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

Should COVID change the way businesses think about energy?

The start of a new year is generally considered a time for change and self-reflection, setting new goals and strategies inside the business that will prove advantageous over the next twelve months. A significant aspect of this process includes partnering with the right suppliers. Whether it’s your energy broker, utility supplier, or just your office space, you’ll want someone who can deliver the best value for money, quality, reliability and service.

In which case, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that most businesses tend to think about renewing or switching energy brokers at the beginning of the year. Not only does this timeframe typically coincide with the end of existing contract terms, but it also gives businesses one less thing to worry about while focusing on their goals outlined for the year ahead.

However, 2021 is already shaping up to be no ordinary year.

After kicking off proceedings with an unceremonious lockdown, it looks as though businesses across the UK will be forced to endure challenges even greater than last year’s. In fact, companies worldwide will be re-thinking how they operate — not just in lockdown but moving forward for the months and years to come — as they continue to adapt to this global pandemic.

With this in mind, it does raise the question of whether or not businesses should be changing the way they think about energy. And the answer to that question is an unequivocal “Yes!”.

Business energy usage has changed
It’s becoming clear that the stop-and-start nature surrounding current events, coupled with more people having to work from home, has resulted in a dramatic shift in the ways businesses are using energy.

To give you some frame of reference, small to medium-sized businesses typically use anywhere between 5,000 and 50,000 kWh of electricity per year — and anywhere between 5,000 and 65,000 kWh of gas (although figures may be a lot higher for larger organisations).

However, these numbers don’t account for the disruptions and fluctuations businesses have experienced in recent months during the pandemic.

Your typical energy usage will likely change, especially if commercial properties sit idle and teams work out of the office more. On the other hand, maybe your energy usage will actually increase, which would undoubtedly be the case if the pandemic has put unprecedented customer demand on your industry.

In any case, you’re probably going to want to re-evaluate your current energy strategy and seek a solution that best suits these ongoing disruptions and fluctuations. On top of that, it’s expected that 1 in 6 customers will have fallen on to out of contract rates during the lockdown, which can be up to 80% more expensive. This is just another reason why switching suppliers now can be very beneficial.

Switching suppliers is a great way to get cheaper rates, sure. But choosing the right service provider, somebody who can give experienced and impartial advice will also ensure you get the most suitable tariffs for your particular business needs. With so many options available on the market, it’s crucial to find a trusted energy partner to cut through the confusion and bring you the services you need to help cut costs while securing your electricity and gas for years to come.

Why choose Fidelity Group for your energy broker
Here at Fidelity Group, we know that every business is different. We also understand the challenges companies face as current events require them to re-think the way they operate. Not only do we ensure you get the best energy deal for your business when you switch, but we also monitor the market continuously, so you’re always getting the best value. We can even help reduce your energy consumption, where possible, and help your business’ sustainability efforts by minimising its carbon footprint.

Furthermore, we manage the entire process for you — from setup to billing and everything in between — so you don’t have to worry about a single thing. Speak with our advisers today to get a no-obligation assessment on your current energy usage, and see how we can help you get the best deal for your business now and in the longer term.

Want to get started right away?
Getting a free energy quote couldn’t be easier. Simply upload your current energy bill on our website and we’ll take of everything.

What is the best telephony system for remote working?

As Government restrictions continue to tighten, it looks as though businesses everywhere will be required to adopt longer-term remote working conditions for the majority of their staff.

According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, nearly half of all adults in employment were working from home due to last year’s social distancing measures. Now that efforts to maintain distancing throughout the most recent wave have only increased, it’s fair to say those numbers are likely to continue to grow.

In short, 2021 is shaping up to be another challenging year for everyone. Ensuring your business has a robust communication strategy in place for internal teams and customers has never been more important. This is where having the right — make that best — telephony system is going to be most vital.

So, where do you even begin to start?

On-premises, hosted telephony or both?
Whenever we think about remote working, it’s common to think only about using VoIP (Voice-over-Internet Protocol) via a hosted telephony system. After all, a hosted voice system is stored in the cloud, with calls, signalling and features handled off-site.

Not only is VoIP typically cheaper than traditional calls but hosted telephony systems are also incredibly agile, accommodating a myriad of communication and collaboration requirements for teams working remotely. This includes multi-media messaging, file-sharing and the ability for users to set up a personal device to function as their work telephone; receiving and making calls using an existing business telephone number from their mobile.

For internal teams, scattered across multiple locations, this can prove invaluable for making sure day-to-day operations continue as usual. For external-facing teams, such as customer support and sales teams, this can mean all the difference between excellent customer service and the permanent loss of a client due to a communication breakdown.

Sounds like a pretty open and shut case, right? Well, not exactly.

Not everybody has the infrastructure or internet speeds to accommodate this kind of setup. For some organisations, an entirely on-premises system will be their only viable option. These systems are known as on-premises PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and are typically what we think of whenever we think of a traditional analogue or ISDN phone system.

At face value, PBX systems do appear to lack some of the qualities afforded by cloud-based systems. However, they still provide a solid foundation for building a comms strategy that will enable staff to work remotely, especially when integrated with the appropriate hardware. There are some extraordinary handsets and products available to broaden your on-premises system’s capabilities, giving teams greater functionality and flexibility.

If your business still uses traditional analogue and ISDN lines, it may be possible to implement a hybrid solution. Hosted PBX systems (also known as IP-PBX) combine the best elements of an on-premises system with all the benefits and flexibility of a system that’s hosted in the cloud. This means they can handle voice calls, video calls, data, and link up with a wide range of applications essential for teams collaborating both on-site and out of the office. In short, they make unified communications across an entire organisation simple and seamless.

And the answer is…
So, after all, is said and done, what exactly is the best telephony system for working remotely?

The answer to that question will ultimately come down to the depth and breadth of your organisation — as well as the logistics of being able to implement some of the options we’ve outlined in this article. Not all telephony systems are created equally, and not all businesses are completely alike.

Here at Fidelity Group, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to telephony. We see every business as an individual, ensuring our clients receive the best solutions to meet their staff and customers’ needs.

One possible solution is Horizon Collaborate. With a comprehensive range of features, designed to work across a wide range of devices and operating systems with minimal connectivity requirements, including file-share, video and multi-party conferencing, this unified comms platform offers a more complete solution for teams working both on-site and remotely.

2021 is going to bring a myriad of challenges to businesses everywhere. Speak to us today and discover how we can implement the best telephony solution to accommodate your communication needs now and in the longer term.

Battle of the routers

Why should you need to purchase a Business Router for your home?
Your router has an important job to do. This is the piece of hardware that allows your computer to communicate with other computers connected to the internet or another network. Anything you do online requires a reliable router, whether you are scrolling through Facebook, working from home or on a 3-hour video call. The question is: why would you need a business router in your home? Most home routers manage the flow of information between the internet sites and your home in a way which is seamless to most of us. But when you are working from home, have you ever been on a video conference call and it drops regularly, or when you struggle to get good Wi-Fi access because everyone else is using it? Well, this is where the need for a business-grade router really comes into play, along with supporting you with any company information you may need to access, or if you intend to use an office VOIP handset, but want to make sure it’s all very secure and accessible. With a Business grade router, you establish a secure and clean link with your office through a virtual private network (VPN). Which most routers state they have – but standard home routers have what is known as a passthrough VPN. This has basic security checks but isn’t a truly secure, business-grade solution that protects your business data and information or offers you all the benefits of your business VOIP telephony solution including voice and data traffic management.

Business Routers vs. Home Routers
Both business routers and home routers perform the same basic functions. But be aware – they are not the same and do not provide the same service. Home routers are efficient in giving you standard access to the internet, along with basic security features that can help to keep your home network safe from prying eyes. However, a business-grade router goes above and beyond the basic functions of a consumer-grade router. Because business needs are more demanding and security becomes even more of a priority, any type of professional work will benefit from a business router and will support the normal activity and traffic your home requires.

What are the Main Advantages of a Business-Grade Router?
Business routers are more feature-rich than consumer-grade routers. This is due to businesses tending to have different needs than the casual internet user. These routers offer advanced settings for security, device management, traffic flow, VPN access and traffic prioritisation, among other needs. They are designed to be high-performing devices within a larger network, whereas home routers are all-in-one solutions that offer simplicity and basic features. Some of the features of a business router include A stronger VPN (a virtual private network)Business-grade routers can handle more users within a VPN. Companies that request employees to work from home know this feature is normally non-negotiable, and in some cases will supply their own approved business router for full security across their networked teams. Virtual networks (VLANs)This feature is referred to as a guest network on a consumer-grade router, but the functionality is more powerful on a business router. This allows the business to separate network traffic so that specific data sets stay within the network (e.g. all HR or accounting data could be isolated from all other data and voice traffic). Enhanced Unified CommunicationsIn some cases having a business router in your home, improves the Unified Communications services such as secure instant messaging, email, VoIP and video collaboration from the same provider that enables you to take advantage of all the telephony services such as hunt groups, transferring of calls across fixed and mobiles services. Robust security business routers and VPNs allow users to access company systems remotely, which calls for beefed up security. Business routers offer robust security and SSL encryption. Greater LongevityMost consumer routers are made to last only a few years. This is reflected in their shorter warranties. Business routers, however, usually last much longer, have longer warranties and in some cases can be part of a wider business service level agreement, which in some cases reflects a higher purchase cost for the business router.

Are Business Routers More Secure than Consumer Routers?
As a general rule, business routers prioritise security over just about any other feature. That is because you’re not just buying the hardware, but also business-grade software that makes the router work harder. Businesses can use the router to control different types of traffic, keep sensitive data within a specific network in the company, and support secure remote access via VPN – thus ensuring the business traffic over the router gives the best and most effective performance. In addition, business routers require a different way of connecting devices to the network since there are no external ports or WPS buttons. This helps to strengthen the security of the network and eliminate security holes that could exist in some home router networks. What’s the Cost Difference Between a Business Router and a Consumer Router? Because business routers offer more functionality and last longer than a basic consumer router, you can expect to pay a little more for them. Entry-level business router costs begin around the same price point as the most top-of-the-line consumer-grade models. However, consider that the longer life span and more powerful security and remote access features easily make the investment worthwhile for any business. For a little more cost – businesses are getting greater security, a router less likely to fail and overall, the confidence that their data is not unsuspectingly being shared with anyone else.

Bottom Line: Is a Business Router Right for You?
At a time when many businesses have shifted to remote home working, the need for a business router has never been greater. Business-grade routers promote scalability, security, and ongoing access and productivity to allow a business to keep going. It also has greater productivity features where your work telephony handset can be fully integrated with your work VOIP and Unified communications services such as one number, internal calling, group pick-up, and many more services that enable you to be much more efficient whilst working from home. Plus, it means not having to compete with video streaming or gaming consoles for bandwidth when on an important video call. Find out more

Seven benefits of Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office has become a leading platform to drive productivity at home and in the workplace. Whether it’s managing email in Outlook, or building analysis spreadsheets in Excel, Office has made carrying out many computer-based tasks easier for all of us.

Additionaly Microsoft Teams is a collaborative workspace within Office 365 that acts as a central hub for workplace conversations, collaborative teamwork, video chats and document sharing, all designed to aid worker productivity in a unified suite of tools.

Chat
Share your opinion and your personality. Send gifs, stickers, and emojis in a group chat or in one-to-one messages.

Meet
Instantly go from group chat to video conference with the touch of a button. Teams of 2 or 10,000 can meet in one place, no matter how many places they’re in.

Collaborate
Easily find, share, and edit files in real-time using familiar apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel in Teams.

1. Universal Software
Microsoft Office is now compatible with mobile after they recently developed Office Mobile, which offers free-to-use versions of Office applications for mobile devices. Microsoft also runs Office Online, a web-based version of core Office apps, which are included as part of a Microsoft account.
For years, Office has been compatible with Apple’s macOS, a move which at the time was questionable due to the rivalry between Apple and Microsoft, but one that has proven to be a good one for both tech giants.

2. Used by over 60 million commercial customers
In 2016, Microsoft announced there were now 1.2 billion users worldwide, using some kind of Office product or service, and 60 million monthly active Microsoft Office 365 commercial customers. That many people can’t be wrong.

Recent statistics have shown that the percentage of enterprises with at least 100 users increased from 87% to 91%, and usage within enterprises grew over 320%. These statistics show that Microsoft has successfully reinvented Office as a cloud-based programme which can be accessed anywhere, which leads me to…

3. Office 365 offers anytime, anywhere access
Office 365 was developed so Microsoft could embrace cloud technology while still offering their existing services. You can access it from anywhere as long as you have an Office 365 login (for example, the company you work for), then your subscription will allow you to access Microsoft Office applications on Windows, macOS, iOS & Android.

4. Online Support from Microsoft
With an Office subscription, you get help from Microsoft included. They offer invaluable support for any users who are looking to make the most of their programme, which is a vital way to maximise your productivity and usage of the product.

5. Easy to use
Office applications can be used for complicated operations, depending on how you want to use them. But, one of the standout features of Office is that it can be used by people of any age to simplify functions and increase productivity, which is the reason it was developed in the first place.

6. Multipurpose
Keeping track of your accounts or analysing business data? Excel can do that. Writing a letter or news article? Word can do that. Writing a business proposal or presentation? PowerPoint can do that. Microsoft Office is the best suite of applications to achieve your personal or business goals simply due to its ability to adapt to your needs.

7. Security
There has been a lot of news recently regarding the increasing threat of cyberattacks. Attacks are growing in sophistication and scale. Microsoft has taken the responsibility of keeping your data and information safe. All data stored in the cloud is housed in one of Microsoft’s data centres, providing real-time safety scans for messages and documents for cybersecurity threats, making it one of the safest cloud services around.

The fast-growing electric vehicles sector leads to a spike in demand for experts.

OFGEM figures have stated that demand for electric cars is set to rise by 24% within the next five years – meaning 18 million vehicles will be on the road by 2030 – as the nation drives towards its legal obligation of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Department for Transport’s ‘Road to Zero’ has since revealed a £400 million Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund available to prioritise installations. Additionally, the Government has committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles sales by 2030 and hybrids by 2035.

We work alongside handpicked experts to install Electric Vehicle (EV) charging solutions on your premises. With access to Europe’s most extensive and most diverse range of products, you can charge all fully electric and hybrid vehicles – Fidelity has supplied and installed over 150,000 charge points to date. You can also rely on support from one of the industry’s most comprehensive maintenance and warranty programmes.

Customise a wide range of charging points to suit your business requirements, specifications and branding, enabling you to provide the best solution for you, your employees or your customers.

Provide support for the government-backed Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) that gives your business up to £500 per socket to install EV charging points at workplaces.

Benefit from one of the most comprehensive support, maintenance and warranty programmes in the industry.

^{Source: For more information about this press release, contact Hayley Paterson at: [email protected] or 07808 217238.}

Five things you need to know about businesses Energy in the UK

It is not just gas…
40% of the electricity used in the UK is generated from gas, so the high wholesale gas prices have also impacted the cost of electricity contracts.

There is no energy price cap for businesses
The Ofgem price cap only applies to domestic rates, so businesses approaching the end of their tariff or who are out of contract will be paying significantly more for their energy.

Check your contract end dates
If you are out of contract, ends in the next 6 to 18 months or are in a longer-term one, speak to us now so we can advise you on the next steps as there will be different options depending on your end dates.

Do not accept your initial renewal offer
Your renewal offer is unlikely to be the best price available, and 9 times out of 10 cheaper tariffs are available. We can help you compare the market to get the best rate.

Monitor the market
At the moment prices are changing all the time. We can compare the whole market to help you get the best deal now and help move you to a lower cost tariff when prices begin to fall.

By working with a wide range of suppliers we ensure that we have access to the best market pricing available. Prices can vary by 28% between the highest and the lowest quote for each customer. If you only check the price of one supplier, it’s rare that their prices will be the lowest on offer. We take away the pain of trawling the market looking for the best deal.

Some of our energy partners:

Fidelity Group achieves ISO certification

Fidelity Group are proud to have been awarded ISO 9001:2015 certification, an internationally recognised standard that ensures their products and services meet the needs of customers through an effective quality management system.ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized quality management standard developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides a model companies of all types and sizes can use to build an effective quality management system. The standard is based on several quality management principles, including a strong customer focus, involvement of high-level company management, a process approach and ongoing improvement of the process.

Fidelity’s decision to work towards an ISO 9001:2015 accreditation demonstrates their commitment to sustaining the highest level of business practices by improving their products, services, processes and customer service.

Fidelity Groups Quality Director, Ian McNamara says, “Fidelity’s management team firmly believe the benefits of introducing a Quality Management System into the company are wide-ranging and will focus the entire team on providing unrivalled customer service, accomplished by living an ethos of continual improvement and introducing quality objectives for all employees.”

Gaining ISO 9001:2015 reinforces Fidelity’s persistence on creating industry leading solutions and delivering the best customer service, measured against global benchmarks of industry excellence.

McNamara adds; ” We are excited to earn certification to ISO9001:2015 and feel it provides additional assurance to our customers and partners that we are focused on continuous improvement and satisfaction. “This certification is a testament to our desire to always perform at the highest levels of quality and efficiency.”It is essential to deliver innovative, high quality and market-focused solutions and service especially in highly competitive industry. Fidelity is striving towards being in the forefront of positive change that will deliver on customers ever changing needs.

For industry leading telecoms and energy solutions coupled with unrivalled service choose Fidelity For Business.

Author: [email protected]

Should COVID change the way businesses think about energy?

What is the best telephony system for remote working?

Battle of the routers

Seven benefits of Microsoft Office

The fast-growing electric vehicles sector leads to a spike in demand for experts.

Five things you need to know about businesses Energy in the UK

Fidelity Group achieves ISO certification

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