HotChillee

Cycling club transformed to virtual community to combat lockdown social isolation.

Key deliverables

Migration of users to a Slack collaboration workspace
Implementation of real-time solutions such as G-suite
Streamlining of complex decision making processes
Agile remote working practices to adapt rapidly to Covid-19

Background

In 2019 went through a digital transformation programme led by Rainmaker. HotChillee had been utilising outdated communication tools and working practices which meant they were relying on email and siloed approaches to problem solving and communication with employees, club members and other key stakeholders such as sponsors. 

As a result, the decision making process was too slow, holding back implementation and reducing agility. In addition, club members were feeling disconnected from the club and each other. Rainmaker identified the key issues and assisted HotChillee in migrating their internal and external collaboration to Slack and set the business up on G-suite to enable further real-time collaboration. By October 2019 Rainmaker had implemented these new solutions and also helped HotChillee undergo some significant cultural changes, streamlined their complex decision making and co-created an inspirational vision that set their direction of travel.

Then came COVID-19

During the first quarter of 2020 the world changed. The real extent and impact of the Covid-19 outbreak started to manifest itself with strict travel restrictions and self-distancing policies. HotChillee’s marketplace was severely affected as both UK and international cycling events had to be cancelled. 

Thanks to their new agile working practices and collaboration tools HotChillee’s head office staff were well set up to continue operating remotely with only limited interruption. They were also strongly placed to rapidly communicate with customers and stakeholders about the changing offering of the business and answer any questions in order to protect the brand and ensure customer loyalty. 

Cycling during the pandemic

Like many organisations HotChillee has had to adapt very quickly to the Covid-19 restrictions as group cycling has been suspended in many countries. The club is now utilising Slack, social media and video technology to keep in touch with club and staff members. Cyclists all over the world have had to transition to indoor cycling until further notice so HotChillee have launched virtual rides.

The club is sharing home training tips and setting up other virtual workouts and socials. HotChillee is now not only providing this support to club members, but to a wide range of individuals and corporations striving to maintain physical as well as mental wellbeing during the pandemic and beyond.

“Rainmaker recently ran a short programme to transform our ways of working which meant that not only had we adopted tools like Slack and G- Suite prior to Covid-19, but we are able to use them very effectively to meet our changing needs. Having the ability to keep our cycling club members active and connected has been absolutely invaluable.”

Sven Thiele

CEO, HotChillee