Outdated Phone Systems: The Hidden Barrier to Business Growth

Outdated phone system Hidden barrier

A phone system should be a powerful tool that supports your business, not a relic of the past that hinders it. Yet, many businesses still rely on outdated systems that lack modern features critical for today’s fast-paced world. Without capabilities like call recording, AI transcription, or WhatsApp integration, you risk falling behind your competitors.

Why Modern Phone Systems Matter

Communication is at the heart of every business. Whether it’s engaging with customers, collaborating with your team, or analysing call data, the right tools can make all the difference. Modern features such as CRM integration or SMS texting aren’t just bells and whistles—they’re essential for driving productivity, improving customer service, and staying competitive.

Imagine this: A client calls in, but your team can’t review past interactions because your phone system doesn’t link with your CRM. Or a missed call leads to a missed opportunity because your system doesn’t support WhatsApp or web chat. These inefficiencies add up over time.

Transform Your Business with Bluebox Integration

We specialise in modernising telecom systems to meet today’s business needs. Our solutions include:

  • Call Recording and Reporting: Stay compliant, improve training, and gain valuable insights into customer interactions.
  • API Integrations: Seamlessly connect your phone system to tools like CRMs for better workflow and customer management.
  • Multi-Channel Support: Engage customers through SMS, WhatsApp, or web chat, meeting them where they prefer to communicate.
  • AI-Driven Tools: Features like AI transcription can streamline processes and enhance productivity.

Upgrading doesn’t have to be a hassle. With our expert guidance and flexible contracts, we ensure a smooth transition, helping your business achieve greater efficiency and success.

Take the first step to transforming your business and book a phone system audit with us today.

Are Rising Telecom Costs Draining Your Business Resources?

Are rising telecom costs draining your business resource

Has your telecom bill been creeping upward without adding any tangible benefits? If so, you’re not alone. In the past two years, many businesses have experienced increases of 15%-25% in telecom costs, often with no noticeable improvement in service quality. This silent strain on budgets can prevent businesses from investing in other areas that drive growth.

The issue doesn’t stop there. Many businesses are also paying for services they no longer use—or never needed in the first place. From unused phone lines to outdated features, these hidden costs can add up quickly. If you’re unsure whether you’re getting value for your money, it’s time to reassess your telecom setup.

Where Are You Losing Money?

  • Service Bundles: Are you paying for features you don’t use or need?
  • Legacy Systems: Outdated systems often come with higher maintenance costs.
  • Inflexible Contracts: Locked into a deal that doesn’t reflect your business’s current needs?

The Bluebox Integration Approach

At Bluebox Integration, we believe in transparency and tailored solutions. Our team offers a comprehensive review of your telecom expenses, identifying where costs can be reduced without sacrificing quality. Here’s what we bring to the table:

  • Cost Analysis: Our experts dig into your bills to uncover unnecessary expenses.
  • Custom Solutions: We tailor your telecom services, so you only pay for what you use.
  • Flexibility: Our 30-day contracts allow you to scale up or down as needed.

Why settle for “same service, higher price” when you can achieve better for less? At Bluebox Integration, we help businesses save money, improve service, and make the most of their telecom systems. Book a phone system audit today and let’s uncover the potential in your budget.

Why Your Telecom Provider’s Response Time is Costing You More Than You Think

Telecom Providers Response Time is Costing You More Than You Think

When your business relies on uninterrupted communication, downtime is more than an inconvenience—it’s a financial and operational risk. Yet, many businesses endure frustratingly long response times from their telecom providers. Some issues take 2-3 days to resolve when they should only require a few hours. What does that delay cost your business? Lost revenue, decreased productivity, and damaged customer relationships are just the tip of the iceberg.

Take a moment to reflect on your telecom provider’s response times. Are they truly meeting your needs? If a system outage happens tomorrow, can you rely on them to respond quickly and efficiently? If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink your strategy.

Why Speed Matters

Every hour of downtime can lead to cascading effects: missed calls, frustrated clients, halted operations, and lost opportunities. A delay in fixing broadband or phone issues doesn’t just inconvenience your team—it can tarnish your reputation. Customers don’t wait around; they’ll take their business elsewhere.

How Bluebox Integration Can Help

At Bluebox Integration, we prioritise speed and efficiency. We aim for issue resolution within 2-3 hours—not days. Our team combines technical expertise with proactive monitoring to identify and address problems before they disrupt your operations. Here’s how we stand apart:

  • Quick Fixes: Our experienced engineers are on hand to provide rapid responses and minimise downtime.
  • Proactive Support: By monitoring your systems, we can often prevent issues from occurring in the first place.
  • Tailored Service: Every business is different, and we work to ensure our solutions meet your unique requirements.

What’s more, our 30-day contracts mean you’re never stuck with a provider that isn’t delivering. Choose a partner that values your time and your business. Let’s keep you connected, no matter what.

Book a no obligation 15 Minute chat with Martin Fletcher (Director of Telecoms Solutions) to arrange a free Telecoms Audit via www.bluebox-i.co.uk/mfchat/

Bolton Schools’ Telecoms Service

bolton schools banner

The Centrex system, was once a popular choice with schools is now both outdated and expensive to maintain. Many of schools are switching to a Cloud-based system and looking for alternative options ahead of the phase out.

Centrex System

We offer a jargon-free, back-to-basics approach to telephone services, providing good, old-fashioned, honest advice. Bluebox Integration’s team of experienced local engineers are dedicated to delivering a reliable service that meets the unique needs of each school.

Moorgate primary school

We know budgets are tight in the Education sector, which is why we never provide off-the-shelf solutions. Instead, they start with a blank sheet to ensure that each school gets the right options for their specific requirements. Unlike most other telecoms companies we DON`T tie our customers into long- term contracts, our standard contract is 12 months as we are confident that our excellent service, value for money and local engineers will keep our customers loyal.

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What does the global chip shortage mean for your business?

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How well has your telecoms provider been looking after you over the last 2 years?

How well has your telecoms provider been looking after you over the last 2 years?

As a provider of Care for vulnerable people in our communities, a reliable phone system is essential. As with many other companies across the world, we had to move at great pace to ensure that our workforce remained connected, and able to provide the necessary and vital services to our clients during these worrying times. Bluebox worked very quickly with our service staff to implement reliable mobile solutions that met all of their needs and ensured the service we provide to our clients has been seamless.
Nick Bowls Be Caring LTD ★★★★★

We’ve been working really hard to support our clients during the Pandemic and we’re humbled to receive such fantastic praise. Do you feel the same way about your current telecoms’ provider?

If you’re delighted with them, then sorry to interrupt your day. If you’re not delighted, then read on…

A lot of people have been horrified at just how little “support” they got from their telecoms provider...

We’ve been chatting to loads of business owners and managers over the last few weeks. And we’ve heard some real horror stories about lazy telecoms providers.

Of course, the Pandemic was so sudden, that everyone was caught on the hop. Just like all telecoms providers, we had the busiest fortnight in our history.

But critically, we put our clients first. And made sure that all our clients and their teams were set up correctly for safe, secure at home working. Then we phoned them regularly, to see what frustrations they had working from home. And of course we did whatever we could to help fix all problems. Not all telecoms providers acted this way. Here are some of the horror stories that we’ve heard about:

  • FAIL: People waiting hours and hours – sometimes days – for their telecoms provider to respond to basic support requests
  • FAIL: Companies not being able to access telecoms easily, or being forced into work arounds
  • FAIL: Collaboration an video call software being recommended that really wasn’t fit for purpose
  • FAIL: Data security being dramatically reduced to make home working easier. This is a dangerous approach that leaves your business at huge risk of being hacked. The correct approach is a balance of easy & safe

Because of this, I know that a lot of people just like you, have recently decided that it’s time to look for a new telecoms provider.

So I wanted to introduce us. We’re Bluebox Integration, and we currently look after over 700 businesses in the North West.

Martin Fletcher

My name’s Martin Fletcher. I’m one of the owners and a Telecoms Specialist. 

I devise all the clever solutions for clients, and then my brilliant team implements them.

I asked some of my clients for testimonials and reviews about their experience with us during the Pandemic.

Here's a selection of what they sent back...

We recently upgraded our telephone system and switched to SIP Trunk telephone lines. The advice we received Martin and his team was brilliant and they fully managed the changeover from our existing provider on our behalf, so it really was hassle free. Then, when we needed to work remotely due to the COVID19 pandemic, Bluebox quickly organised remote telephone capability for every staff member utilising compatible mobile app technology meaning we could continue to offer a seamless customer service to our own clients. I would highly recommend Martin and his team at Bluebox.
Steve Phillips B&M Insurance Brokers ★★★★★

Bluebox installed a new telecoms system for us just before the lockdown and when they had just started working from home. The service was excellent as usual with no hitches despite the changes to their working practices. Any support queries were responded to promptly and resolved very quickly. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services if you are looking for a new telecoms provider.
Sandra Arden Easy Lawn Turf LTD ★★★★★

When our company faced the challenges of working from home, Bluebox stepped up and provided a solution to allow our call centre staff to work from home. A clear plan was presented on how we could remotely work, with the ability to report on calls being made and update our call menus easily to keep our customers informed. We have worked with Bluebox for many years, through several office moves and now through working from home, they have always been professional and enabled us to ensure we have the equipment and services we need and when we needed them.
Gareth Morgan Golden Lane Housing / Mecap ★★★★★

If you're even slightly dissatisfied with your current telecoms provider, we really should talk

Because you don’t owe them anything. And they’re not going to get any better in the months ahead.

Sorry to be brutal, but it’s true. Many telecoms providers rose to the challenge and really looked after their clients. But a few others just got lazy and lost the plot.

This Pandemic has shown business owners and managers just how important telecoms are. 

Now let us show you just how important great telecoms are.

The Big BT 2025 Switch Off

The Big BT 2025 Switch Off

What does the 2023 stop sell date mean to me?

From September 2023 Openreach will issue a full “Stop Sell” of new supply WLR.

When we refer to new WLR there is further clarification needed on what would be considered as a new supply. For example does this include a transfer to another CP?

As part of the nationwide PSTN, WLR and ISDN Withdrawal this means that from the end of September 2023 there will be no new line installations for both WLR and ISDN, including conversions of the WLR Line to an ISDN Line, increase of ISDN channels, change of address, start of a stopped line or working line take over.

It’s important that consumer rights during this period are still upheld therefore, their line transfers will be accepted providing there is no change to the installation when the line moves from one provider to another.

All calling and network features, such as caller display, presentation number and features to prevent nuisance calls such as anonymous call rejection, will be allowed with the exception of the two trial exchanges, where restrictions will apply subject to the availability of the replacement fibre technology.

BT Switch timeline