources for higher-value tasks supporting those in need of personal intervention. Since implementation in late 2021, Caseload Manager has reduced the number of arrears cases requiring manual action at Thirteen by 65 per cent.
The deal was led by Pinesh Mehta and Josh Bean, investors in BGF’s North West team. As part of the deal Pinesh Mehta and BGF portfolio manager, Jill Williams will join the board.
