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Kelly Green

How to choose the best supplier for your business-critical services

13th June 2021 by Kelly Green

Choosing the right supplier is often tricky and can depend on many factors; budget, specific user requirements, or recommendations, to name but a few. But when choosing a provider of business-critical services, such as telecommunications, this decision is even more significant.

Whether it be internet connectivity or a telephony solution, we are all so heavily reliant on telecommunications these days that savvy business leaders are now prioritising the value of the after-sales service over and above the more common decision-making factors, such as initial price.

Think partner, not provider

It is crucial that any organisation providing a business-critical service understands their customers and their businesses and what those customer’s business goals are, as this is what enables the best recommendations.

And from the client’s perspective, they should feel confident that their needs are understood correctly and that their best interests are being served by any solutions recommended and then supported throughout installation and beyond. This confidence comes when good quality, two-way relationships are nurtured and invested in by all parties, also known as partnerships.

Making the right choice

When researching new suppliers, business leaders need to think past the initial investment required to secure a new telephony solution or upgrade an internet connection.

The actual cost goes beyond any hardware that needs to be purchased, licences bought, or services provided. Business leaders should think about the level of support required throughout the lifecycle of any supplier relationship and the longer-term cost of such services.

Questions to ask include:

  • What happens when you need additional support?
  • Who do you talk to when your business priorities change?
  • Why are the recommended products or services best for your business?
  • How much will it cost your business if you can’t answer the telephone or the internet goes down?

Businesses shouldn’t undervalue the in-life service any supplier provides.

Work with likeminded businesses

Partnerships are two-way, collaborations that triumph over the somewhat one-directional relationships many service providers tend to adopt, and it is crucial to consider potential business partnerships carefully. Think about them in the same way you would relationships in your personal life or perhaps in comparison to the investment in recruiting new team members to ensure a good fit.

The same consideration should apply to the suppliers that you choose. Ultimately, the people within these service provider organisations are the people with whom you will work. So, it makes business sense to get it the right first time and choose like-minded businesses with whom to partner.

Images Credit: All Things Business (2020)

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Filed Under: How We Help, Services

How businesses can embrace the future digital world with flexibility

1st March 2021 by Kelly Green

Last year was all about survival, and some businesses were more prepared than others. Those who had already taken steps towards digital transformation could accommodate the abrupt changes we all made to the way we live and work with greater ease, and this paid dividends.

This year, whilst there is still some uncertainty about what lies ahead, we can be sure of the necessity to embrace the digital world and be flexible if we want our businesses to grow and thrive.

Looking to the future

Organisations who adopt a forward-thinking approach will be looking to implement more efficient ways to work, such as maximising the use of cloud-based applications and switching to IP telephony solutions. Any business using such technologies over copper-based connectivity services such as ADSL or FTTC broadband is likely to experience frustrating productivity limitations.

Full-fibre connectivity is ultra-fast and resilient, which is needed to underpin these advanced digital solutions to ultimately future-proof businesses through 2021 and beyond.

When 'fibre' isn't fibre

Somewhat confusingly, internet connections can often be described as 'fibre' even when the fibre cable connects only part of the network. An FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) connection, for example, utilises fibre from the exchange to the street cabinet but then a slower copper cable from the cabinet to the final destination. Full-fibre, however, is just that; a fibre optic connection the entire route, from the exchange to a business premise.

fibre explained

Driving positive change

Here at Boxx, we're working in partnership with CityFibre, to change the perception that full-fibre internet connectivity is prohibitively expensive and, therefore, out of reach for SME's.

Boxx is proud to be one of a select number of City Champions that CityFibre has chosen to recognise our evident passion and commitment to helping our local business community thrive by unlocking their digital potential.

City Champion

Game-changing internet connectivity

The latest, exclusive CityFibre innovation proves it is possible to deliver a full-fibre connection that balances exceptionally high speed whilst retaining critical reliability without requiring a large financial investment.

With a symmetrical speed guaranteed at 200Mbps, which can also satisfy bandwidth surges up to 1Gbps, CityFibre's Ethernet Flex offering is more than cost-effective. The term 'symmetrical speed' means that collaboration tools such as Zoom or Teams work better, as do cloud-based services like Microsoft 365. The solution works by taking advantage of sensibly defined networking to give businesses the bandwidth they need, as and when they need it, without prior request, providing companies with all the flexibility they need.

Bridging the gap for smaller businesses

No longer will just larger organisations or those with bigger budgets reap the benefits of full-fibre connectivity here in Milton Keynes. Through the revolutionary CityFibre network, Boxx is enabling businesses to improve their productivity and fuel growth.

Dean Burgin, Co-Owner of Boxx quotes:

The last year has been a challenge for everyone, but the potential for businesses to flourish here in Milton Keynes is huge. Thanks to CityFibre's full-fibre offering and the Ethernet Flex solution, organisations of any size can access the connectivity they need to take full advantage of modern digital services. As a CityFibre City Champion, we are ready and eager to support our local community, building strong, sustainable businesses here in MK.

To learn more about the game-changing, full-fibre connectivity available here in Milton Keynes, visit our dedicated Gigabit MK page.

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Filed Under: Connectivity, How We Help, Services

Accelerated move to a ‘Distributed Workforce’

1st February 2021 by Kelly Green

The unexpected events of 2020 turned into a transformational learning experience for us here at Boxx, which helped us accelerate our strategic plans faster and look to a remote-first future with real confidence.

Progressive approach

We had already been moving towards operating as a distributed workforce. We had the technology in place, so technically we were capable, but we weren't quite there culturally. We were happy with the team working from home on occasion and coming into the office 3-4 days a week, but ultimately, we felt compelled by the concept of distributing the workforce, and we aimed to be there by 2023.

At the beginning of last year, we were operating from a very nice suite of offices at Witan Studios in central Milton Keynes, and our team liked working there. It was easy to reach and a convenient place in which to host customer and partner meetings.

witan office

Then the Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent first lockdown came along, and that forced us all into working from home.

Making the change

We found it relatively easy to make the switch and indeed, as the months passed and with working from home encouraged throughout, we found that remote working really did work for us, our team and our customers.

Our staff had more flexibility and did not have to travel to the office every day. At the same time, they were still available and accessible. Our productivity was excellent, and we maintained our high standards of customer service throughout.

Moving forward

As a consequence, we decided to bring forward our plans to switch to more flexible working. Conveniently, our lease at Witan Studios was due to expire in November [2020], and we were intrigued by the new Spaces business centre, just a few minutes down the road. It has similar characteristics to our previous office, in that it is central, easy to reach and brilliantly designed for co-operative, collaborative working. But crucially, it gave us the ability to take that remote-first approach.

We have a small private office, a central point where our teams can meet and work, together or individually and if we need additional desks at any time, or to make use of a meeting room, Spaces can arrange that quickly.

Our people can choose where they want to work on different days – and they don't always have to plan that in advance. They can be more flexible, which allows them to juggle their responsibilities and commitments, while also being readily available and accessible when working—meeting the needs of both the business and our staff.

flexible working

Working together

There are many benefits to working in this more dynamic and distributed way. Wherever our team are working from, our staff can collaborate in virtual spaces, using tools such as Microsoft Teams – and that's what they do most of the time. It is much easier to bring together a group of individuals for an online meeting than to arrange a physical gathering.

But we also have a great central location and an excellent working environment that gives our people to a sense of unity and belonging – of being part of a strong team.

Unexpected benefits

We've also benefited unexpectedly by moving to the new office. Other businesses are operating from Spaces, and we've already found that we've been able to help them, and they have been able to help us. The move has thus expanded the pool of local talent on which we can draw.

unexpected benefits

Bolder and braver

Our accelerated move to a more distributed workforce has broken down the walls between us, our customers, and our partners. In this sense, the whole pandemic has been transformational. We were moving in this direction already, but the unexpected events of 2020 pushed us forward and made us bolder and braver. As a result, we've been able to advance much faster and with real certainty and confidence.

A good learning experience

It's been a perfect learning experience for the whole Boxx team. As communications and collaboration technologies make home and remote working more comfortable and more viable, we're ready and better-equipped than ever to help our customers to adopt more flexible working practices and transform their businesses in 2021.

Images Credit: All Things Business (2020)

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Filed Under: Cloud & IT, Hosted VoIP, How We Help, Office News, Services, Voice

New Membership: Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

7th January 2021 by Kelly Green

Here at Boxx, we're starting off this new year with a brand new membership to the locally well-renowned Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce.

As one of the fastest growing chambers in the UK alongside sister Northamptonshire Chamber, Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is the 7th largest chamber nationally and has won numerous awards. Not bad considering they've only been going since 2013!

Our reasons for joining the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce this year are plentiful…

Stronger Together

In parallel with other chambers across the country, Chamber MK have successfully transitioned their networking meetings to be delivered virtually, so even with this long road of COVID restrictions ahead of us, until potentially Spring or beyond, the opportunity to meet with like-minded local businesses, whom we can learn from and share experiences with is going to be crucial. Whilst we are not all in the same boat, we are all riding the same storm and the term ‘stronger together’ is a sentiment we feel passionate about, as we all try to navigate these tricky COVID waters that are impacting businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Knowledge is Power

Similarly, the schedule of events and opportunities to learn via the chamber are abundant, despite the tight restrictions currently imposed. We can’t wait for our team to take advantage of these as well as put together a presentation of our own to share with fellow members. We strongly believe that there is something to be learnt from every person met, business engaged with or situation experienced and equally we are happy to help others learn from our expertise in order to grow.

Spread the Word

Never have we spent so much time online… With permanently full inboxes it can be tricky to keep up with the news and views of the masses. We consider having an eco-system of good quality, trusted resources of far greater benefit than a vast quantity of relatively unknown connections. The Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce brings likeminded businesses together… Their business directory will now be one of our go-to places and following their news feed and social platforms we know will bring quality content to our attention.

Support

The UK is at a pivotal moment and with the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce being party of the wider British Chambers of Commerce, who are leading the recovery of businesses from the impact of COVID, members have access to a plethora of advice and support. The UK economy needs to recover, businesses need to bounce back and build resilience and the support offered will aid us all in doing this throughout 2021 and beyond.

With all that said and whilst conscious of the hard work ahead, Team Boxx are raring to go this year and excited to meet our fellow new members and make 2021 a year to remember for more positive reasons!

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Filed Under: Office News

Team Boxx up for 3 Awards this December

7th December 2020 by Kelly Green

The Comms Dealer Sales and Marketing Awards 2020 give ICT channel businesses a unique opportunity to acknowledge the skill, determination and success of their sales and marketing teams.

Specifically aimed at teams rather than individuals, this year the judges have recognised the hard work and determination shown by our small but might team as Boxx are finalists in 3 of the small to medium business categories:

  • Sales Team of the Year
  • Marketing Team of the Year
  • Sales Support Team of the Year

Comms Dealer Sales & Marketing Awards Categories

It’s been a challenging year all-round but these awards are a reflection of achievements up until March 2020, just before COVID hit. Achievements that specifically stood out for us here at Boxx during this period include:

Firstly, our work with Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH). At the end of 2019, we deployed a record-breaking 5Gbps connectivity solution to the acute local hospital, followed up with a further two 5Gbps diverse carrier connections in March 2020, just at the beginning of the first UK lockdown. This total 15Gbps bandwidth has enabled MKUH to not only operate more effectively throughout the pandemic and improve patient care, but also to continue with their digital transformation plans, despite the global crisis.

Secondly, the management team here at Boxx have completely transformed their sales and marketing strategy over the last 2 years. We sought to reposition ourselves from serving just the smaller end of the SME market, towards mid-market businesses and enterprise organisations. This work has led us to become strategic business partners for companies such as Headlam Group – Europe’s leading distributor of floor coverings.

And finally, none of this would be possible without the combined efforts of our specialist Service Delivery Team who have worked tirelessly this year to support one another and build a culture where everyone is empowered to ‘think outside the Boxx’, enabling our service to stand out from the crowd.

These awards, like many events, were due to take place in the summer, only to be postponed in the hope of being able to take place in December. Obviously COVID-19 had other plans and in light of the current restrictions, the event will take place virtually and streamed on 10th December.

Comms Dealer Sales & Marketing Awards Hamper

So Team Boxx will be watching live from the comfort of their own homes, enjoying the gift hamper of goodies and celebrating the successes across an industry which has this year, proved more critical to business than ever before.

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Supporting MacIntyre’s Christmas Big Give

30th November 2020 by Kelly Green

This year Boxx Communications are supporting the charity MacIntyre with their The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2020 in an aim to provide technology to those the charity supports.

MacIntyre is an award-winning national charity which provides education, care and support for more than 1,200 children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and/or autism across England and Wales.

The use of technology has accelerated enormously during 2020 due to the pandemic and has proved a lifeline for many people. It’s easy to take for granted not just accessibility to technology in today’s modern world, but also that for some, the ability to understand how to use devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers doesn’t always come easy.

The Big Give is designed to bridge that gap by providing access to digital devices and helping to develop the digital skills required to keep in touch with loved ones, which has proved even more crucial this year than ever before.

MacIntyre Christmas Big Give

The campaign launched in July with the charity looking for 10 pledges of support to reach their goal of raising £1000.

Boxx, recognising the value in the project were happy to get involved alongside the following incredible pledgers:

  • Andrew Miller
  • Matt Worthington - Storm Videos
  • Pete Davis - Flex Display
  • Rosemary Hart
  • Leander McFadden
  • Niraj Kapur - Everybody Works in Sales
  • Ruth Bright
  • Andy Setterfield - Profile Resourcing
  • Chloe and Graham Varney

The next part of the project will take place between 1-8 December when the charity will be looking to secure further donations – all of which will be doubled by The Big Give!

The charity are also holding a Virtual Christmas Fair, organising a Virtual Christmas Concert, and hosting a Gameathon, so there are plenty of ways to get involved and show support.

Technology has proved it has the ability to make a real difference to the way people live this year and it’s use will continue to accelerate even after the restrictions of the pandemic have subsided. Boxx are passionate about using technology to make positive improvements to the way we all live and work and are proud to be supporting this project.

James Green – Co-Owner, Boxx spoke of the donation:

We’re thrilled to be supporting MacIntyre with their Big Give Campaign. Providing technology to those they support helps to develop digital skills and this has become a lifeline during times of COVID restrictions. These skills are more important now than ever before and we congratulate the charity for recognising this and taking such a proactive approach.

To find out more about The Big Give Christmas Challenge, or to make a donation, visit the website here.

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