Partnering with Action4Youth to Empower Young People in Northamptonshire

As a Northamptonshire-based business, we’re proud to announce our partnership with local charity Action4Youth this year, the vital work they do is critical in inspiring and empowering  young people across our county.

Action4Youth has been helping children and young people for decades through youth clubs, mentoring, outdoor learning and personal development programmes. Their work builds confidence and resilience, and creates safe spaces where young people can thrive. Through our partnership we now get to see first-hand the positive difference they make in communities across Northamptonshire.

Our support for Action4Youth forms part of our wider commitment to giving back locally and using our platform and connections to shine a light on organisations delivering meaningful social impact. By partnering with them, we hope to raise awareness of the challenges facing young people today and encourage more businesses to get involved.

As our Workplace and sustainability director, Jess Ansell, explains:
“Action4Youth is doing incredible work to support young people at a time when that support has never been more important. We’re proud to stand alongside them and champion the difference they’re making across our county.”

Action4Youth works closely with corporate partners to expand its reach and develop sustainable programmes that respond directly to the needs of young people. Businesses looking to make a meaningful local impact can explore partnership opportunities or get involved in one of the charity’s fundraising initiatives.

To find out more about becoming a partner, visit Action4Youth or discover current fundraising opportunities.

Sometimes it is a popularity contest. And with a Net Promoter Score, or NPS, you can measure exactly how much your customers are recommending your business.  

What is an NPS?  

Net Promoter Scores were created by Fred Reichheld from Bain and Co. Many companies use them to see how likely customers are to recommend a product or service to family, friends, or colleagues. They measure customer loyalty on a scale from –100 to 100, and the higher the score, the more popular customers find the business.  

How do you calculate a Net Promoter Score?  

NPS scores divide your customers into three categories: Promoters, Passives, and Detractors. They are assigned depending on their response to a customer experience survey.  

You’ve probably been asked the question ‘How likely on a scale from 1 to 10 are you to recommend our business to a friend?’. While these surveys may seem pointless or irritating, these questions are actually used to calculate NPS. Therefore, they are important for businesses and useful for improving your customer experience.  

People who answer this question with a 9 or 10 are Promoters. They are loyal customers and will happily buy from you again and brag about you to others. Promoters are worth their weight in gold and give your business free marketing, so nurture these customer relationships!  

Those who answer 7 or 8 are Passives. They’re neutral on your business and probably won’t mention it to others, and are unlikely to consistently buy from you. It’s easier to sway Passives to Promoters, but they don’t negatively impact your NPS.  

If someone answers 6 or below, they are Detractors and are the biggest risk to your customer satisfaction rating. These customers likely won’t return and may badmouth you to others, turning away potential customers. Placating unhappy customers is crucial to reducing the number of Detractors you have.  

The NPS is calculated by taking away the total percentage of Detractors from the total percentage of Promoters. For example, if 60% of customers are Promoters and 20% are Detractors, your Net Promoter Score will be 40. Passives are not included in the calculation.  

What is a good Net Promoter Score?  

The higher your NPS, the better. But comparing your NPS to your industry standard and competitors is a good benchmark. For example, the telecommunications industry has an average NPS of 30-37, but at dbfb, we’re smashing that target with a score consistently above 75.  

Net Promoter Scores on average account for 20-60% of a company’s organic growth. The most successful companies have a strong NPS. So, making it a priority in your business strategy is a smart choice.  

To learn more about our services and why our customers are so happy, call 01604 673320 or email discover@dbfb.co.uk. 

Welcoming TC Solutions to the dbfb group

We’re excited to share some big news: we’ve completed the acquisition of Milton Keynes-based Totally Converged Solutions (TC Solutions). This move expands our regional footprint, strengthens our customer relationships, and brings together two like-minded teams with a shared focus on service.

Left: Simon Dixon, Managing Director (TC Solutions), Right: Simon Pickering, Managing Director (dbfb)

Why TC Solutions?

When we set out with our advisers at Evolution Capital to find a business that aligned with our values and long-term vision, TC Solutions stood out straight away. With strong customer loyalty, a hands-on service ethos, and a proven track record in mobile, telephony and connectivity, they felt like a natural fit.

“We’ve grown TC Solutions from the ground up, and after 17 years we were ready to look at the next step. We’re both staying on – and that matters. We’ve worked with many of our customers since day one, so getting the transition right is a top priority.

What stood out about Simon and the dbfb team was their personal, customer-focused approach. Our customers will be in good hands.

We’re excited to get to know the team and bring the best of both businesses together.”

— Andrew Thomas, Director, TC Solutions

Founders Simon Dixon and Andrew Thomas will remain in the business, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing continuity for customers.

What does this mean for all our customers?

This is about building on what we all do best. TC Solutions brings extra depth to our customer-first model, reinforcing the principles we’ve always stood by:

• Relationships that last – Their long-standing partnerships mirror our own approach to support and service.

• Shared values – A commitment to responsiveness, reliability, and real human support.

• Stronger presence – A deeper local connection to the Milton Keynes business community.

No changes to contracts or support. Just the same reliable service, with a few more friendly faces behind the scenes.

Growing our Milton Keynes footprint

Milton Keynes is one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities and a key part of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. While we’ve served businesses in the area for years, this acquisition brings us even closer to the heart of the region’s growth.

“Working with Simon and the dbfb team has been a fantastic example of how a clear M&A strategy can be successfully implemented. From initiating a long-term relationship with a leading funder in Santander, to identifying a target that fits dbfb’s growth ambitions, Evolution Capital’s collaborative approach has delivered a great outcome for both buyer and seller.

“It’s been a pleasure to work so well as a team – and we look forward to supporting dbfb in its continued growth.

— Charlie Futcher, Transaction Manager, Evolution Capital

More progress, same principles

Over the past year we’ve expanded our team, grown our IT and bulk text messaging services, and delivered double-digit revenue growth. Welcoming TC Solutions is the next step – and we’re continuing to explore opportunities that help us deliver more for customers.

“We’ve grown significantly over the past year – welcoming new talent into the business and deepening our capabilities in IT and bulk text messaging,” said Simon Pickering, Managing Director at dbfb. “It’s a fast-moving market, and businesses like TC Solutions, that lead with service and innovation, continue to thrive. For Simon and Andy, this was a natural next step – and with them staying on, we’re even better placed to help all our customers adapt, grow and benefit more from their technology.

“Ultimately, this deal is about strengthening what we do best – delivering performance and productivity for our customers.”

— Simon Pickering, Managing Director, dbfb

We’re looking forward to the next chapter—and we’re glad to be doing it with people who care about customers as much as we do.

Want to know more?

Visit our services page,  business mobile page or get in touch to see how else we can support your business.

You can also follow the journey on LinkedIn for updates from Simon, Andrew and the wider team.

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 electronic devices provide cost-effective options for individuals and communities, making technology more accessible.
• Less landfill waste: By recycling, electronic waste stays out of landfill sites. This helps prevent harmful chemicals from polluting the environment and causing environmental risks and health risks.
• 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 long term.

Our commitment to sustainable practices

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. 

Database for Business Ltd (dbfb) is proud to announce its appointment as a supplier on multiple lots within the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Network Services 3 framework (RM6116). This milestone strengthens our commitment to delivering advanced, reliable communications solutions for the public sector.

CCS Frameworks 3: Delivering Public Sector Excellence

As an approved supplier on key CCS Frameworks 3 lots, dbfb is positioned to provide essential services, including:

• 1a – WAN Data Access Services
• 4a – Analogue Telephony
• 4b – Digital Communications (Unified Communications)

These offerings enable public sector organisations to achieve efficient, secure, and scalable communication solutions that meet modern operational demands.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

dbfb achieved a 100% rating across critical evaluation areas, including:

• Social Value
• Solution Design
• Build & Implementation
• Ongoing Delivery & Service Management

This recognition highlights our dedication to delivering innovative network solutions that exceed public sector expectations.

Leadership Perspective

Sam Lee, Sales Director at dbfb, stated:

“Being named a supplier on CCS Network Services 3 framework is a tremendous honour. We are committed to empowering public sector organisations with best-in-class network solutions, enabling them to serve their communities more effectively.”

About the Crown Commercial Service (CCS)

The Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector in procuring high-quality goods and services while achieving optimal value. In 2022–2023, CCS delivered £3.8 billion in commercial gains, helping organisations across the UK maximise efficiency and value for taxpayers.

Driving Public Sector Connectivity Forward

With our inclusion in CCS Frameworks 3, dbfb is set to enhance public sector communications. Our goal is to create secure, seamless, and innovative solutions that positively impact communities and support government efficiency.