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Microsoft Excel – Escape Excel Hell Webinar

Event date: 23 September @1:00pm-2:00pm
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James Smith, Training Manager, has been a dedicated member of Quiss Technology plc for the past 13 years. As the Training Manager, he has played a pivotal role in supporting clients across a wide range of topics. With extensive expertise in the Microsoft stack, cyber security, and various other technology training areas, James and his Team has consistently delivered high-quality training and support, helping clients enhance their skill set and knowledge.

Who is it for?

Anyone responsible for managing business data, reporting or processes using Excel.

What is the Objective?

To understand the risks of overreliance on spreadsheets, identify where Excel remains appropriate, and learn practical approaches to managing information and processes more effectively using Microsoft 365.

What will it cover?

In this session we will cover:

What is "Excel Hell"?
When spreadsheets become systems rather than tools
Common examples of spreadsheet dependency
How organisations become reliant on business critical spreadsheets

Why Organisations Fall into Excel Hell

The path of least resistance
Gaps in existing business systems
Cultural and operational factors
How successful spreadsheets evolve into business critical processes

The Risks of Staying in Excel Hell

Compliance and audit concerns
Lack of governance and accountability
Single points of failure
Data protection risks
Productivity and efficiency impacts

A Practical Framework for Escaping Excel Hell

Identifying high risk spreadsheets
Using a traffic light approach to classify spreadsheet usage
Determining where Excel remains the right tool
Recognising when alternative solutions should be considered

Moving Beyond Spreadsheets

Creating a single source of truth
Improving collaboration and visibility
Introducing structure and consistency to business data
Reducing manual processes and rekeying of information
Using Microsoft 365 to support modern ways of working

There will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end of the session.

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
Roger Bull - Managing Partner, Burges Salmon
Three things to say about my experience of working with Bristol Law Society. Their central team, council members and general hangers-on are just about the nicest, most generous group of people working in the legal sector today. The numerous events, awards, socials and conferences I’ve had the pleasure to attend over the years have been, without exception, top quality and supremely organised. And, thirdly, they consistently exceed and challenge the boundaries of what lawyers might assume a regional Law Society will restrict activities to – from a hugely successful charitable school meals drive to corporate social responsibility and diversity campaigns to being joint architects and coordinators of the region’s unique Bristol+BathLegalTech group, which it has been my privilege to co-chair for the last five years.
Chris Bull - Principal, Edge International
As one of the leading Insurance brokers for law firms in the UK and with a large presence in Bristol it seemed only natural for us to support the Bristol Law Society. Bristol Law Society is one of the oldest and most vibrant of the Law Societies in England and Wales. We are pleased to be working with them on important matters relating to law firms’ liability insurances and Risk Management. From Sole Practitioner to Top 20 law firms we are sure our two organisations can provide excellent support and assistance for the challenges faced by the legal profession.
Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
Joining BLS in 2013 and becoming President in 2018/19 has created many longstanding friendships and business relationships, whilst also unlocking doors to other opportunities in the City. BLS enabled a perfect balance of professional development and also opportunities to give back to the legal and wider community. I am pleased that my Firm has supported BLS in many capacities since 2013 and continues to do so.
Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS