The below article is taken from The Sentinel website at the following link
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/Vodafone-deal-telecoms-specialist/article-3218263-detail/article.html
A TELECOMS firm is expanding after winning the opportunity to sell a new product made by industry giant Vodafone.
Newcastle-based Qualitel, which specialises in business telecoms, has been chosen as one of a handful of suppliers to offer Vodafone One Net Express, which allows sole traders and small firms to combine their landlines and mobiles so they never miss a call.
And Qualitel, which employs around 15 people, has taken on three new salespeople to create a dedicated sales team for One Net.
Marketing manager David Bentley said: “We have recruited three new members of staff to focus specifically on this product, which is a massive step for our company.”
Chief executive Andy Smith, pictured below right, said he is hoping One Net can boost sales at Qualitel, which is projected to turn over just under £3 million this year.
He said: “In simple terms it ensures you never miss a business call, because you are able to merge your landline and mobile calls.
“It can save you up to 20 per cent on your mobile bills and as a business you can appear local even when you’re not.
“For example, if you wanted to advertise in Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe and Manchester, you could advertise three different landline numbers that would all come through to your mobile.”
One Net, which is aimed at sole traders and small firms with up to 10 employees, costs from £25 per month. Depending on the tariff, it includes all mobile, landline and internal calls.
Last year Qualitel was accredited as a Vodafone Gold partner, a seal of approval that means the company can offer preferential rates, exclusive handsets and bespoke contracts to business customers throughout the UK.
It is the only Gold partner in Staffordshire and there are just 70 across the country.
Mr Smith said One Net should complement Qualitel’s existing products.: “We aim to be a one-stop shop for business communications.
“We focus on five core products – mobile phones, fixed line phones, tracking devices, applications such as downloads and digital pens and lone worker applications, which are used by employees such as social workers going out alone to contact a 24-hour call centre if they get in trouble.
Mr Smith said technological advances mean it is an exciting time for the telecoms industry.
He said: “The business is changing so quickly. The biggest change is the number of smartphones being sold – people can download so many applications that allow them to do business more efficiently.
“It’s remarkable really. Gone are the days when people would carry two devices, one for work and one for home.”
Mr Smith said Qualitel’s base in North Staffordshire is an advantage.
He said: “There are lots of resources locally and it’s a fantastic place to work from.
“There’s a massive amount of business right on the doorstep so we’re very much focused on staying here.”
Tags: Business, Business Mobiles, Business Telecomms, Communication, Communications, Mobile Technology, Money-Saving, One Net, One Net Express, qualitel, Technology, Vodafone, Vodafone One Net
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