Bristol, 28th October 2025 - Route 101, a leading technology systems integrator and cloud contact centre specialist, has successfully deployed Zendesk Suite Enterprise and SweetHawk SuperSuite with South Western Railway (SWR). The implementation has already transformed customer communications, providing a consistent experience across all channels as demand grows. The full story is now available in a brand-new case study, which can be accessed here.
SWR operates over 1,500 services daily and employs more than 5,000 staff. Its Customer Contact Department provides support 363 days a year across multiple channels, including phone, email, and social media, with some services available 24/7. The team handles general enquiries, passenger assistance, refund requests, service feedback, and complaints.
Before working with Route 101, SWR used a customer relationship management (CRM) system which had been in place for over a decade. However, with growing customer demand, SWR needed a more modern solution. The team wanted to improve efficiency, simplify case management, and create a customisable reporting suite.
Following a full assessment of SWR’s needs, Route 101 recommended and implemented Zendesk Suite Enterprise and SweetHawk SuperSuite solutions to handle large-scale interactions, support multiple contact channels, and offer robust self-service options.
Key deliverables included:
- A new custom Help Centre enabling customers to easily find answers to common questions and resolve issues independently
- A modern ticketing platform to strengthen customer service across all channels
- A custom application to manage and automate the refund process, including voucher printing
“We’re delighted to be working on such a transformational project with SWR,” said Russell Attwood, CEO and Founder of Route 101. “We’ve been able to leverage our technical expertise and strong customer support to deliver them a solution that’s truly tailored to their needs, making a real difference to their business.”
The new solution already had a significant impact, including:
- Elimination of 300-500 manual triaging activities daily through web form functionality and ticket routing
- A more efficient refund experience with less steps for agents and reduced delays for customers
- The merging of separate contact channels into a single solution, enabling SWR to offer a more joined-up service
- Improved insights into customer behaviour, which can be shared with the wider business
"Route 101 have worked closely with us in the replacement of our very old CRM system,” said Pete Ansty, Customer Contact Business Technical & Performance Manager at SWR. “We are already seeing the benefits of the new solution in terms of positive customer feedback and seeing improvements in agent productivity."
About Route 101
Route 101 is an award-winning technology systems integrator, delivering market-leading cloud contact centre and customer engagement software and solutions. Its products and services help clients to transform their customer engagement, support, empower their workforce, and boost their business operations. A supplier to global organisations, and some of the IK’s biggest brands, Route 101 specialises in the implementation and support of true cloud transformation solutions, having built strong relationships with leading technology vendors.
The Route 101 team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional standards of support to its customers. The quality of the solutions offered, the strength of partner and customer relationships, and the emphasis on quality service means Route 101 continues to act as a disruptor within the contact centre and CX technology space.
About South Western Railway
South Western Railway (SWR) provides commuter, regional, and long-distance services across South West London, southern England, and the Isle of Wight’s Island Line, as well as connecting passengers to local ports and airports. In addition to serving commuters and business travellers, SWR also transports leisure passengers to popular tourist attractions, heritage sites, and major sporting and social events along its route each year.
About Zendesk
Zendesk powers exceptional service for every person on the planet. As a leader in AI-powered service, we offer the Zendesk Resolution Platform, designed to redefine customer experience with advanced tools that integrate AI Agents, a comprehensive knowledge graph, actions and integrations, governance and control, measurement and insights, and human expertise. The purpose-built platform enhances service by combining automation and human insight for seamless interactions. Easy to use, easy to scale, and easy to get value from, Zendesk helps companies strengthen relationships, improve efficiency, and grow.
