Welcome to the latest edition of Connections, our monthly customer newsletter. This month, we comment on the impact of AI on business communications and introduce two new staff members recently recruited to the team.
We also serve up a reminder that time is running out for businesses to move away from the UK's ageing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) before it is permanently switched off on 31 January 2027 and welcome another new customer, an award-winning independent estate agency in London.
AI: The New Team Member in Business Communications
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming an integral part of modern business communications, helping organisations improve customer service, increase productivity and ensure opportunities are never missed.
Rather than replacing employees, AI is increasingly being used to support them by handling routine tasks such as directing calls, answering frequently asked questions, confirming appointments and capturing messages. This allows staff to focus on conversations that require experience, judgement and personal interaction.
Modern cloud-based telephone systems are also introducing intelligent features such as call transcription, conversation summaries, automated note-taking and smart call routing, helping businesses deliver a more efficient customer experience.
Adam Monaghan, Solutions Director at F One Technologies, said: "The most effective use of AI is not to replace people but to support them. By automating repetitive tasks and providing valuable insights, AI enables teams to spend more time focusing on customers and business growth."
As businesses review their telecoms and IT infrastructure, AI-powered communications are becoming an increasingly important consideration. Integrated within modern phone systems and collaboration platforms, these technologies can improve efficiency, enhance customer service and help organisations make the most of every enquiry.
"The most valuable innovations in communications don't replace conversations," added Adam. "They help ensure the right conversations happen at the right time."
Read more from Adam in AI: The New Team Member in Business Communications.
Meet the Team: Welcome Simon Robertson
As demand continues to grow for integrated IT and telecommunications solutions, we are pleased to welcome Simon Robertson to the team as our new IT Project Manager.
With 12 years' experience in the IT and Technology industry, Simon brings a strong background in IT Services, Servers and Security. Having previously worked in Schools, Internal IT and MSPs, he has developed a solid understanding of how different business models operate. He has a real passion for helping businesses get the most from their technology.
In his new role, Simon is responsible for Project Management and Sales Consultation. He works closely with customers to get a good understanding of their existing IT systems, helping to ensure they receive a reliable, responsive service and practical technology solutions that meet their needs.
Outside of work, Simon is very much a social person. He enjoys spending his free time working on cars, as well as making the most of time with his sister and friends going to music festivals around the UK. When he's not doing that, you'll likely find him watching F1 or at a Park Run attempting to keep up with the pack.
A big fan of the McLaren F1 team, Simon also enjoys a big sit-down curry with friends, the hotter the better! He's particularly fond of a good Quentin Tarantino film, and perhaps less enthusiastic about people listening to TikTok on the train!
We're delighted to have Simon as part of the F One team and look forward to seeing the experience, personality, and enthusiasm he brings to the role.
New Customer: James Bailey Sales and Lettings, Cheam
Award-winning independent estate agency James Bailey Sales & Lettings has partnered with F One Technologies to upgrade its communications and connectivity infrastructure, supporting its growing business across Cheam, Epsom and the surrounding areas.
The project included the installation of a new cloud-based telephone system, high-speed FTTP broadband, enhanced WiFi coverage, a new Omada router, managed network switch and a complete network cabinet tidy-up. F One also supplied five Elevate Essentials licences with Yealink T57W handsets, providing a future-proof solution designed to support the company's planned expansion into a second office in Epsom.
A key requirement was flexibility, allowing staff to use handsets over WiFi and work remotely when needed while maintaining the same professional communications experience. Mobile app functionality was also configured, enabling users to stay connected whether working from the office, home or on the move.
To further improve productivity, F One integrated the new phone system with the agency's Street CRM platform. This allows staff to instantly access customer information when calls are made or received, helping to reduce administration time and deliver a more responsive service.
Adam Monaghan, Solutions Director at F One, said: "Estate agents rely heavily on their CRM platforms, but telephony often operates separately. By linking the two, staff can access the right information immediately, spend more time focused on customers and deliver a better overall experience."
The installation was completed by F One Technician Jamie New, who also provided comprehensive user training to ensure a smooth transition for the team.
Fern Clarkson of James Bailey Sales and Lettings praised F One for delivering a seamless installation experience. She highlighted Jamie's professionalism, technical knowledge, and thorough training, ensuring the team felt confident using the new system. Fern also commended the ongoing support provided after installation, describing the service as reliable, responsive, and stress-free.
The project demonstrates how we continue to help growing businesses modernise their communications, improve productivity and prepare for future expansion.
Time Is Running Out for the PSTN Switch-Off
F One has joined the growing industry campaign urging businesses to accelerate plans to move away from the UK's ageing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) before it is permanently switched off on 31 January 2027.
The warning comes as Openreach launches its Big Switch Off campaign, highlighting that around 1.5 million lines across the UK are still operating on the old copper-based network, including approximately 350,000 business premises.
Many organisations continue to rely on PSTN-connected services such as telephone systems, payment terminals, lift alarms, security systems and other critical technologies. Once the network is retired, these services could stop working unless they have been upgraded to digital alternatives.
Businesses that delay migration risk operational disruption, increased costs and difficulties securing engineering resources as the deadline approaches. Openreach has already increased rental charges for legacy line services by 40 per cent and plans a further 40 per cent increase later this year, making older services increasingly expensive to maintain.
Adam Monaghan, Solutions Director at F One, said: "The PSTN switch-off is no longer a distant future event, it's happening in just a few months. Many businesses still don't realise how many of their critical systems rely on the old network. Waiting until the last minute could create unnecessary disruption and additional costs."
Adam added: "At F One, we're helping businesses identify any services that could be affected and creating clear migration plans to modern digital solutions. Whether it's cloud telephony, fibre connectivity, alarm systems or payment services, we can guide customers through the process and ensure they remain operational long after the switch-off."
The move away from the PSTN forms part of the UK's wider digital transformation programme, replacing decades-old infrastructure with modern IP-based services designed to support the demands of today's connected businesses.
If you're unsure whether your business could be affected, speak to the F One team today and start planning ahead of the January 2027 deadline. You can also read more about the switch-off and what it means for your business.
Meet the Team: Welcome Ewan Wragg
We're delighted to welcome Ewan Wragg to the F One team as the latest addition to our busy telemarketing department.
Ewan will be helping to introduce new customers to F One, explain how our services can support their businesses, and arrange appointments for our sales team. It's a key role that often provides a customer's first experience of F One, and we're pleased to have him on board.
Before joining F One, Ewan worked for a digital marketing company and previously gained valuable experience in the fibre telecoms sector. His background in customer communications and technology makes him a great fit for the team.
Away from work, Ewan is a keen footballer and currently plays for Romsey Town FC Under-23s. A passionate Southampton FC supporter, he also enjoys driving, spending time with friends and family, and heading off on adventures and holidays whenever he gets the chance.
Ewan says one of the things he enjoys most is helping customers get the most from their phone systems and ensuring they have the right solutions to support their business needs.
Looking ahead, Ewan's career ambition is to progress into a field sales role and, ultimately, fulfil his goal of owning his own business.
Welcoming Ewan to the team, Sales Director Lee New said: "We're delighted to welcome Ewan, his previous experience in telecoms and digital marketing, combined with his enthusiasm for helping customers, makes him a fantastic addition to the team. Telemarketing is an important part of our business, creating opportunities and building relationships with new customers, and we're excited to see Ewan develop his career with us."
Building Team Spirit Through Shared Experiences
At F One, we believe that creating a great place to work involves more than providing excellent technology solutions. It means building a workplace where people feel valued, connected and motivated to succeed together.
Throughout the year, we organise a variety of staff activities designed to bring colleagues together, strengthen relationships and support important causes. Our September programme is a perfect example of how we combine team-building with fundraising and a little friendly competition. The month begins with an interactive 'Guess the Brand' taste test to mark the International Day of Democracy. Team members will sample a range of products, including chocolate, crisps and soft drinks, before casting their votes on their favourites. The event is designed to encourage participation, conversation and plenty of laughs across the business.
Later in the month, the team will come together to support Macmillan Cancer Support through the charity's annual Coffee Morning. Staff are invited to bake, donate and vote for their favourite creations, helping to raise money for a cause that touches the lives of so many people. As always, participation is entirely optional, with the event being approached respectfully and sensitively.
Activities such as these play an important role in our culture. They provide opportunities for colleagues from different departments to connect, celebrate successes and enjoy time together away from their day-to-day responsibilities. They also reinforce our commitment to employee wellbeing and creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.
At F One, we recognise that a positive workplace culture is built through shared experiences, teamwork and mutual support. By investing in our people and encouraging engagement across the business, we continue our commitment to being not only a trusted technology partner for our customers, but also one of the best places to work for our employees.
After all, when people enjoy working together, everyone benefits, the team, our customers and the communities we support.