john.liley@fidelity-group.co.uk, Author at Fidelity Group UK

Ensuring Energy Stability for Your Business

Businesses in the UK must stay vigilant and adaptable, especially when it comes to the energy sector. Recent geopolitical developments have sparked concerns about potential disruptions and their impact on energy pricing. While the likelihood of such events occurring remains small, it is crucial for businesses to proactively assess their energy strategies to maintain stability and mitigate risks. In this article, we will explore the importance of reviewing energy contracts and offer valuable insights for navigating these uncertain times.

Understanding the Current Landscape

Geopolitical tensions, such as the resourcing of Ukraine by the West and potential Russian retaliation, have drawn attention to the potential consequences on energy markets. While we hope for peaceful resolutions, it is prudent to consider the ramifications of such events. Communication and energy interference, coupled with potential energy price fluctuations, could pose challenges for businesses. It is essential to be prepared and evaluate the potential impacts on your organization.

Energy Pricing: Past Trends and Future Outlook

To better understand the potential effects of geopolitical tensions on energy pricing, let’s analyze the recent trends. Energy prices have witnessed a significant decrease of 50% this year, and they are down by 75% from the highs observed in 2022. Many businesses are eagerly seeking further cost-saving opportunities, with hopes of securing an additional 5% reduction. However, it is important to recognize that any major geopolitical event can swiftly change the energy landscape, potentially eroding these savings. Being aware of this possibility can help you make informed decisions.

The Importance of Proactive Energy Contract Reviews

Considering the potential risks and uncertainties, businesses with energy contracts expiring within the next 12 months should prioritize conducting thorough energy contract reviews. A serious evaluation of your current energy requirements is vital to ensure you have the most suitable strategies in place. This evaluation should encompass factors such as pricing structures, contract terms, supplier reliability, and potential exit strategies. By taking a proactive approach, you can safeguard your business from potential disruptions and explore alternative options to enhance energy stability.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Fidelity Group Energy is dedicated to empowering businesses like yours with the expertise and insights needed to navigate the complexities of energy management successfully. By engaging with our knowledgeable advisors, you can unlock valuable cost-saving opportunities, optimize your energy contracts, and develop robust contingency plans. Let us be your trusted partner in protecting your business interests, making informed decisions, and achieving long-term energy efficiency and financial sustainability.

Contact Fidelity Group Energy today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and discover how we can transform your energy management strategy.

Conclusion

Geopolitical tensions may introduce uncertainty into the energy landscape, potentially impacting energy pricing and business operations. While the likelihood of such events occurring remains small, it is crucial for businesses to remain proactive and resilient. Regularly reviewing energy contracts, seeking expert advice, and staying informed about market trends will help you navigate these challenges successfully. By taking these steps, you can ensure energy stability for your business, mitigate risks, and position yourself for a secure future.

Remember, preparation is key. Stay informed, stay proactive, and safeguard the energy interests of your business.

The future remains unclear, but together we can build resilience.

4 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing A Payment Option for Your Business

Payment facilities are essential for businesses across the UK, but have you considered the actual costs involved?

A simple online search reveals numerous advertisements and incentives from different providers, each claiming to be the best choice. However, it’s essential to look beyond the sales pitch and consider the actual expenses associated with merchant services.

Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Setup Fees

When signing up with a new provider, a setup fee is often involved. The amount can vary depending on the supplier and the type of service you require, such as a card machine, online payments, or a virtual terminal. Make sure you are aware of these fees before entering into a contract.

Monthly Fees

Suppliers charge monthly fees in various forms. This could include the rental cost of a card machine or the usage fees for their services. Prices can significantly differ among providers and depend on the specific service you need. Some providers may entice you with no monthly fees, but be cautious. There may be limits on the number of transactions per month, a requirement for a minimum monthly amount, or higher transaction fees to compensate for the lack of a monthly fee.

Transaction Fees

These fees are a percentage of each payment (transaction) processed by your business. It’s crucial to carefully review these fees as they fluctuate monthly based on the volume of transactions you handle. Transaction fees can also vary depending on the payment method, such as Mastercard, Visa, or American Express. A low transaction fee is essential, as some providers offering no monthly costs may have higher transaction fees surpassing a different supplier’s monthly fee.

Additional Costs

Suppliers may have additional costs that you need to be aware of, such as chargeback fees, PCI fees, refund fees, and authorization fees. It’s essential to clarify if there are any additional costs associated with your chosen supplier.

Conclusion

In summary, selecting a merchant services provider involves carefully considering various costs. Take your time to understand and evaluate all the expenses associated with your preferred payment method. Don’t be swayed by the allure of the cheapest offer alone.

At Fidelity Group, we prioritize transparency in our pricing. We can offer the lowest transaction fees through our partnership with multiple acquiring banks.

5 Reasons Why You Need A Dedicated Leased Line For Your Business

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected business world, reliable and high-speed business broadband is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. That’s why more and more businesses in the UK are turning to dedicated leased lines for their connectivity needs.

With their numerous benefits and unrivaled performance, leased lines offer a level of reliability and efficiency that simply cannot be matched by traditional broadband connections

Enjoy a dedicated and uncontended internet connection.

Gone are the days of battling with slow speeds and unreliable connections due to sharing bandwidth with others. A leased line provides you with an exclusive connection, free from contention with other businesses or individuals. This means that you can enjoy uninterrupted access to the internet, even during peak usage hours, ensuring your operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Eliminate dropped connections

With a dedicated leased line, you no longer have to worry about frustrating interruptions or lost productivity caused by unreliable internet connectivity. Your leased line is exclusively dedicated to your business, guaranteeing consistent performance levels 24/7. Whether you’re uploading large files, hosting websites, or conducting video conferences, you can rely on your leased line to provide lightning-fast speeds and a seamless online experience.

Speaking of speed, leased lines offer more than just fast download speeds.

Experience lightning-fast internet speeds, day and night.

They provide your business with synchronous connection, meaning data transfer speeds are equally fast in both directions. This symmetrical bandwidth is crucial for tasks like uploading to the cloud, downloading large data volumes, or utilizing VoIP telephony. Additionally, leased lines come without data usage caps, ensuring you never have to worry about exceeding your data allowance. With a leased line, you have the freedom to unleash the full potential of your business without any limitations.

Benefit from cost-effective and flexible options

Contrary to popular belief, dedicated leased lines have become increasingly cost-effective over the years. While they may involve a higher initial investment than broadband connections, the benefits they offer far outweigh the costs. Leased lines provide you with the flexibility to adjust your bandwidth according to your business’s evolving needs. This means you only pay for what you require, allowing you to optimize costs while ensuring you have the necessary capacity to support your operations. With leased lines, you can future-proof your company, confidently anticipating your bandwidth needs as your business continues to grow.

Enjoy rapid issue resolution with a Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Lastly, the peace of mind that comes with a Service Level Agreement (SLA) is invaluable. A broadband outage can have disastrous consequences for a business, leading to lost revenue, missed opportunities, and frustrated customers. However, with a leased line, you can rest easy knowing that major connectivity issues will be swiftly resolved. The included SLA ensures rapid issue resolution, with the provider’s Network Operations Centre monitoring your connection 24/7. In the event of a line going down, prompt assistance is guaranteed, minimizing downtime and enabling you to get back on track without delay.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right internet connection for your business, the advantages of a dedicated leased line are undeniable. From enjoying a dedicated and uncontended connection to experiencing lightning-fast speeds, unlimited data, and flexible options, a leased line is an investment that can propel your business to new heights. Say goodbye to dropped connections and frustrating limitations, and say hello to a reliable, high-performance internet connection that empowers your business to thrive in today’s digital landscape. Make the switch to a dedicated leased line, and unlock the full potential of your business today with Fidelity Group LTD.

Fidelity Group Nominated for 6 Awards at the Channel Champions Awards UK

We are delighted to announce that Fidelity Group has been nominated for six prestigious awards at this year’s Channel Champions Awards UK!

For over two decades, the Comms National Awards has honoured outstanding organizations, technologies, leaders, and innovations within the communications and information technology sectors.

The Comms National Awards 2023 will continue to set the industry benchmark, with an expanded range of categories recognizing managed service providers, resellers, partners, vendors, carriers, service providers, and distributors.

This year’s event will take place on July 6th at Regent’s Park, bringing together industry professionals from across the country to network, share insights, and celebrate their accomplishments.

Fidelity Group has been nominated in the following categories:

Sales Support Team of the Year
Billing & Finance Team of the Year
Sales & Account Management Team of the Year
Marketing Team of the Year
Technical Support & Engineering Team of the Year
Executive Leadership Team of the Year

These nominations reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions, and unparalleled support to our clients. We are honoured to be recognized among the industry leaders and grateful for the continued support of our partners and clients.

We would like to extend our congratulations to all the other nominees and look forward to celebrating the achievements of our industry peers at the Channel Champions Awards UK. Stay tuned for updates on the event and the results of the awards ceremony.

Thank you for your continued support, and here’s to a successful awards night!

The Evolution of Merchant Payments

Merchant payments in the United Kingdom have witnessed a significant evolution, driven by the need for seamless and convenient transaction experiences. As businesses strive to meet the expectations of their customers, it is crucial to stay abreast of the latest trends, leverage key statistics, and make informed decisions.

In this blog post, we will delve into the evolution of merchant payments in the UK, and present relevant statistics that shed light on the current state of this dynamic industry.

Contactless Payments

The UK has seen a rapid increase in contactless payments, with the value expected to reach £1.6 trillion by 2024, boasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2019 to 2024.

This growth is attributed to the widespread use of tap-and-go payments, enabled by technologies such as NFC and mobile wallets.

E-commerce Payments

The boom in e-commerce has reshaped the UK’s merchant payment landscape. Online retail sales are predicted to surpass £200 billion by 2024, highlighting the importance of secure and efficient digital payment solutions. Secured payment gateways play a crucial role in enabling seamless transactions and fostering customer trust.

Mobile Payments

The UK’s mobile payment market is revolutionizing business operations and customer transactions. With a projected value of £573 billion by 2025, the market’s growth is fuelled by the ubiquity of smartphones and the convenience of mobile payments. In-app payments have also gained traction, accounting for a significant share of total mobile transactions.

Conclusion

The landscape of merchant payments in the UK has undergone a remarkable transformation, keeping pace with technological innovations and shifting consumer preferences. This blog post emphasizes the increasing prominence of contactless payments, the remarkable rise in e-commerce transactions, and the burgeoning popularity of mobile payment solutions within the UK market. As a leader in payment solutions, Fidelity Group provides an all-encompassing range of services that allow businesses to optimize transactions and create unparalleled customer experiences. By concentrating on contactless and mobile payments, robust security protocols, efficient checkout procedures, data-driven intelligence, and exceptional customer assistance, Fidelity Group enables merchants to thrive in this dynamic environment.

The PSTN Switch Off: Embracing the Future of Telephony

The copper wire telephone network has been the backbone of communications since 1876. However, a significant change is on the horizon. In 2025, BT Openreach will switch off the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), requiring everyone to transition from PSTN-based services to alternative solutions.

The Future: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
The primary alternative to PSTN is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a technology that transmits voice calls and data using an internet connection. This switch marks a major step towards the United Kingdom’s mass IP-network migration, with VoIP core networks set to replace all legacy PSTN services in just a few years.

Embracing the Future of Telephony
To stay ahead of the curve, consumers should consider replacing their landlines with VoIP before the PSTN switch-off in 2025. This transition will ensure uninterrupted communication and provide access to the numerous benefits of VoIP technology, such as cost savings, increased flexibility, and advanced features.

Interactive PSTN Stop Sell Map – Priority Exchanges
Openreach is working in parallel to switch off the PSTN network and roll out their fibre broadband network. To expedite this transition, they have identified and published a list of Priority Exchanges throughout the British Isles, focusing their efforts on rolling out Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP).

When FTTP is available to more than 75% of properties within the catchment of an exchange, Openreach will move to Stop Sell with WLR products. This means that businesses and consumers will need to move to an IP service for new orders.

November 2017

BT Openreach announces its intention to switch off the PSTN in 2025.

December 2020 – Salisbury Stop Sell

Customers in Salisbury cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add new features.

October 2021 – 169 Exchanges Stop Sell

Customers across 169 locations cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add new features.

April 2023 Salisbury and Mildenhall End of Life process begins

Customers using the PSTN network in Salisbury and Mildenhall will have reduced service leading to a complete cease of service.

September 2023 – UK Stop Sell

Customers across the whole country cannot purchase new ISDN lines or add features.

December 2025 – UK End of Life

The PSTN network is completely switched off across the UK.

The PSTN switch-off in 2025 marks a significant shift in the world of telephony. By embracing VoIP technology and staying informed about the Priority Exchanges and Stop Sell dates, businesses can ensure a smooth transition and continue to enjoy reliable communication services in the future.

Rising Third-Party Costs: New Report Forecasts Soaring Expenses for UK Businesses

The energy market in the UK is facing a new risk this year – disruptions to supply caused by union and protest movements. With rising prices, these issues are unlikely to be quickly resolved. In addition to this, a new report released by Drax has forecasted that charges related to Renewables Obligation, Balancing Services Use of Systems, and Distribution Use of Systems are poised to hit unprecedented highs. Third-party costs (TPCs) now account for nearly 40% of total energy expenses, leaving companies bracing themselves for an uptick in their bills.

The National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) has projected total expenses for the 2022/23 period to soar to £4.7 billion, up from £3.5 billion the previous year. TPCs, like wholesale energy prices, are sensitive to market conditions and are prone to considerable annual fluctuations. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to adopt energy efficiency measures and explore renewable energy options to reduce their energy costs and maintain their competitiveness in the market.

Despite the challenges, there are some bullish factors in the energy market. Gas flows from Norway are currently above the 5-year average, LNG deliveries are expected to continue as planned, and wind generation in the UK is forecasted to increase. However, there are also bearish factors such as rising wind output and increased gas supply.

It is crucial for businesses to monitor the energy market closely and stay informed about market trends and fluctuations. They should also consider working with energy consultants to develop tailored energy management strategies that address their unique needs and help them navigate the complex energy landscape.

In conclusion, rising third-party costs and supply disruptions are set to have a significant impact on the energy market in the UK. Businesses must take proactive measures to manage their energy costs and remain competitive in the market. By adopting energy efficiency measures and exploring renewable energy options, businesses can reduce their energy bills and secure their energy supply while contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

Meet us at the Channel Live event this March

Fidelity Group, a leading provider of advanced payment solutions, is excited to announce our participation in the highly anticipated Channel Live event in Birmingham on March 29-30. We are thrilled to connect with attendees and discuss the potential business opportunities that our advanced payment solutions offer. Visit us at stand 119 during the event.

At Fidelity Group, innovation and exceptional customer service are at the core of our values. Our payment solutions are designed to simplify payment processes, enhance customer experience, and provide top-notch security. Moreover, our solutions are fully customizable to meet your business needs.

By partnering with Fidelity Group, you can offer your customers innovative payment options that align with their evolving needs and access new revenue streams. Our team of experts will be available to answer any questions and provide additional information about our products and services.

We encourage you to schedule a meeting with us in advance to optimize your time at the event. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting.

We look forward to meeting you at the Channel Live event and exploring how we can work together to achieve our mutual goals.

Advanced alternative for your business connectivity

As many of you may be aware, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is set to be closed down by BT in December 2025. As part of the ongoing effort to transition away from WLR and towards newer, more advanced technologies such as Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), Openreach has recently announced that it will stop the sale of legacy analogue services in 51 additional exchange locations across the UK. This means that Openreach will no longer offer or support the WLR product, which relies on the PSTN.

This “stop sell” will impact new supply, including order journeys such as working line takeovers, migrations, Communications Provider (CP) transfers, and more.

Openreach has undergone trials in Salisbury and Mildenhall to test the process and has also started phasing out the sale of analogue phone lines within exchange areas that have achieved an agreed level of full fibre coverage.

With the PSTN network set to be closed down by the end of December 2025, businesses and individuals must consider upgrading their communication systems now to avoid a last-minute rush and potential price increases.

Fidelity Group guarantees a seamless migration to advanced business connectivity, and we encourage businesses to schedule their switch-over today. Stay informed and stay ahead of the changes to ensure a smooth transition. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about these changes and how they may impact your business.

For Fidelity connectivity solutions click here.

What is the PSTN switch-off?

The PSTN switch-off is a major change for businesses in the UK, as it will impact how they communicate with customers, partners, and employees. The PSTN network has been used for over a century, and many businesses have built their communication systems around it.

With the switch-off of PSTN-based services, businesses will need to make the transition to VoIP to continue to provide reliable communication.

How does this affect me?
As the switch-off date approaches, businesses must start planning their transition to VoIP. This includes identifying what equipment and services will be needed, such as new phones and phone numbers, and ensuring that the new system is tailored to their specific needs.

Businesses also need to consider the cost of the transition, as it may require some initial investment.

The Alternative:

One major benefit of the PSTN switch-off is that it will enable businesses to take advantage of the benefits of VoIP. VoIP is a more flexible and cost-effective solution compared to PSTN, as it allows for call routing, voicemail, and other features to be managed and accessed remotely. Additionally, VoIP provides better call quality, as it is less susceptible to interference and noise.

Conclusion
The PSTN switch-off is an inevitable change that will affect all businesses in the UK who use a fixed line phone service. It presents an opportunity for businesses to modernize their communication systems and take advantage of the benefits of VoIP. Businesses should start planning their transition now to ensure a smooth transition and continue to provide reliable communication to their customers. By working with Fidelity Group, businesses can ensure that their new system is tailored to their specific needs, and that the transition is as cost-effective as possible.

For Fidelity connectivity solutions click here.

Author: [email protected]

Ensuring Energy Stability for Your Business

Understanding the Current Landscape

Energy Pricing: Past Trends and Future Outlook

The Importance of Proactive Energy Contract Reviews

Seeking Professional Guidance

Conclusion

4 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing A Payment Option for Your Business

Setup Fees

Monthly Fees

Transaction Fees

Additional Costs

Conclusion

5 Reasons Why You Need A Dedicated Leased Line For Your Business

Fidelity Group Nominated for 6 Awards at the Channel Champions Awards UK

The Evolution of Merchant Payments

Contactless Payments

E-commerce Payments

Mobile Payments

Conclusion

The PSTN Switch Off: Embracing the Future of Telephony

November 2017

December 2020 – Salisbury Stop Sell

October 2021 – 169 Exchanges Stop Sell

April 2023 Salisbury and Mildenhall End of Life process begins

September 2023 – UK Stop Sell

December 2025 – UK End of Life

Rising Third-Party Costs: New Report Forecasts Soaring Expenses for UK Businesses

Meet us at the Channel Live event this March

Advanced alternative for your business connectivity

What is the PSTN switch-off?

Testimonials

What our customers have to say.

In the Media

Press releases, blogs and videos

Channel Champions 2025

Go live and thrive: Q3 iPECS incentive now live at Fidelity Group!

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