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ISDN Switch-off – What you need to know

Ever since it was initially introduced in 1986, ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) has provided enhanced telecommunications to millions of businesses across the UK.

Considered a technical marvel at the time of its release, ISDN allowed for both voice and data services to be delivered over digital lines simultaneously. This not only paved the way for the high-speed internet era of the ’90s but also made it possible to incorporate early video-conferencing with traditional analogue phone systems.

With the recent advances in broadband connectivity, however, ISDN is now considered an outdated legacy system. And back in 2015, BT released a statement that it would phase out ISDN, with a view to switching off and permanently deactivating the network in 2025.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about the matter, then you’re not alone. As of right now, just over 2 million UK businesses are using an ISDN connection, with roughly a quarter unaware that the switch-off is even happening (source. TalkTalk).

But don’t worry, here’s everything you need to know.

What is ISDN and why is it being switched off?
In very simple terms, ISDN is a digital line that runs through copper wiring. Unfortunately, the main issue with ISDN is that it relies on physical infrastructure, the copper lines, which are costly to maintain and limited in their capabilities.

Newer connection types, such as FTTP and FTTC, use fibre technology, which is easier to maintain and provides better and quicker connectivity. As a result, copper lines will no longer be used for voice. However, the copper will remain in some circumstances, such as in FTTC — which is fibre to the cabinet and copper to the premises — but just for data purposes.

In either case, fibre technology looks to be the way for the future.

Businesses already using fibre typically benefit from 1,000 times more bandwidth, greater reliability, and up to 10 times faster internet speeds than using traditional lines. Having that faster, more reliable connectivity you get with fibre makes daily operations management a lot more efficient (think accessing your main server, uploading and sharing files and collaborating on the same work document etc.).

However, the most important change from the ISDN switch-off will be the effect it has on your existing telephone system.

Fibre and hosted telephone systems
As we mentioned earlier, copper lines will no longer be used for voice. This means anybody with an ISDN connection may need to update it to enable SIP functionality before the switch-off takes place. This will give businesses the option to move across to a hosted telephone system.

Hosted telephone systems operate via a data network hosted in the cloud instead of a circuit-switched network dedicated purely to telephony (e.g. ISDN) and are used to make calls (amongst other things) over the internet.

Typically referred to as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), making calls over the internet is generally cheaper and offers greater flexibility than traditional phone systems. That’s not to say that on-premises systems aren’t flexible, as they certainly provide a solid foundation for any comprehensive comms strategy, especially when integrated with the right hardware. It ultimately comes down to what system best meets your requirements going forward.

We covered many key benefits of hosted telephony in one of our previous blogs, as well as the differences between fully hosted solutions, hybrid solutions and on-premises solutions. For anybody unsure what those benefits and differences are, you can take a closer look here.

What should I do next?
Despite 2025 seeming a long way off, it’s always better to get a head start on preparations to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. Here at Fidelity Group, we can facilitate that transition for you — ensuring you have the right infrastructure in place to accommodate your communication requirements going forward in the digital age. We deliver unique, tailored solutions that are designed to nature your communications, improve operations and strengthen your business. We then bolster this with 24/7/365 dedicated technical support and customer service.

We can also look at your current setup, operations and activities to equip your business with the best combination of software and hardware, including mobile, to keep teams better connected and customers satisfied.

To discuss how the impending ISDN switch-off may affect your business and how you can take full advantage of hosted telephony, contact our experienced team today.

How unified communications can benefit SMEs

Unified communications — it’s a term thrown around a lot nowadays, frequently cited by key management whenever the conversation turns to strategies for making things ‘better’ and ‘more productive’.

And that’s a fair assessment for managers to make. Unified communications do indeed improve the way daily operations are handled, but it’s also helpful to understand why.

This is an important distinction. Many smaller to medium-sized businesses can sometimes overlook unified communications as a viable strategy — specifically those under the assumption that they’re simply too small to benefit.

However, the reality is actually very different.

Unified communications explained
Put simply; unified communications bring together a company’s various lines of communication, including telephony, email, video conferencing and instant messaging.

Unified communications can also integrate with various company-wide systems, such as collaborative applications for sharing and co-authoring documents and systems for billing, accounting and customer relations management.

Unified communications can be managed on-premises or via software hosted in the cloud as a service, typically referred to as UC as a Service (UCaaS). In either case, a single suite of software allows for seamless unification of all your communication channels.

Okay, now we’ve cleared that up, let’s circle back to where we started. How can unified communications help SMEs?

There are plenty of accumulative benefits, perhaps a little too generalised to simply mention, so we thought we’d break things down:

1. Unifies teams
Maintaining multiple systems for different aspects of the work environment only makes collaboration more difficult.

Even across smaller to medium-sized businesses, it’s important to make sure teams are always synced. Having a unified communications infrastructure keeps everybody aligned regardless of whether they’re on the other side of the office or the other side of the country.

2. Scalability
When lockdown first hit, many companies found their existing systems unable to cope with remote workers suddenly trying to use them simultaneously. This was because these systems were either too limited or not designed for remote access to begin with.

Cloud-based unified communications can quickly scale to accommodate changes inside or outside a business. For growing SMEs, this is particularly useful as it allows businesses to increase operations without worrying about compromising performance.

3. Flexibility
Because all communications are managed via a single platform, users can move effortlessly between devices and operating systems. This provides incredible flexibility and means that employees can switch seamlessly between messaging, live audio, and video. It also prevents users from being denied access to certain work documents or files whenever they don’t have a specific device to hand.

4. Strengthens security
It’s far easier to maintain a single platform’s security than it is to secure multiple applications and user accounts. By reducing the number of log-ins an employee is required to make, you’re also decreasing the likelihood that one of those systems will be compromised due to their using a poor password. On top of that, UCaaS typically come with additional cybersecurity and various encryption protocols specially designed to prevent fraudulent activity and data loss.

5. Improves customer service
Customers expect a seamless experience whether they call, message or email. Unified communications make it easier for businesses to provide an exceptionally high level of consistency regardless of where or how these interactions occur. Bolster this with some of the productivity benefits we’ve already listed, and businesses can better satisfy their customers without drastically increasing resources.

Why choose Fidelity Group as your unified communications provider
Here at Fidelity Group, we understand that communication is the lifeblood of any business or organisation. Whether you are customer-facing, industrial or governmental, it’s important to have the right infrastructure to support those lines of communication at every level.

We deliver unique, tailored solutions that are designed to nature your communications, improve operations and strengthen your business. We then bolster this with 24/7/365 dedicated technical support and customer service. We won’t have you on hold for hours trying to get hold of an agent, you will have a dedicated account manager who is supported by a full technical and engineering department. Our goal is to keep you connected and communicating always. Building relationships that last. Everything is handled under one roof, including energy.

Get in touch with our team today and see how we can implement unified communications across your workplace.

Why telecommunications will determine start-up success in 2021

Between April and July last year, the number of newly registered businesses in the UK jumped from 7,000 to a staggering 18,000 (source. Office for National Statistics). And now, according to the business support organisation Enterprise Nation, it looks as though we’re well on track to exceed those numbers moving into a post-COVID era.

We could delve into the myriad of reasons why — ranging from widespread redundancies to the obvious and pragmatic shifts in the way services are now being consumed. But the real question should be aimed squarely at what it is, precisely, that will determine their success.

Starting a new enterprise is difficult at the best of times. Building something from scratch in the wake of a global pandemic, on the other hand, will be fraught with a very different set of challenges.

Here we outline the key reasons a robust telecommunications strategy is crucial for start-up success in 2021.

Business-grade internet / fibre
With online sales increasing by over 46% (source. Office for National Statistics), it’s not hard to see why so many new businesses will be digital-only or have online as a key component of their business model.

In which case, business-grade internet (otherwise known as fibre) will be imperative for any organisation looking to keep pace with the rapidly changing landscape. Unlike consumer connections, business-grade internet isn’t restricted by data limits. So, if you’re exchanging large files all day long, or you need to handle peak-time traffic from network users, fibre will add serious speed to your operation.

On top of all that, a business-grade internet connection lays a robust foundation for supporting various resources/communications across your entire business infrastructure. This brings us to our next point…

Telephony / mobile
Depending on your internet speeds, there will be different telephony systems you could theoretically implement within your new business — but we’ll come back to those in a moment.

Plenty of customers are still picking up the phone to enquire about services and business information. In fact, a study conducted by Invoca revealed that 75% of customers believe that calling a business is the best way to get a quick response — calling it the “most effective form of customer support”.

With this in mind, it’s pretty clear that new start-ups can’t afford to neglect telephony for fear of cutting out a pretty significant chunk of new enquiries. On the other side of things, a robust telephony system can also strengthen communications across different business areas, unify teams and improve productivity.

Circling back to what we said earlier about there being different kinds of telephony systems available, it really comes down to whether a hosted, on-premises or hybrid solution best fits your needs and infrastructure. If you’re unsure, you can check out a recent article we wrote about the subject that will definitely resonate with new businesses in 2021.

Regardless, a robust telephony system should be at the core of your telecommunications strategy. Other advantages include:

Lower call costs
Multi-media messaging
Group calls / meetings
Hot-desking
Local area number no matter where you are located
Mobile integration

On the subject of mobile, you can even get a landline telephone number for your smartphone. This is particularly ideal for small businesses who are just starting out, who perhaps don’t want the hassle or expense of a landline installation but require a professional front-facing telephone number.

If you’re starting a new venture and thinking of renewing your mobile contract, check out the top business smartphones for 2021 here.

Cloud hosting
We’ve already touched on hosted telephony systems. But the benefits of cloud hosting, on the whole, are even more immense.

The combination of virtual servers and software as a service makes cloud hosting ideal for new small businesses to enhance their resources without taking up too much space or expense. It also gives new companies the flexibility to scale operations appropriately and cost-effectively as the business continues to evolve and grow.

Another huge benefit of cloud hosting is data security. Offsite cloud-based backup services mean that new businesses don’t have to worry about forgetting to backup essential data. It also ensures certain resources that aren’t hosted locally (including telephone systems) remain operational and accessible in the event of a local disruption (flood, fire, local power outage, etc.), and business continuity can resume. These aren’t things new businesses tend to think about, but it’s always good to prepare for any eventuality.

Why choose Fidelity Group if you’re a start-up in 2021
2021 is going to be a trying year for all businesses — not just for start-ups.

With that in mind, new enterprises looking to start strong should be thinking about their telecommunications — which, as we’ve outlined, extends far beyond simple telephone systems.

Here at Fidelity Group, we look at the bigger picture. We deliver unique, tailored solutions that combine to form an overarching strategy designed to enhance your capabilities, improve operations and strengthen your business. We then bolster this with 24/7/365 dedicated technical support and customer service, forging relationships with all our clients to help ensure success on their journey. Everything is handled under one roof, including energy.

Get in touch with the team today and see how we can help your new business thrive now and for the longer term.

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.

Tag: Fidelity Group

ISDN Switch-off – What you need to know

How unified communications can benefit SMEs

Why telecommunications will determine start-up success in 2021

Should COVID change the way businesses think about energy?

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