The Problem

Like many small to medium-sized businesses, Thames Loose Leaf are justifiably proud of their tradition and history. But a historical exchange-based phone system was one tradition it was time to say goodbye to.

Recently, they were finding that:

• It was difficult to maintain their telecoms equipment
• Spare parts were hard to source
• Their phone system was simply not flexible enough to meet their needs
• Remote workers could not be included in their phone network
• Renting traditional lines was expensive

They knew that there must be ‘something better’ – but what?

The Process

The process starts with a conversation. It starts with asking the right questions; with understanding the business. Multiple sites, remote workers, ambitions for growth, customer focus: all these aspects need to be considered.

In the case of Thames Loose Leaf, the problems were relatively clear. They knew that they needed a better solution that would allow remote workers to be part of the system. But the wonderful surprise was finding out how much money they stood to save.

“SITOC and their engineers were first class. The level of preparation they put in meant that any disruption was kept to the bare minimum. But the best thing, now, is that we are already saving money on our telecoms, compared to our previous set-up.” – Gary Short, Finance Director

The solution

SITOC recommended, and set up, the latest hosted phone technology:

• Cloud-based voice over internet protocol (VOIP) technology
• Using the existing internet connection
• Minimal on-site equipment
• Anywhere with an internet connection becomes your office

The new system includes all the benefits that you would expect from today’s latest technology:

• Crystal-clear communication with high-definition audio
• Flexibility to instantly add, or remove, numbers with any area code
• One number that works on any device
• The ability to be in the office, wherever you are
• Better customer service – no more missed calls

SITOC decommissioned the existing phone lines, freeing up valuable office space. Thames Loose Leaf no longer have to maintain legacy equipment. They no longer need to pay line-rental. They can also take advantage of vastly reduced calling charges, and packages that include free minutes to land lines and mobile numbers.

The impact

It can feel rare for technology to deliver on ambitious promises to instantly save you time AND money, while also transforming the way you work. Hosted phones can do just that.

Thames Loose Leaf are finding that they are achieving all that they had hoped from their new solution. They are not only saving significantly on their telecoms bills, but also, they can work smarter. Remote workers can use their work phone line – one number wherever they are. And fewer calls are getting missed.

Gary Short concluded by saying, “I would recommend all businesses to consider a cloud-based phone system today – and I would whole-heartedly recommend SITOC as the company to help you switch.”