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A training provider that transformed online course delivery with connected systems and automation
Ecology Training UK provides professional training for people building careers in ecology and conservation. When demand for online learning accelerated, the business needed systems that could support growth while delivering a seamless experience for learners.
Working alongside Made with Maturity, CRM Champion implemented a Zoho-based solution that connected student records, course delivery, e-commerce and financial systems. The result was a more efficient operation, improved visibility across the business and a 60% increase in turnover following the launch of the new website and CRM platform.
Founded by principal ecologist Sue Searle in 2019, Ecology Training UK delivers specialist ecology and conservation training to learners across the UK.
During the Covid pandemic, the business rapidly evolved from delivering predominantly face-to-face courses to offering online training at scale. While demand continued to grow, administration, student communications and reporting relied heavily on manual processes, making it increasingly difficult to manage expansion efficiently.
“It was just a bit of a nightmare, really.”Sue Searle, Principal Ecologist, Ecology Training UK
The goal was to create a scalable platform that could support continued business growth without increasing administrative workload.
Ecology Training UK wanted a centralised view of every learner, automated communications throughout the course journey, and clear reporting on customer acquisition and operational performance.
CRM Champion worked alongside digital agency Made with Maturity to create a connected ecosystem centred around Zoho CRM.
The website and learning management platform were redesigned to support online course delivery at scale, while Zoho CRM was configured around Ecology Training UK’s enrolment and student management processes.
Integrations connected the CRM with the learning platform, WooCommerce and Xero, ensuring student information could move seamlessly between systems. Purchases, enrolments, course access and financial records became connected through a single student record, providing a consistent view of each learner’s journey.
Automated communications reduced manual administration, while tailored reporting provided greater visibility into business performance and customer acquisition.
The build runs on Zoho One, which brings the wider suite in under a single subscription. Alongside Zoho CRM, it uses Zoho Analytics, Zoho Campaigns, Zoho Survey, Zoho Forms, Zoho Bookings and Zoho Vault.
Before any configuration began, we mapped the learner journey from initial enquiry through to enrolment, course completion and ongoing engagement.
This helped identify where information was being duplicated, where manual intervention was required and which reporting insights would be most valuable to the business.
Zoho CRM was configured around Ecology Training UK’s course delivery model, creating a structured framework for managing students, communications and reporting.
The CRM became the central source of truth for learner information while supporting the day-to-day processes needed to run the organisation.
The learning platform, WooCommerce and Xero were integrated into the solution so that information could flow automatically between systems.
This created a consistent learner experience while reducing administration and improving data accuracy across the business.
Reporting was designed around the way Ecology Training UK operates, providing visibility into student activity, marketing performance and customer acquisition channels.
The team gained access to information that previously required significant manual effort to assemble.
Successful CRM projects depend as much on people as technology.
Alongside implementation, CRM Champion worked closely with the Ecology Training UK team to ensure the new processes were adopted confidently and consistently. Ongoing support helped bridge the gap between system administration and day-to-day customer management, ensuring the CRM became an embedded part of the organisation rather than simply another piece of software.
That support continues today through CRM Champion’s ongoing management and optimisation services.
Initial training covered all areas of Zoho CRM and the associated Zoho platforms, taking in both the standard configuration and the bespoke customisations built for Ecology Training UK. It also produced a user guide for the team.
“I was brought on really to bridge the gap between the management of the CRM and the management of the customers, and to make sure that both of those areas were working in alignment with each other.”India Shipway-Johnson · Client Success Manager, CRM Champion
The new website and CRM platform gave Ecology Training UK the foundations needed to support continued growth while delivering a better experience for learners.
One of the clearest indicators of success came when Sue was able to spend three months travelling while the business continued operating successfully, supported by systems designed to scale with the organisation’s growth.
Online revenue targets have grown by 15% on average every year since implementation.
“The chaos that I was in before just isn’t there any more.”
“I’ve never made as much money as I do now.”
“Through the process, we realised they need a CRM. So we recommended CRM Champion to come in and do that consultancy piece.”
“If you want to have a business where you can automate things and have a fantastic website, then I definitely recommend Made with Maturity and CRM Champion.”
We hold dedicated collaboration time with Made with Maturity, so what the website can do and what the CRM can hold are planned together. That is where the next ideas come from, and it is why the two systems have stayed in step as the business has grown.
“We do have dedicated time set aside to collaborate, and that is really where we come up with the ideas of where to go next.”CRM Champion client success
Ecology Training UK’s CRM platform continues to evolve alongside the business. With connected systems, reliable data and automated processes in place, the organisation has a strong foundation for future growth, new course offerings and an improved learner experience.
Three developments are planned next: bringing multiple named students into a single purchase, introducing product variations and onboarding students under the age of 18.
Whether you’re running a training organisation, a professional services firm or a growing owner-managed business, we can help you create connected systems that support growth, improve visibility and reduce administration.
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