Leading West Midlands telecoms provider, Armstrong Bell, has helped Stoke Prior First School improve its communications whilst saving costs, with the implementation of a new cloud-based telephone system.

Focused on futureproofing their telephone system after their contract ended with a previous supplier, Headteacher, Leigh Satchwell, wanted to scrap the standard BT business lines ahead of the providers planned ‘Switch Off’ in 2025; and decided to discuss the different options available with Armstrong Bell, following recommendation by another local school.

After consideration, the school opted for the Wildix system, a cloud browser-based unified communications solution that is easy to use and is highly cost-effective – keeping well within their tight budget.

Due to the enhanced server security the school has in place to protect sensitive data, Armstrong Bell’s skilled engineers ensured the system adhered to the tight measures and also ensured that all key staff were adequately trained on the new system.

Leigh Satchwell said: “Like many schools, we had a contract for a BT fixed line for a number of years. With tighter school budgets and the need to switch to a voice over internet protocol [VoIP] system, we had to look for a new provider.

“The new telephone system has been reliable, easy to use and very cost effective in comparison to other systems and providers on the market. The staff at Armstrong Bell are extremely efficient and personable, making technical specifications easy to understand.  The follow up service has been excellent, and I have confidence that the system will meet our needs for many years to come.”

Headquartered in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Armstrong Bell was founded by managing director, William Copley in 2001. An established provider of telecommunications systems, the firm works with many schools across the West Midlands region and UK wide.

William Copley said: “Since the pandemic, VoIP solutions have been adopted by many businesses and can result in substantial cost savings, especially when moving from a tolled PSTN network.

“However, we have seen a slower uptake in VoIP solutions in educational settings. This may be due to a lack of awareness surrounding the benefits these systems can offer, as well as telecommunications systems being one of the last priorities when it comes to school budget spending. With the BT Openreach PSTN and ISDN switch off set to go ahead in 2025, it is vital that schools look at switching their telecommunications over to an internet-hosted system as soon as possible.”

Armstrong Bell provides business telecoms services to SMEs UK wide, ranging from VoIP, Cloud and Hosted Voice through to Business Mobile, Telephone Systems and Broadband.

Priding itself on its reliability, flexibility and bespoke service offering, the firm boasts a 20-year history in completing voice and data projects to client satisfaction.