Understanding and making the most of industry change calls for clarity of vision and strategic direction on all the key issues, emphasises incoming Comms Council UK (CCUK) Chair Tracey Wright (and Managing Director of Magrathea).
In her first major interview as CCUK leader she provides a clear view of the organisation’s priorities and action areas, and how she aims to continue making a positive impact.
Wright succeeded Eli Katz who stepped down in early January following 20 years as Chair. And with Magrathea being a founding CCUK member Wright hit the ground running on all the vital issues – including getting to grips with telecoms fraud while advancing the women in comms agenda. “This year our top priority is fraud and scams, which is also top of the Government’s agenda,” commented Wright. “To protect the reputation of the comms industry and restore trust in phone calls it is vital that we are proactive in our efforts to stamp out fraud that uses telecoms as a conduit.”
She says most providers want to take positive action but confusion on the matter is rife. “Due to the increasingly elusive and evasive methods of modern scammers it will take a truly collaborative effort to make an impact,” she added. “We are ensuring a strong start with a recently launched initiative in partnership with National Trading Standards to facilitate information sharing. Alongside this we are preparing our largest event to date, a Fraud Summit in March that will bring together the industry, Government, regulators and law enforcement. Making a positive impact in an area that impacts us all will be a positive start to my tenure.”
Creating a fair and transparent regulatory framework for members remains at the heart of why we exist
Wright also noted that CCUK’s Industry Developments Working Group will continue to engage with Ofcom on the upcoming Fixed Voice Telecoms Market Review, having already had preliminary information gathering sessions on the key topics to be covered. “Once the consultation is out we can tackle any subjects that might impact our members for the five year period and ensure that our collective voice is heard,” she added. “Creating a fair and transparent regulatory framework for members remains at the heart of why we exist.”
Another of Wright’s immediate tasks is to ensure the organisation is properly resourced to tackle the challenges afoot while encouraging greater member engagement. “I hope that highlighting all the great work we do behind the scenes will motivate more members to get involved and be part of a knowledgeable group of people,” she stated. “Together we have a stronger voice when negotiating with Ofcom or the Government. Furthermore, through our various working groups and events we aim to provide information that helps members grow and be prepared for regulatory changes. Our association also produces member guidance and briefings on various issues from Calling Line Identification rules to cybercrime, which offers valuable knowledge.”
Women in comms
Wright co-founded the Women in Telecoms Group in 2022 to give females in the industry a safe space to talk about their personal and professional issues, and help with their career growth and retention through mentorship and group support. “This initiative is gaining strength with a number of subgroups now tackling key topics such as early education, coaching, mentoring and recruitment,” explained Wright. “As well as adding value through outcomes and supporting members in achieving their DEI goals, this group is a wonderful space for members to learn, develop and support each other.
“Members will be hosting and speaking on panels at a number of conferences and workshops plus hosting webinars to share career advice, showcase different roles and highlight key challenges facing women specifically. To witness the growing skills and confidence within the group is satisfying and we hope over time to replicate some of these successes to all members, regardless of gender.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Comms Council UK, which was established in 2005 as the Internet Telephony Services Providers’ Association by 12 founding members. “CCUK is now 100 companies strong,” added Wright. “Our sector is no longer niche but the mainstream backbone of the UK’s communications infrastructure. The telecoms industry has seen significant progress over CCUK’s lifetime, from cloud and collaboration communications to the PSTN switch-off.”
Its membership largely consists of small to medium sized providers, often with limited resources to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges. “CCUK can collate member views and represent them through parliamentary consultation responses, lobbying activity and press campaigns,” added Wright. “The reverse is equally important, with the CCUK team filtering key information that members need to be aware of and delivering it in a digestible way.”
Leading the charge
Wright also cited the CCUK’s positive work on nuisance calls, the UK Wireless Infrastructure strategy, the European Electronic Communications Code, IP migration, telecommunications security regulations and the National Security and Investment Act. “We led the way in creating PSTN switch off guidance for both our members and their customers, and provided a valuable knowledge hub supporting our members during DDoS attacks,” commented Wright. “It is important to join forces in fighting important issues that our industry is facing. We want to be heard by regulators, Government and other trade associations that cross into the voice space.”
Just a minute with Tracey Wright...
How did you get into comms?
My first job at 16 was for a fax repair company and that sparked a love of all things tech and comms.
Tell us something about yourself we don’t know:
I love to ride a motorbike on country roads and in the woods getting muddy!
If you weren’t in ICT what would you be doing?
A dog trainer. Working with dogs is one of my greatest pleasures.
What do you fear most?
A lack of energy and motivation. Working in a dynamic industry with diverse responsibilities I need plenty of energy and motivation to keep the plates spinning. Losing my mojo would be a disaster.
Your main strength and what could you work on?
I’m extremely organised and have a list for everything, but I could work on being a little less controlling because I like to get involved in everything.
Best piece of advice you have been given:
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
Biggest risk you have taken:
Leaving a secure job with a good pension to join a start-up that could only guarantee me a months’ salary.
What talent do you wish you had?
To have a reasonable singing voice. Singing is so much fun and good for you, but hearing myself is an unpleasant experience!
Something you have overcome:
My lack of self-confidence. It’s taken many years working with amazing people and a few great coaches and mentors to get me to a place where I would even consider a role like the CCUK Chair.
The best part of your job:
As Managing Director, watching my team develop and excel in their roles.