We all like the idea of achieving more out of life. Whether it’s more for less money, more quality in our lives, or even achieving more out of our jobs. In a world of tight budgets and increased demand for businesses, telecoms may seem like an afterthought. However, upgrading this vital asset may surprise you. By upgrading your system your business will be able to ‘achieve more’ whether it’s saving you money or incorporating flexible features to assist staff communication. We are here to show you how your business can achieve more from an upgraded solution.
Firstly – Why should I upgrade my system?
That’s a good question – especially as upgrading and changing telecommunications are seen as costly investments. However, by unifying your business’s telephone system, Wi-Fi, and broadband connection, you can decrease your costs.
We often get asked why businesses worry about upgrading when their current system works just fine – so we have provided 5 reasons why your company should consider an upgrade.
Future-proofing your business’s communications
We understand how important communication is to a business. We also know that businesses need a telephone system that can last long into the future and that will offer a good return on your investment whilst providing excellent communication.
That is why we provide a bespoke solution that any size business can benefit from. Your company can instantly take advantage of a solution that fits your requirements, not just now, but long into the future. Therefore, safeguarding your investment long-term. We also offer in-house engineers for installations and a support and maintenance team to resolve any teething issues you may face.
Newer technology
A great way to decrease your business’s telephony costs is to upgrade your telephone system. By upgrading to new technology, you minimise the risk of costly telecom faults. You may also find that with the right lease, your monthly payments will be less which can save your business money in the long run.
You can reap the rewards that are associated with new technology. With integration at the forefront of most modern technology, having a telephone system that is integrated with your business’s network and offers easy-to-use features which can be a great way to streamline workflow within your organisation.
Alongside the ever-approaching ISDN switch off – there is no better time to upgrade to newer technology to avoid communication disturbance. Furthermore, upgrading to newer technology will mean your business will begin to see savings from the very moment you install, as a hosted solution is more cost-effective than your traditional telephone line.
Save money with SIP Trunks and VoIP
As stated above, the ISDN switch-off is approaching and we have set goals to ensure that the switch-off doesn’t leave people in the dark. If they continue their target to switch everyone over to fibre broadband and IP telephony, then the UK’s ISDN network is due to be switched off in 2025.
So, what will replace my ISDN line?
Good question – SIP Trunks, VoIP, and hosted telephony will become the norm for business telecommunication. You can take advantage of SIP Trunks and VoIP to help your business achieve far more out of its communication setup.
Other than the huge feature set these modes present, when upgrading your telephone system, the biggest benefit you will notice is the reduced cost on your monthly bills by eradicating the requirement for multiple costly landlines.
Unifying Communications and mobile apps
A great way to achieve more out of your communications infrastructure is to consider unifying your communications environment with mobile applications. For example, your business probably has Wi-Fi infrastructure, a telephone system, a broadband line, and lines & calls all put together to create your ‘telecoms’.
Why not combine these different assets under one roof to reduce your business’s costs and push your integration to the next level? Integrating these systems can unlock features such as VoIP handsets, mobile handoff, and computer telephone integration.
Services like call routing, self-service, and reporting all help to decrease incoming call response times and help to keep your administration costs down.
A new telecommunication system can also help to improve customer and staff interaction. Customers can receive notifications from your business through SMS or via recorded messages services directly. In this way, you can be sure that they are always well informed of any event, offers, and promotions you are enlisting.
Integration
With one centralised system and smaller IP phones, you can link your external sites to the main one without the need for systems on every premise. With VoIP, you can also benefit from FREE calls between sites!
If you would like any more information about how your business can achieve more from a new telephone setup or a site survey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a no obligations chat on 01256 391 046 or email sales@southern-comms.co.uk.
Could you imagine a world where mobile phones never existed? Mobile phones, more specifically smartphones, have rapidly become a piece of technology that we have become dependent on over the past few years – assisting with everyday tasks whilst keeping us connected with whomever we wish to communicate with.
It would be a strange thought to live in a world without our mobile phones… However, this world was a reality for everyone, and that time wasn’t as long ago as you might think.
Going back to 1973, the first ever mobile phone was released to the world, offering users the capability to communicate using the first of its kind in advanced technology to speak with other users despite their locations.
Furthermore, the first ever smartphone was invented in 1992 and released for purchase to the public in 1994. Smartphones took an advanced step forward in mobile phone technology, now offering communication on the go with the added extras of features and entertainment.
The advancement of the smartphone
What makes a phone, a smartphone? A smartphone is a phone which allows users to do more than make phone calls and send text messages. A smartphone can browse the internet, run software programs and so much more. Smartphones traditionally use a touch screen which allows users to interact with the display – making content more reactive and engaging.
From the beginning, with the launch of the first smartphone in 1994, the technology has developed over the past few years to evolve into the recognizable devices we are all familiar with today. Smartphones have easily become a direct extension of us – most of us ensure that we are always carrying our smartphones everywhere we go. To the point where if we do not have our phones on our person, it tends to feel we are missing a part of ourselves.
From the first ever smartphone, the development in this technology has advanced leaps and bounds. In such a short space of time, the smartphone has gone from your basic phone, with features such as touchscreen, email capability and a handful of built-in apps including a calculator and a sketch pad. Fast forward not that many years, the advancement in more modern smartphones has skyrocketed to become what we all know and use today. Modern smartphones’ features include internet access, camera and image storage, millions of multi-purpose downloadable applications and so many more features which vary from phone to phone.
Finding the right smartphone for you
As stated, most people value their smartphones as if they were an extension of themselves. So, it should be said that you should take care of your phone in a similar way you care for yourself. Your smartphone should be kept charged, clean and updated to ensure it functions at its utmost efficient level of service.
It is also important to find a provider who can supply you with the ideal smartphone for your needs. When you find a trusted provider most of your smartphone worries can slip away, knowing that if you do encounter any issues your provider will be on hand to support your needs.
Traveling with your mobile phone
With the Easter holidays just around the corner, and travel restrictions easing, people are keen to get on the plane and soak up some sunshine. Taking time away from the office when you run a business can be daunting and with most major networks introducing daily roaming charges again, keeping costs low as well as having the flexibility to run your business wherever you are, can be a real advantage.
O2 is keeping inclusive roaming so that our business customers can travel to European destinations and use data, calls and texts as you do in the UK. With our unlimited data packages, not only can you work without limits in the UK, but you can take the office abroad and embrace the ‘hybrid holiday’ without worry. Talk to us today to find out how our e-sims and unlimited mobile data packages have you covered, wherever you are.
*Relax with EU roaming at no extra charge, up to 35GB*
We at Southern Communications are proud to offer fantastic mobile and smartphone deals across a variety of different providers and models. Additionally, you can worry even less with our immediate cover insurance plans which cover you from loss, breakage and even theft.
To avoid any business mobile challenges, make sure you speak with one of our mobile experts to ensure you get the most out of your devices.
Contact us on 01256 391 046 or email sales@southern-comms.co.uk.
*Pricing information correct as at 9th March 2022, please contact us for the latest information*
If you’re reading this article or have been on our social media in the previous weeks you may have noticed a change in the way Southern Communication looks. With the release of our new logo to a complete website facelift – we are thrilled to be evolving and constantly developing as a business!
At Southern Communications we are modernising our digital approach and how we wish to communicate with our customers.
With these changes to the brand, we want to reassure you that nothing will change with our performance and customer service. Our business values remain the same and we still aim to achieve the utmost excellence in our products and services – providing customers with efficient and timely solutions, while retaining the care and support you require.
What to expect to see with the new changes
We were very excited to launch our new website, going in hand with the new logo, the Southern Communications marketing team is being brought to the forefront of the business with exciting new features which customers and non-customers can enjoy!
So, what are they?
Video case studies
As part of our digital development, we seek to bring you more informative modes of content, one being in the form of video case studies with you, the customer. Showcasing our solutions firsthand on-site at your location or offices. We are excited to be meeting with you to develop unique and educational videos which inform other businesses like yours on how our technology can benefit them too.
So, we invite all customers of Southern Communications who wish to gain access to an exciting opportunity where you can exhibit your business to our audience across our social media while discussing how the services we have provided have benefited you and your business.
If you would like to take part in one of our video case studies, feel free to contact us to book a filming date. Contact us on 01256 391 046 or email sales@southern-comms.co.uk.
Social media activity
We know that not all customers are the same so we are always looking to develop the ways in which you can access information from us. With the new look and logo rollout we feel by becoming more active and available to customers across our social media channels will streamline our vision and become more informative and accessible.
We aim to publish unique and educational content to keep you up to date with industry knowledge and our latest news.
You can find us on:
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/southern-communications-ltd/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SouthernCommsUK
Twitter – https://twitter.com/southerncomms
These are just a few of the new and exciting things we are looking forward to bringing you, so keep an eye on our social media channels for all the latest news and information.
Modern technology is designed to play a key role in the forefront of most businesses – whether it assists with communication, marketing, manufacturing, or any other requirement. There is a mode of technology that can benefit you and your business.
Sometimes modern technology can get overlooked when it provides an efficient service – technology such as business telephony. Future-proof business telecommunications should be recognised and can be appreciated by all business types and sizes. No matter what service you provide, what product you supply, businesses will always need some form of communication set up.
What telephone system does my business need?
What is a traditional telephone system? Historically, traditional telephone lines use a local telephone exchange to make calls. Voice circuits are switched in the local telephone exchange creating a connection between the caller and the recipient allowing them to communicate. This is the old-fashioned copper network; you may have seen Openreach engineers working on the cables in green street cabinets.
What is a VoIP telephone? A VoIP telephone or IP phone uses voice over internet protocol technology for placing and transmitting telephone calls over an IP network. To put it simply, a VoIP telephone system is powered by your broadband connection, so calls are transmitted over the internet connection. This is the same as Skype or other internet-based calls and calls made and received in this way are hugely reduced in cost.
The primary use for all telephone systems is to allow people to communicate to and from different locations at any given time, allowing simple communication functionality to businesses.
Hosted telephony or VoIP is known worldwide for its efficient and cost-effective communication setup. Businesses all over are switching from old, outdated technology such as their ISDN systems and replacing it with next-generation technology known as VoIP. VoIP telephony is more than just a telephony system – it allows people to communicate with ease from anywhere at any time simply using only a broadband connection.
VoIP telephony is the future of telecommunications, offering businesses a scalable solution with a feature-heavy interface that will allow users to experience high-quality calls each and every time.
When will the old technology become obsolete?
Users of ISDN technology will soon face challenges if they refuse to switch to an alternative solution before the year 2025. In 2025 the ISDN network will be switched off making the technology outdated and unusable. For businesses who remain using legacy solutions, we advise you to speak with a telecommunications expert to help you avoid any difficulties you may face if you leave the upgrade too late.
To avoid any business technology challenges, make sure you speak with one of our experts to ensure your business runs efficiently.
Contact us on 01256 391 046 or email sales@southern-comms.co.uk.
Chaucer Group gain flexibility in managing their mobile contracts with SCG.
Chaucer Group are a management consultancy company focusing on digital and data transformation who employ over 300 full time employees, scattered around the country, each of which has a business mobile phone.
Chaucer Group’s contract with SCG makes management of the mobiles easy. The contract offers the flexibility needed by this rapidly growing company, to allow them to add new connections, renumber connections after employees’ departure, offer co-terminus contracts and move individual connections between different operators with very little inconvenience.
We chose SCG because they have a dedicated UK based team, who understand how our company operates. We have been with SCG for many years now. It is a relationship based on trust where we get offered the most suitable solution, rather than the most expensive one. We have flexibility on our mobile contact and a dedicated UK based client support team, who respond promptly to all our requests. All of my experiences dealing with the team have always been positive. I am very happy with their service and the dedication of the team to offer us the best customer experience.
Said Daniela Kucerova. IT & Facilities Manager.
Above and Beyond
When we went into the marketplace we needed a single solution for all our 142 mobile users and SCG were able to provide that. From the start their customer service stood out against the competition. We have now worked with them for many years and they have always been very helpful and knowledgeable, going above and beyond to resolve any requests we have had. It’s been a pleasure working with them and hope it continues for many more.
Umesh Albert, Service Desk Manager, Advent International
The Super-deduction tax scheme could give you 25% back on the cost of a new telephone system
The super-deduction tax scheme has come at a great time for businesses looking to upgrade their telephony.
Many businesses are faced with a real need to move away from their existing ISDN based telephone systems, for some driven by Openreach’s plan to replace the whole of the existing digital network by 2025. Other businesses are simply looking to improve efficiencies in the workplace with the flexibility offered by next generation IP, cloud based, solutions.
There is good news for these businesses – from 1st April 2021*, through the super-deduction capital allowance, they could receive 25% of the cost back.
The UK government has announced an enhanced 130% first year super-deduction capital allowance on ‘main pool’ assets and a 50% first year allowance on ‘special rate pool assets’. This applies to qualifying plant and machinery, including computer equipment and servers. The super-deduction will allow companies to cut their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they invest, ensuring the UK capital allowances regime is amongst the world’s most competitive.
The article refers to plant and machinery and in that includes computer equipment and office chairs.
This change makes the UK’s capital allowance regime more internationally competitive, lifting the net present value of our plant and machinery allowances from 30th in the OECD to 1st.
Find out more
Disclaimer
Southern Communications are not tax advisors and we strongly recommend you check details of the super deduction tax benefit with your tax advisor.
*The government initially stated this super deduction will be valid on expenditure incurred between 1st April 2021 and 31st March 2023. Please check for any updates with your tax consultant or on the government website.
Today’s fast-paced workload as an estate agent can be hard to keep up without the help of effective communication tools which is why many estate agents are replacing traditional ISDN services with VoIP solutions.
Communication is key in the business world and for estate agencies dealing with sales and lettings agreements and building relationships with customers, bringing the team together is essential. Field-based staff may struggle to maintain communication with customers meaning calls may be missed, meaning missed business.
Estate agents are constantly under pressure, attending house viewings, replying to emails, dealing with contractors and so much more. As an estate agent you may find yourself at the end of each day wishing there were more hours to help fulfil what feels like a never ending list of tasks.
How can a VoIP solution help?
A VoIP hosted telephone solution can improve efficiency. Cloud based communication tools work across multiple offices and mobile applications, linking staff together through a central platform to give a single experience across branches and on the road. Staff area able to transfer calls, put callers on hold, direct callers to the correct department and use their mobile phone as an extension when they are out of the office.
With a VoIP solution from Southern Communications you get to keep all the telephone features you currently enjoy, such as auto-attendant to implement automated call-routing assisting calls to speak with the correct department e.g. press 1 for sales, 2 for lettings and queueing with the ability to add your own messages to help maximise sales.
Save money with every call
Call costs become a think of the past, with calls included in the cost of the system, making it easy to manage your budget. Priced on a per seat per month there is no capital outlay when you choose a hosted solution from Southern Communications, you simply pay a subscription per user per month. There are no additional maintenance costs, as maintenance and faulty hardware replacement is included.
At Southern Communications we offer fast and reliable broadband for connectivity and an intuitive, feature rich, telephony platform to keep your business connected.
Financial co-operative work smarter with Evonex
About Partners Credit Union Ltd
Partners Credit Union is based in the centre of Liverpool and is a member owned, financial co-operative supporting over 8000 members.
When the COVID pandemic hit in 2020 it became essential for the staff, who had always been 100% office based, to work from home. This was not something their existing system was able to facilitate and the restrictions soon became clear, with the only solution to have all calls were diverted to a single number with no option to transfer to colleagues.
Partners Credit Union started to look for a better solution and after reviewing several systems it was unanimous, across all staff, that Evonex from SCG was just what they were looking for.
There were two considerations, not just how the system worked but also how easy it would be to install a new system and train employees, who were now all working from home.
The whole journey has been fantastic. From the very first contact we felt both listened to by the consultant and confident that all our requirements were being taken into account. Installation was very straightforward, working with our IT team, the software was rapidly rolled out to our home workers, followed by an excellent Virtual Training session. The new features have improved efficiency and morale.
Stuart Lloyd, Head of Finance at, Partners Credit Union
The SCG Solution
Staff were delighted with how easy it was to use Evonex, it quickly become second nature and offered all the benefits of their on-premise system and more. The intuitive desktop software makes it really easy to make, take and transfer calls and call recording protects the integrity of both staff and customers. At the click of the mouse, staff are able to collect voicemails, they can chat online and see which colleagues are available or on a call, improving efficiency all round.
The customer service team have access to queues and hunt group information, directly from the toolbar, with visibility of who is on DND or ready to take calls. This means queues and hunt groups can easily be managed to ensure the highest level of service is delivered and agents breaks can easily be staggered rather than pre-scheduled.
The softphone has changed the way staff operate and whilst there will be handsets in the office the improved efficiency of the softphone is so well embedded into the way the staff work it is expected they will not want to give this up.
Installation
Working with Partners Credit Union IT teams Southern Communications were able to easily roll out the desktop clients to all staff, via remote connections, enabling them to access the telephone system through their home broadband.