The 0333 301 1010 phone line is working again. Sorry for any inconvenience

Further to the blog post this morning https://blog.start-software.com/2026/01/telephone-service-issues-alternative.html we're happy to say that our 0333 301 1010 phone line is now operational again.

Sorry for the short outage this morning

Do keep a note of the alternate number +44 (0)1952 288 316, just in case.  You'll also find the number on our websites.

Telephone Service Issues – Alternative Contact Information

Service Update

We are currently experiencing issues with our main telephone number:
+44 (0)333 301 1010

This may mean you are unable to get through, experience call drops or similar.

You can still call us or email us for support

How to Contact Us in the Meantime

While our primary number is affected, please use one of the following alternatives:

• Alternative telephone line: +44 (0)1952 288 316
• Email support: support@start-software.com

Both options are fully operational, and our support team is ready to assist you as normal.

What You Can Expect

• All support requests will be handled with our usual priority and service levels.
• Once our main number is restored, we will provide an update.
• No action is required from you—simply use the alternative contact routes above.

We appreciate your patience while the telephone provider resolves the issue. If you need anything urgently, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the working contact channels listed.

 

Come and meet Alpha Tracker directors Judy & Robin at FAMANZ 2026 in Sydney in March. And learn about AI innovations in the asbestos industry!

We’re excited to announce that Alpha Tracker directors Judy and Robin will be attending FAMANZ 2026, the premier conference for asbestos, hazardous materials, and environmental professionals, taking place in Sydney, Australia, from 2–4 March 2026.

This event brings together expert speakers, consultants, asbestos surveyors, and industry leaders from across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. It’s a fantastic opportunity to share insights, learn about the latest industry trends, and connect face-to-face with professionals who are shaping how we manage compliance, safety, and data in asbestos and related sectors.

What You Can Expect

• 🗣 Meet the Directors – Judy and Robin will be present throughout the conference, ready to discuss how Alpha Tracker continues to evolve and support your business needs.

• 💡 Robin’s Presentation – On Wednesday 4 March, Robin will be presenting on AI innovations in asbestos management software, where he’ll explore how artificial intelligence is helping transform reporting, data quality insights, and operational efficiency within Alpha Tracker.

• 📌 Networking Opportunities – Whether you’re based in Australia, New Zealand, or visiting from further afield, FAMANZ is the perfect place to expand your industry network and meet fellow practitioners and decision-makers.

Robin presenting about AI at the Global Asbestos Forum in Norway

FAMANZ is known for its engaging sessions and friendly atmosphere. If you’re planning to attend, now’s the time to register and secure your place — spaces fill up quickly, and this is one not to miss.

We look forward to seeing you in Sydney!

Welcome to 2026 ❄️

There’s something very fitting about starting the year on a bright, icy January morning. The light is new, the path ahead is clear, and while the ground may be slippery, progress comes from knowing where you’re going and taking each step with confidence. This photo of Catherine walking into the office captures that feeling perfectly as we step into 2026 at Start Software.

Here we go again! Welcome 2026

So, with frozen car parks behind us and a full year ahead, here’s what we’re excited about.

Continuing to invest in Alpha Tracker

Alpha Tracker remains at the heart of what we do, and 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for new releases.

• Alpha Tracker Release 42 and Release 43 are on the roadmap, bringing a steady stream of practical improvements driven directly by customer feedback. As ever, the focus is on reliability, usability and features that genuinely make day-to-day work easier.

• We are rolling out a significant upgrade to Cloud Document Maker, delivering faster and more scalable document production for reports, certificates and client deliverables. Less waiting, more getting things done.
  

• Tracker Filer will be replaced by Tracker Agent, our AI-powered "extra pair of hands" that will massively reduce your admin.

Better integrations, better workflows

We know Alpha Tracker does not exist in isolation, so integration continues to be a major priority.  2025 saw us deliver the Lab Sample Exchange and the connection to the incredible FLS/Solvares VISITOUR optimised scheduler.  We have many more integrations planned for 2026.

More AI, used properly

AI is only useful if it solves real problems, and that is exactly how we are approaching it.

Our Report QC Checker is now available for all customers, helping to catch inconsistencies, omissions and common issues before reports go out of the door. It adds another layer of quality control that supports professional judgement rather than replacing it.

Go to asbestosreportqc.start-software.ai

You can expect more AI-powered features over the year, always focused on accuracy, efficiency and trust.

Growing the team

Great software comes from great people. We are delighted to welcome Bonggo to the Start Software team, strengthening our ability to support customers and continue developing the platform at pace.

Out in the world

We will also be getting out and about more in 2026, sharing what we have learned and learning from others.

This includes presenting at conferences around the world, with highlights already planned such as FAMANZ in Sydney and World Summit AI in Amsterdam. If you are attending either, do come and say hello.

20 years of Start Software

Finally, 2026 marks a major milestone for us. This is our 20th year of trading.

That means 20 years of building software, working closely with customers, adapting to new technology and staying firmly focused on value for money. We will be celebrating properly with staff and customers in the autumn, and we look forward to sharing more details as plans come together.

Thank you, as always, for being part of the Start Software story. Here’s to a productive, innovative and well-supported 2026.

Support Desk performance report – December 2025

As the year drew to a close, our Support Desk stayed reassuringly steady. December is traditionally a month of distractions, deadlines and diaries full of festive commitments, so maintaining strong response times is always a good test of both systems and people. We are pleased to say the results held up very well.

Adam helping a caller on the Christmas Support Desk

December at a glance

• 91.1% of all tickets were resolved within SLA

• 99.3% of high-priority tickets were resolved within SLA

• 685 tickets solved in total

• 142 of those were high-priority issues

High-priority performance in particular remains excellent, with virtually every urgent issue handled on time despite reduced availability around the Christmas period.

How December compares

Looking back over the last six months, performance has been consistently strong:

Month	In time (%)	In time (H) (%)	Tickets solved
July 2025	91.40%	97.88%	977
August 2025	90.97%	97.08%	831
September 2025	94.20%	98.38%	879
October 2025	92.40%	97.16%	947
November 2025	92.08%	99.37%	808
December 2025	91.09%	99.30%	685

While overall ticket volume dipped in December, which is typical for the time of year, SLA performance stayed firmly in line with previous months. The slight variation in overall percentage is largely explained by reduced staffing over the holidays combined with a smaller pool of tickets, where a handful of slower resolutions have a bigger impact on the headline figure.

End-of-year summary

To close out the year, it is worth stepping back and looking at the broader picture. Across the six-month period shown above, the Support Desk handled:

• 5,127 tickets in total

• 1,003 high-priority tickets

• With consistently high SLA compliance for urgent issues every month

Maintaining over 97% on-time performance for high-priority tickets across such a sustained period is a strong result, particularly given the mix of routine queries, complex issues and time-critical incidents that come through the desk.

Just as importantly, ticket volumes have remained high throughout the year without any significant drop in service quality. That combination of throughput and reliability reflects the experience of the team, clear escalation processes, and a continued focus on resolving issues efficiently rather than simply closing tickets quickly.

Looking ahead

January usually brings a return to higher volumes, along with new projects and system changes. Our priorities going into the new year remain unchanged:

• Keep high-priority responses fast and dependable

• Maintain clear, timely communication

• Use support trends to identify and reduce recurring issues

Thank you to everyone involved for another solid year of support delivery. Keeping things running smoothly, even during the busiest and quietest months alike, is no small achievement.

Congratulations Dan! Distinction achieved in your Team Leader qualification

Telford-based Dan has been working hard over the last 18 months to become a qualified Team Leader.  He had has results last week from the final assessment and found he had achieved a Distinction - the best result possible.  

Dan with a bottle from Start Software to celebrate

It's no surprise to us at all - Dan leads the development team with aplomb - but it's always great to get formal recognition from an independent examiner.  We can't wait to see what Dan sets himself as his next goal.