Rugby league ‘Hall of Famer’, Paul Sculthorpe MBE,  joins dbfb to expand UK reach

We’re thrilled to announce that rugby league legend Paul Sculthorpe MBE has joined dbfb as a Director. With his impressive career as a former Warrington, St Helens, and Great Britain captain, Paul is set to lead our ambitious commercial expansion plans, including the launch of a new business base in Greater Manchester.

Paul brings an extensive network of contacts from the rugby league and business worlds. Leveraging his connections and experience, he will help us strengthen our presence across the M62 corridor and the UK.

With 26 years of delivering innovative telecoms and managed IT services, dbfb is ideally positioned to support businesses across the region.

Joining Paul is Paige-Elise Harrison, our newly appointed Head of Sales for the Northern region. With her business development expertise, Paige-Elise will work alongside Paul to drive our growth and connect with even more businesses.

Simon Pickering, our Managing Director, shared his excitement about these appointments:

“We’re delighted to welcome Paul and Paige-Elise to the dbfb team. They understand that our tailored approach, exceptional customer service, and bespoke solutions for businesses are at the heart of what we do. Together, they’ll play a vital role in our next phase of growth, including opening our new Manchester office.”

Manchester’s thriving £5 billion digital ecosystem, home to over 10,000 digital and tech businesses, is the perfect location for our expansion. Paul and Paige-Elise will champion our transformative solutions and deliver the exceptional service we’re known for to businesses across the area.”

Simon added: “Having known Paul for over 15 years, I couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s joining our board to drive business growth and operational excellence. Paul’s passion for winning will inspire our team and attract new customers. His strong principles align perfectly with dbfb’s values, especially our commitment to giving back to local communities and investing in the rugby league game. Together, we’ll grow our business and make a positive impact.”

Paul said, “I’ve been good friends with Simon for a long time and have always admired his passion for the industry. Joining dbfb, a winning team with a people-first ethos, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited to introduce dbfb to businesses in Greater Manchester and beyond.”

Our expansion allows us to deliver bespoke, future-proof managed services that combine telecoms and IT solutions to help businesses stay connected and competitive.

Paige-Elise Harrison shared her enthusiasm, “dbfb’s people-focused approach and commitment to delivering amazing communications solutions drew me to the business. I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting chapter and to help businesses in Greater Manchester and beyond thrive with tailored solutions that empower their communications.”

This is just the beginning of an exciting journey for dbfb. We’re bringing our industry-leading telecom and IT solutions to more businesses across Greater Manchester and the M62 corridor. In an industry often criticised for poor service, we stand out by prioritising flexibility, tailored services, and customer-first support. Our dedication to first-time resolution means we stay on the line until every problem is solved.

Welcome to the next chapter of dbfb’s growth. We’re excited to help even more businesses succeed.

Northampton, UK – dbfb Communications and Iris IoT are proud to announce a partner with North Northamptonshire Council to undertake a proof of concept for Connected Care technology utilising the Genus Care frame.

Laura Sinclair, Therapy & Assistive Technology Service Manager, commented: “The North Northamptonshire Council Assistive Technology Team are excited to be leading on a project to promote wellbeing for those in Supported Living. The Genus frames offer endless opportunities to keep people safe within their homes, encourage engagement with their local communities and offers carers, both formal and informal a platform to provide additional support as needs change. Prevention and early intervention is key to helping people live well for longer.”  

Stuart Smith, Head of Public Sector at dbfb Communications added “We have been working closely with our partners Iris IoT to bring digital innovation to the social care sector. However, it only really comes to life in the hands of our social care professionals. Partnering with Local Authority and Healthcare providers is crucial to develop the use cases that will deliver the transformation that is drastically needed within social care. We are extremely grateful to Laura and the team at North Northants, together with Iris IoT for enabling this work, we look forward to developing further partnerships and innovation into the future.”

For further details on our Connected Care proposition, featuring the Genus Care frame, download our brochure or get in touch with our team at discover@dbfb.co.uk.

dbfb, a leading innovator in digital and telecommunications solutions, is proud to partner with West Northamptonshire Council to support the Interactive Sports Zone, as part of the relaunch of Northampton Town Centre. The event taking place over the weekend of October 19th and 20th is a celebration of local sport which aims to promote participation and inclusion within grass roots activities.

dbfb’s Head of Public Sector, Stuart Smith commented “As a local person with a keen interest in sport, the opportunity to join with the Council to both celebrate the new market square and promote local sport is absolutely fantastic. We look forward to partnering with the Council to help promote health and wellbeing, whilst strengthening our local communities into the future.”

Simon Pickering, Managing Director at dbfb added “dbfb has a rich history of supporting local sport, from sponsoring Northampton Town Ladies and academy teams, to supporting Northants Cricket’s Academy and Pathway setup. As a local company, employing local people and serving the local area, investing back into our local community is incredibly important to us.” dbfb Sales Director, Sam Lee commented “whilst dbfb focusses on delivering innovation and great service to support our local businesses and communities, our involvement in the town goes far beyond this. Having the opportunity to celebrate our town and its strong sporting pedigree is something that we can all be extremely proud of.”

Benefits of mobile phone recycling and reuse: Beyond the environment

Recycling and reusing mobile phones, along with other tech devices, offers advantages that extend far beyond environmental protection:

• Reduced demand for new materials: Recycling reduces the need for raw materials like metals and minerals, helping to preserve natural resources.
• Affordable technology: Refurbished devices provide cost-effective options for individuals and communities, making technology more accessible.
• Less landfill waste: By recycling, electronic waste stays out of landfills, preventing harmful chemicals from polluting the environment.
• Energy and resource conservation: Reusing devices saves energy, cuts pollution, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, as producing new devices consumes significant resources.

For example, recycling just one million mobile phones can recover 772 lbs of silver, 35,000 lbs of copper, 75 lbs of gold, and 33 lbs of palladium—showing the tangible value of responsible recycling.

These benefits make mobile phone recycling a simple, impactful choice for both individuals and businesses looking to make a positive difference

Our commitment to sustainability

At dbfb, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. In 2024, we’ve proudly achieved carbon neutrality, here’s how we did it:

• Launched a tree-planting initiative with GreenTheUK 🌳
• Installed solar panels and energy-efficient tech at our offices
• Expanded recycling to cover all plastic and glass materials
• Moved to a 100% renewable energy provider in October 2023
• Rolled out more electric charging points for our company fleet ⚡

We continue to look for ways to reduce the impact of our business; and the wider tech industry; on the environment, and are delighted to be 678.5 tonnes in carbon credit. By working with our customers we’ll keep pushing for a greener, more sustainable future.

Discover more about our WEEE recycling services.

References:

The Roundup Org

Northampton, UK – dbfb, a leading innovator in telecommunications solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Stuart Smith as the new Head of Public Sector. Stuart brings a rich history of over 25 years in the Public Sector, with significant roles at global technology providers such as Nokia, Zayo, and Exponential-e, as well as collaborations with Microsoft, Cisco, and HPE Aruba.

Aligning with dbfb’s strategic achievement of securing a place on the prestigious Crown Commercial’s Network Services 3 Framework in 2023. Stuart’s appointment marks a key step in our commitment to the Public Sector. In his pivotal role, Stuart will spearhead the Public Sector go-to-Market Strategy, a critical component of dbfb’s plan to broaden its impact and leverage technology innovations for community benefit.

His decision to join dbfb from larger organisations stems from a desire to contribute to a nimble, growth-oriented company that can quickly adapt to technological advancements and implement changes that bring sustainable benefits to local communities across the UK. Stuart’s impressive track record includes roles in extensive regeneration programmes that have revitalised urban areas, transformed Public Services and bolstered local economies.

Stuart shared his vision, stating, “Joining dbfb represents a fantastic opportunity to harness a growth mindset in a smaller, more agile organisation. This setting allows us to rapidly respond to technological changes and deliver significant, community-focused benefits. I am excited to drive our Public Sector strategy, bringing innovative solutions that will enhance community services and our nation’s infrastructure.”

Simon Pickering, Managing Director of dbfb, added, “Stuart’s extensive experience and proactive approach are exactly what dbfb needs as we expand our reach across the UK. His expertise will be instrumental in positioning us at the forefront of digital innovation and community service.”

As dbfb continues to expand its presence and influence within the UK’s telecom sector, Stuart’s leadership will guide the company toward greater national impact and continued excellence in service.

About dbfb communications

dbfb communications is a leader in the telecommunications industry, committed to providing innovative and effective solutions that enhance connectivity and community engagement across the UK.

Are you tired of feeling like just another digit in the telecoms customer service labyrinth? You’re not alone – 44% of consumers agree that they’ve noticed a decline in the quality of customer service over recent years. In today’s world of automated systems and robotic voices, getting your issue resolved can feel like an uphill battle. But fear not, because dbfb is here to change the game.

At dbfb, we believe in the power of old-school authenticity when it comes to service. Our Delight team is made up of knowledgeable industry experts who are always ready to lend a helping hand and more importantly, getting your issue fully resolved. With our average answering time of 7 seconds, say goodbye to the days of navigating through impersonal automated menus or waiting endlessly on hold. When you call our lines, you’ll speak directly to a real person dedicated to resolving your communication queries promptly and efficiently.

Our Service Director, Colin Beckley says, “There is no denying that technology can be beneficial when executed correctly. However, many companies are hastily adopting automation and AI to cut costs, often at the detriment of the customer experience. As a consumer, I find it frustrating when I can’t quickly speak to a human when something isn’t working. That’s why at dbfb, we prioritise giving our customers instant access to our Delight Team, whether by phone or online. We have chosen to continue to invest in our internal infrastructure to empower our team to better assist our customers as opposed to trying to replace that critical initial interaction with digital automation.”

So, the next time you find yourself in need of assistance, remember that you don’t have to settle for anything less than the best. Choose dbfb communications and experience the difference that a human-centric approach to customer service can make. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re here to prove it, one conversation at a time.

Get in touch with a friendly member of our team now. 

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Database for Business Ltd (dbfb) has been appointed to multiple lots within the newly introduced Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework, specifically CCS Network Services 3 (RM6116). As an approved supplier on several key lots, our commitment to delivering cutting-edge communications services to the public and private sectors is stronger than ever.

Our participation in the following lots exemplifies our dedication to providing advanced and reliable communication services that positively impact communities:

1a – WAN Data Access Services

4a – Analogue Telephony

4b – Digital Communications (Unified Comms)

By achieving supplier status across these lots, Database for Business is well-positioned to cater to the unique needs of the public sector. We understand the challenges of delivering more with increasingly lean budgets and stand as the preferred communications partner. Our mission is to play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless and secure communication across a diverse range of organisations.

We are immensely proud to announce that Database for Business achieved a perfect 100% rating in critical areas such as Social Value, Solution Design, Build & Implementation, and Ongoing Delivery, Service Management, Solution Design Build & Implementation. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to surpassing expectations and providing innovative solutions.

Sam Lee, Sales Director at dbfb, expressed his pride, stating, “It’s a tremendous honour for our company to be named as a supplier on CCS’s Network Services 3 framework (RM6116). This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering the best network solutions that empower government agencies to better serve their constituents. We look forward to leveraging our expertise and innovation to help build a more connected and efficient public sector for the benefit of all.”

About CCS

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) is instrumental in supporting the public sector in achieving the highest possible economic value when purchasing common goods and services. In the 2022–2023 fiscal year, CCS contributed significantly to commercial gains totalling an impressive £3.8 billion, further promoting top-tier public services that provide optimal value for taxpayers.

Conclusion

Database for Business is excited to embark on this journey with CCS Frameworks 3. We are committed to enhancing communication solutions for the public sector, ensuring that our services continue to make a positive impact on communities and contribute to a more efficient and connected government. Our dedicated team is determined to exceed expectations and create innovative solutions that drive progress and economic value for all stakeholders.

Growing a greener future: Planting 1,600 trees with GreenTheUK

We’re excited to announce that dbfb, in collaboration with GreenTheUK, has made significant strides in our environmental sustainability efforts. Since our partnership began in 2022, we’ve planted 1,600 mixed-species, climate-resilient trees across four regions in the UK—doubling our initial goal and underscoring our commitment to meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Statistics show that in the Top 5 SME trends of 2024, includes Environmental, Social and Governance is something that influences stakeholders when partnering and purchasing from SME companies – which is why dbfb are taking action in protecting our UK woodlands, and contributing to the ongoing battle of climate change. 

CSR in action

At dbfb, CSR means taking action. Our partnership with GreenTheUK is proof of this, as we’ve exceeded our tree-planting commitment, positively impacting national landscapes and mitigating the effects of climate change. These 1,600 trees are a tangible step towards a more sustainable future. 

The impact of 1,600 trees

Planting 1,600 mixed-species trees is about more than meeting a target. It’s about enhancing biodiversity, supporting ecological balance, and building resilience against climate change. These trees will absorb carbon, improve air quality, and provide vital habitats for wildlife.

Benefits for communities and businesses alike

Our tree-planting initiative brings broad benefits:

1. Cleaner air: Our trees improve air quality, contributing to healthier communities.
2. Boosting local economies: Thriving woodlands attract visitors, supporting local businesses.
3. Combating climate change: As carbon sinks, our trees help reduce CO2 levels.
4. Fostering community pride: Tree planting brings people together, fostering environmental stewardship.

Sustainability: A shared priority

Sustainability is central to dbfb because it’s important to our customers. We understand that today’s customers and their businesses prefer to work with ethical, environmentally conscious organisations. Our commitment to these values strengthens our relationships with customers who share our vision for a responsible future. By choosing dbfb, our customers support a supply chain dedicated to positive environmental impact.

Our vision

At dbfb, we aim to be a leader in service-driven communications with sustainability at our core. Our partnership with GreenTheUK reflects our commitment to real change.

A message from our Workplace and Sustainability Director, Jess Ansell

“As the Workplace and Sustainability Director, I’m proud of our steps towards environmental responsibility. Our partnership with GreenTheUK and the planting of 1,600 trees demonstrate our dedication to a sustainable future. Sustainability is a collective effort, and together, we’re making a lasting, positive impact.”

Join us in creating a greener future. Every action counts, and together, we can make a difference.

Established roots and community engagement:

Since opening our first office in Moulton Park in 1995, dbfb has become an integral part of the Northampton community. We proudly partner with local businesses, sponsor the NTFC academy and NTFC Women’s team, and support Cynthia Spencer Hospice as our charity of the year. Our deep commitment to Northampton led us to stay and refurbish our current office while acquiring unit 4, preserving the place where our journey began.

Investing in our people and sustainability:

At dbfb Communications, we prioritise investing in our people. Our office refurbishment fosters inspiration, collaboration, and stimulation among our team members. With significant investments in low-energy and smart technology, we have future-proofed the space and upheld our sustainability commitments. The positive impact on our team and the environment has been truly rewarding.

Collaboration with MANGO Interiors Group Ltd.:

For the successful execution of our office refurbishment project, we partnered with MANGO Interiors Group Ltd., a renowned Northampton-based interior design company with over 60 years of experience in the commercial sector. Their expertise and support throughout the entire transformation process have been invaluable, and we are grateful for their contribution to creating a space that surpasses our expectations.

A year of growth and opportunity:

This office refurbishment marks the beginning of an incredibly exciting year for dbfb Communications. We are poised for growth and new opportunities as we continue to provide exceptional telecoms services to the Northampton community and beyond. Stay tuned as we embark on this journey filled with innovation, community support, and sustainable practices.

Not only does the transformation provide more space for our growing team, but also showcases our conferencing products in a brand new tech suite, allowing customers to experience them first-hand. We remain committed to our community partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and investing in our people. With the support of MANGO Interiors Group Ltd., we have created a space that inspires collaboration and reflects our values. Join us as we celebrate 25 years of dbfb and embrace a year of growth, seizing new opportunities as a leading Northampton telecoms provider.

The road to running any business is never smooth.

It requires a significant amount of hard work, determination, and persistence. However, even with all of these attributes, there are still times when the future of a business can be uncertain.

Richard Osbourne, of UK Business Forum, caught up with our MD Simon Pickering, to find out how he nearly lost it all – but had the drive to continue and as he says ‘go again!’

At dbfb, our approach to helping businesses, of all sizes, remains the same – we do what is best for you, helping you to understand all the options available to keep your business communicating, thriving and growing! 

Discover more about our communication solutions for SME and Enterprise businesses. 

Technology is what we do. People and platforms is how we do it.