FAQs – Telecoms, IT, IoT, AI & Business Services for Startups
Everything you need to know about business telecoms, IT solutions, and automation for Greater Manchester businesses. 110 detailed answers to the most common questions.
Comprehensive FAQ Guide
11 sections covering every aspect of business technology for startups and growing companies
Business Mobiles — FAQs
Do you provide business mobile phone contracts as well as SIM-only deals?
Do you provide mobile device management (MDM) for business mobiles?
Is there a fair-usage policy on “unlimited” business data plans?
Can I add tablets, mobile routers or MiFi devices to the same plan?
Can I keep my existing phone numbers when switching providers?
What are multi-network SIMs and why do I need them?
How do shared or pooled data plans work for small teams?
Can I scale up from 5 to 50 users without contract penalties?
Is phone leasing or buying outright better for businesses?
Do I actually need a business mobile plan or can I use my personal SIM for my startup?
What's the cheapest business mobile option for 1–5 users?
Which UK network is best for a startup that travels around Manchester?
Can I mix different networks under one business account?
What's the difference between business and consumer mobile contracts?
How do you handle support and repairs for business mobiles?
Phone Systems & VoIP — FAQs
Do I need a landline or can I just use VoIP?
Can I answer my business number on my mobile when I'm out?
How much does a cloud or hosted phone system cost per user?
Can I keep my existing business number and move it to VoIP?
What happens if my internet goes down — will my phones stop working?
How does VoIP call quality compare to traditional phone lines?
What's the simplest phone system for a startup with 2–3 people?
What features do I actually need (IVR, call recording, voicemail-to-email)?
Can I integrate the phone system with Microsoft Teams?
How many calls can I handle at once on VoIP?
What hardware do I need for VoIP (handsets, softphones, headsets)?
Connectivity — FAQs
What business connectivity options do you offer?
How do I know if I can get full fibre (FTTP) at my business address?
What’s the difference between business broadband and a leased line?
Can you provide 4G/5G backup if my main broadband fails?
How fast does my internet need to be for cloud phones and remote working?
Do you offer static IP addresses for VPNs, CCTV and servers?
What kind of support and SLAs do you provide on connectivity?
Can you move my existing lines and numbers when we change office?
Do you help with Wi-Fi design and coverage inside the building?
Can I bundle connectivity with phones and mobiles on one bill?
AI Solutions — FAQs
What types of AI solutions do you provide for businesses?
How can AI help my small business day to day?
Do I need any in-house technical skills to use your AI solutions?
Can you integrate AI with my existing CRM, phone system or helpdesk?
Is the data used by your AI solutions secure and compliant?
Can AI really handle customer conversations without damaging our brand?
How quickly can we get an AI assistant live on our website or WhatsApp?
Will AI solutions replace staff or support them?
Can you create AI tools to automate telecoms or IT provisioning?
How do you price AI solutions – is it subscription or project-based?
Cloud & Cyber Security
What cloud services do you provide for businesses?
We support services like Microsoft 365, cloud storage, backup, VoIP and virtual servers. We help you migrate, secure and manage these platforms.
How can you improve our cyber security as an SME?
We offer security audits, endpoint protection, email security, firewalls, MFA, backups and user training. Our aim is to reduce common risks like phishing, ransomware and data loss.
Do you provide managed security monitoring?
Yes. We can provide monitoring for suspicious logins, malware and unusual behaviour, with alerts and response plans to keep your systems protected.
Can you help us move from on-premise servers to the cloud?
We can plan and manage migrations from on-site servers to cloud services, ensuring data is securely transferred and downtime is kept to a minimum.
How do you protect remote workers and home offices?
We deploy security tools such as VPNs, endpoint protection, MFA and secure cloud access so staff can work safely from anywhere.
Do you offer regular data backup and recovery solutions?
Yes. We set up automated backups for your servers, PCs and cloud data with defined recovery times. This ensures you can restore quickly after an incident.
Can you help us achieve Cyber Essentials or other certifications?
We can guide you through the steps needed for Cyber Essentials and similar schemes, from gap analysis to implementing required controls.
What’s the difference between antivirus and full endpoint protection?
Traditional antivirus focuses on known threats, while modern endpoint protection looks at behaviour, ransomware and zero-day attacks. We usually recommend full endpoint protection for businesses.
How do you price cloud and cyber security services?
Pricing is usually per user, per device or per service (for example backup or monitoring). We’ll build a package that fits your size and risk profile.
Are your solutions suitable for regulated industries?
Yes. We work with compliance requirements such as data protection, financial services and healthcare rules, and can tailor solutions to your sector.
Technology Leasing
What types of technology can I lease through you?
You can lease laptops, desktops, rugged devices, tablets, phones, routers, servers and other IT hardware. We can also bundle accessories, software and support.
Why lease technology instead of buying it outright?
Leasing spreads the cost over time, preserves cash flow and can be more tax-efficient as payments are usually treated as an operating expense. It also makes regular upgrades easier.
What lease terms do you offer?
Typical lease terms range from 12 to 60 months, depending on the equipment and your budget. We’ll discuss the options and recommend a structure that fits your refresh cycle.
Can start-ups and small businesses qualify for technology leasing?
Many start-ups can be approved, subject to credit checks and finance provider criteria. We work with lenders who understand growing businesses.
Can I bundle support, installation and accessories into the lease?
Yes. We can include installation, maintenance, extended warranties and accessories in a single monthly payment so there are no hidden extras.
What happens at the end of the lease term?
You usually have options to upgrade to new kit, extend the lease, or make a final payment to own the equipment, depending on the agreement.
Do you offer leasing for remote and home-working setups?
Yes. We can lease full home-office bundles including laptops, monitors, docks and headsets, all under your company agreement.
Is insurance included in the lease?
Insurance is usually separate, but we can help arrange cover for loss, theft and accidental damage, or work with your existing business policy.
Can I add extra equipment during the lease?
You can normally add additional items via a top-up or new schedule. We’ll explain the most cost-effective way to do this.
How quickly can technology leasing be approved and equipment delivered?
In many cases decisions are made quickly once we have the required information. We then arrange delivery and configuration of your devices as soon as possible.
Merchant Services
What merchant services do you provide?
We offer card machines, online payment gateways, virtual terminals and integrated POS solutions for retail, hospitality and service businesses.
Can you help us reduce our card processing fees?
We review your current statements and volumes, then compare rates from multiple providers. In many cases we can reduce your per-transaction fees or monthly costs.
Do you supply countertop, portable and mobile card terminals?
Yes. We provide a full range of terminals including countertop, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth and 4G mobile units for trades, deliveries and events.
Can your merchant services integrate with our existing till or e-commerce platform?
We work with providers that integrate with popular POS systems and online shopping carts. We’ll check compatibility with your current setup.
Do you support contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay?
All modern terminals we supply support contactless payments and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay as standard.
How quickly do we receive our card takings into our bank account?
Settlement times vary by provider, typically from same day to a few working days. We’ll explain payout times clearly before you sign.
Can you provide merchant services for new or small businesses?
Yes, subject to underwriting. We work with providers who support start-ups, pop-ups and seasonal businesses.
Do you offer payment links and online invoices as well as terminals?
Yes. You can send secure payment links by email or SMS, or take card payments online via invoicing tools and hosted payment pages.
Is there a long-term contract or can we keep things flexible?
We can offer different contract lengths, including more flexible options. We’ll discuss notice periods and any exit fees upfront.
Do you provide support if the card machine stops working?
Yes. You’ll have access to technical support and, where available, swap-out services for faulty devices to keep you trading.
IoT SIMs
What are IoT SIMs and how are they different from normal SIMs?
IoT SIMs are data SIM cards designed for devices like trackers, routers, sensors, tablets and payment terminals. They offer flexible data bundles, better manageability and often multi-network roaming.
What kind of devices can use your IoT SIMs?
Our IoT SIMs can be used in routers, CCTV cameras, GPS trackers, vending machines, tablets, rugged devices, EV chargers and more.
Do you offer multi-network or roaming IoT SIMs for better coverage?
Yes. We can supply IoT SIMs that automatically use the strongest available UK network, and options with international roaming if needed.
Can I manage all my IoT SIMs from a single portal?
We provide management portals where you can view usage, set alerts, suspend SIMs and manage groups of devices in one place.
What data allowances do you offer for IoT SIMs?
We offer everything from low-usage plans for sensors to high-data bundles for routers and video devices. Shared data pools are also available.
Are your IoT SIMs suitable for fixed installations like shops and kiosks?
Yes. They’re ideal for card machines, digital signage and backup connectivity in locations where broadband is unavailable or unreliable.
Can you help with private APNs and secure IoT connectivity?
We can provide private APN solutions and VPN tunnels for secure IoT traffic between your devices and your core systems.
Do you have short-term or trial IoT SIM options?
We can supply test SIMs and short-term contracts for pilots and proof-of-concept projects before you roll out at scale.
How do you handle overage and data usage spikes on IoT SIMs?
We can set alerts and caps to prevent unexpected bills, and design tariffs that match your usage patterns with buffer allowances.
Can IoT SIMs be bundled with hardware like routers or rugged devices?
Yes. We can provide complete solutions including routers, rugged hardware and pre-configured IoT SIMs ready to deploy.
Business Utilities
What business utilities can you help us with?
We can support business gas, electricity and in some cases water, plus related services like energy-efficient hardware where available.
Can you compare multiple business energy suppliers for us?
Yes. We compare rates and contract terms from a range of business energy providers to find options that match your usage and risk profile.
Do you only work with large businesses or also with small firms and start-ups?
We work with SMEs, start-ups and larger organisations. Whether you have one shop or multiple sites, we can review and quote.
Can you help if our current energy contract is in renewal or out of contract?
Yes. We can review your renewal terms, highlight any out-of-contract rates and secure new deals to avoid unnecessary costs.
How early should we start looking at our next utilities contract?
It’s usually best to start 6–12 months before your current contract ends. This gives more options and time to plan.
Do you offer green or renewable business energy options?
Where available, we can quote renewable and low-carbon energy tariffs and explain how they compare on price and contract terms.
Can you help multi-site businesses consolidate their utilities?
Yes. We can help align contract end dates, review usage across sites and negotiate portfolio deals where appropriate.
Is there a fee for your business utilities comparison service?
Our commission structures are transparent and explained upfront and come from the supplier you choose, rather than any separate charges to you.
Do you help with meter changes, half-hourly meters or new site connections?
We can coordinate meter upgrades, half-hourly metering and new connections with the relevant suppliers as part of your utilities setup.
Can you bundle business utilities with connectivity or telecoms services?
In some cases we can bundle or coordinate multiple services like energy, broadband and telecoms, giving you a single partner to manage and review costs.
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