2 Circles Communications has been around since 1999 and has been working with Christian Supply Chain since 2015. We caught up with Ali Marshall, Senior Communications Consultant recently.
CSCBG - How can 2 Circles help CSCBG Members?
Ali - Our main help to members is in providing internet and telephony solutions through our relationships with all the UK’s major network providers. With these we have wholesale agreements where we can source the best connectivity and services for their local area, this could even be a mix and match approach across providers. However, members would only have a single bill and a single point of contact, namely our team. Likewise, for any issues members face with their services, we are the point of contact and we take up their issue with the providers on their behalf.
We aim not only to save members money on their services but also time on admin, billing and support. On telephony, for example, users can set email alerts for calls over a certain cost.
By the way, the average saving for our customers is 37% on a like-for-like service basis.
CSCBG - How are you working with our members?
Ali – In the last year we’ve had the privilege of helping a number of buying group members make significant savings.
We were able to save Teen Ranch 30% on their telephony and broadband costs which works out at a £1200 saving per year. That’s pretty special for me as I used to go there for activities as a kid.
With the Evangelical Movement of Wales, we were able to install a private fibre internet connection and consolidate seven of their sites with broadband and telephone services.
We also worked with Stanton House, transferring their phone and broadband services and with Peterborough Diocese supplying their teachers with mobile phones.
It’s also encouraging when members such as Rock UK renew services such as their mobile contract with us.
CSCBG – What’s coming next?
Ali – We’re seeing the need for conference and retreat centres to have high-speed connectivity for their guests, these days it’s a must. There is a fear through that this is going to be expensive, but what we’re seeing is the costs come down year on year.
There’s also currently Government funding available under the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. Up to £2500 is available for businesses for a dedicated fibre internet connection to your premises. This funding won’t be around for ever though, so I’d encourage members to get in contact so we progress this on their behalf.
https://www.cscbg.org.uk/page/2-circles-communications/