Start-up aims to shake up telecoms market
THE business telecoms market has a new entrant with the launch of Plymouth-based Agile Comms.
The company is headed up by cofounders Ollie Jackman and James Fisher, who are on a mission to disrupt the market with free-wheeling flexible contracts and greater levels of client support.
Mr Jackman and Mr Fisher have, between them, more than 30 years experience in the business telecoms market, having worked for a leading South West company, with Mr Jackman leading on sales and Mr Fisher on client service. They have secured flexible terms with the leading brands in unified communications, business mobiles and connectivity.
Mr Jackman, director at Agile Comms, said: “The telecoms industry is a bit beige – we want to disrupt it. We felt it is the right time to do something ourselves, and the market is crying out for it.”
He said the industry has typically handcuffed customers into five-year contracts but the time is right for a more flexible approach and Agile will be offering short-term contacts – as short as 30 days to 90 days, hence the company name.
“It means businesses are not controlled by their providers, and shortterm contacts make us more accountable,” said Mr Jackman, explaining Agile will be able to supply everything from hand sets and phone lines to software.
He added: “For a long time, James and I have believed that organisations should be getting a better deal from their communications providers, both in terms of contract flexibility and support.
“In today’s world, with flexible working here to stay, organisations have to be agile to succeed. Getting tied into long-term contracts makes no sense, particularly when working patterns and connectivity are constantly changing. We believe we can increase customer satisfaction, build brand loyalty and increase sales.”
Mr Fisher, also a director at Agile Comms, said: “We’ll be offering an enhanced level of client support which includes training on systems to ensure our clients can get maximum value from their systems.
“With ISDN being phased out and greater access to the 5G network coming soon, our clients will be fully aware of their options for optimum connectivity at all times,” Mr Fisher added.
The Agile directors, who are so ‘agile’ they are hot-desking without an office at present, have already been talking to a diverse range of potential clients.
“On our first day we signed a client, and another on day two,” Mr Jackman said. “So there is an appetite and we are expecting to be busy.”
Those first two businesses were in the Plymouth area, but Mr Jackman said: “There is no reason why we can’t work further afield but the target market is relatively local, just because of where we are.”
He added: “We want to be good employers and grow the business; there is not a big telecoms provider in the city.”
The founders, who launched the business at an event attended by dozens of business people at The Loft on Plymouth’s waterfront, were advised on their new venture by Ben Houston at Mountain Top accountants and are backed by Plymouth marketing agency Fuel, which has invested in a minority stake in the company.
Fuel managing director Martyn King said: “If ever there was a market ripe for disruption, it’s this one. Ollie and James have a clear vision for how they can change it for the better and we are delighted to be with them on what will be an exciting journey.”
‘With flexible working here to stay, organisations have to be agile to succeed’ OLLIE JACKMAN