?Technophobe? launches new app

A North Yorkshire businessman who has never owned a mobile phone has launched a new free app.

Steve Smethurst from Reeth near Richmond runs Reflex Training, which provides management coaching and consultancy for a range of companies.

Despite being a self-confessed ‘technophobe’, Steve has spent the last two years developing iPrompt, an app that provides people management advice.

He launched the app earlier this month and it has already had five-star reviews and been downloaded more than 50 times by customers as far away as the USA.

Working with technical experts from Design 365 in Newton Aycliffe, Steve has used his many years of industry experience to help business owners and managers who may not have the time or money to spend on courses and workshops.

He said: “People can use the app whenever and wherever they choose via their phones or tablets so it’s great when travelling on business, for example. There’s no need to attend an expensive course or lug a huge book around.

“I am myself a technophobe so the idea of an app had never really occurred to me until I got talking to friends who suggested I compile my life experience. It has been quite a challenge!

“It’s a time and money-saving device which is free but if people want to learn more, it will cost them less than the price of a pint to download further advice and techniques.”

The aim of iPrompt is to provide managers with expert advice at their fingertips when they may need it the most. The app, which can be downloaded from iTunes, gives practical advice on key people management issues such as delegation, discipline, performance issues, motivation and behaviours.

It provides a simple six-step plan for achieving a successful outcome in each of 10 popular people-management situations.