An ability to flex, optimise vendor partnerships and evolve integrated solutions will ensure a competitive advantage is always within reach, says F One Technologies Sales Director Lee New.
New’s comms career kicked off in 2005 with Peach Telecom where he spent eight years before deciding to set up his own business alongside co-founders Alex Viola and Adam Monaghan, who also worked for Peach Telecom. They established F One Technologies in 2013 with just £25,000 but plenty of determination to succeed, initially operating out of a spare bedroom in Monaghan’s parents’ house at Chandler’s Ford. “Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we ever made,” stated New. “But there were moments when we questioned our sanity.”
Securing NEC and Gamma as partners early on was a game changer, noted New. “Knowing us from our time at Peach they waived their usual requirements which was a huge vote of confidence,” he added. “Our next office move was to a converted barn on a local farm; and in June 2021 we secured our own office in Southampton. Finally, we had a workspace without chickens wandering in. This gave us the space to build a great team and shape the company culture we had always envisioned.”
More recently, noted New, a significant milestone has been expanding into full WiFi networks and IT services, which build on F One Technologies’ portfolio of cloud phone systems, Internet and mobiles. “This has really fuelled our growth and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon,” added New. “WiFi 7 is set to be another game changer for us and we’re closely monitoring how AI can transform telecoms by enhancing customer service and boosting efficiency.
“But our biggest opportunity right now lies in IT services. We already provide offerings like Office 365 and antivirus software but there’s so much more potential to tap into. As IT and telecoms continue to converge we see significant growth opportunities in this integration, allowing us to deliver more innovative and comprehensive solutions.”
Our capability to offer a package, from telecoms to IT solutions, will keep us ahead of the curve
New’s short-term priorities are to focus on ensuring that F One Technologies’ core services continue to run smoothly while the business expands its IT offering. “We’re aiming to grow IT into a significant part of the business,” explained New. “Recruitment is also a key priority. We need to bring in the right people to help drive us forward. And, of course, keeping our customers happy remains at the heart of everything we do. That’s always been our priority.”
F One Technologies employs around 30 staff and has circa 1,000 customers, primarily SMEs (mainly 8-10 users), although the company has also successfully ventured into the enterprise space. Turnover grew from £2.4 million in 2023 to £3.4 million this financial year, and New expects more growth as the firm expands into new markets. “Based on our current projections we anticipate doubling revenues in the next three years,” he added.
Partnerships
Today, F One Technologies’ key vendor partners include Intermedia, Gamma, TP-Link and DrayTek. “But even our smaller partners have a huge role to play in helping us to deliver high quality solutions,” stated New. “Looking ahead, we’re committed to continuing our work with these partners while also exploring new technologies and solutions. Our approach is straightforward and always about keeping things simple. This also applies to our engagements with end users. Instead of pushing our own ideas we focus on understanding customers’ needs and finding the best solutions to meet them.”
This means responding to market trends like more people returning to the office post-Covid, observed New. “But remote working remains a significant part of the landscape,” he commented. “Businesses still need flexible, cloud-based solutions to stay competitive. We’re also witnessing growing demand for IT services as small businesses realise they need more than just a phone system to operate effectively. Our capability to offer a package, from telecoms to IT solutions, will keep us ahead of the curve. Although we’re already 10 years into this journey it truly feels like we’re only just getting started.”
Just a minute with Lee New...
Role models:
From a business perspective, Richard Branson: I admire his willingness to take risks and push boundaries. On a personal level, Steven Gerrard stands out for his leadership, determination and dedication on and off the pitch.
Your main strength and what could you work on?
I don’t give up on anything until it’s done right. However, I could work on letting go of control a bit more.
Three ideal dinner guests:
Martin Luther King, the Dalai Lama and Rory Bremner.
If you weren’t in ICT what would you be doing?
I’d be a postman. If I ever fall out of love with telecoms and fancy a change, that’s always been the job I’d go for.
Your favourite comedian or comedienne?
Peter Kay. He’s an incredible comic and comes across as one of the nicest people on the planet.
One thing that motivates you?
On my last day at Peach Telecom a colleague said, ‘I’ll see you back here in a few months’. That’s been a huge motivator, driving me to prove anyone who doubted us completely wrong.
What talent do you wish you had?
To teleport. Just think of the time that would save.
The biggest risk you have taken:
Going for a second child. I ended up having twins the second time around and now have three girls’ weddings to pay for in the future!
What do you fear most?
Leaving my children behind too soon, which is why I no longer entertain the idea of skydiving.
Tell us something about yourself we don’t know:
I’ve only ever written one poem, but it did get published. When I was in Year 5 I wrote a piece about Wembley Stadium that appeared in a book of poems by schoolchildren from across the country.
Your biggest career achievement:
Reaching our 10 year milestone. In a highly competitive and saturated industry like ours, this is no small feat.
What couldn’t you do without in your job?
My business partners Alex and Adam. We have complementary strengths and weaknesses and decision making is easy: If two of us agree on something, it’s a decision made.
One example of something you have overcome:
The biggest hurdle was starting F One Technologies. We left behind secure jobs and took a leap into the unknown with no guarantees.
How do you relax?
Walking our Labrador, enjoying a few pints at the local pub, watching obscure documentaries on just about any subject, and mixing in a bit of tennis and five-a-side football.
Top tip for resellers:
Build strong relationships. Whether it’s with customers or suppliers, those relationships will be your safety net when times are tough, and your springboard when things are going well.
If you were to write a book what would it be about?
I’m fascinated by comedy shows like The Office, Early Doors and The Royle Family, how they turn ordinary settings into something timeless. I’d try to capture that same brilliant humour, with relatable characters and those awkward moments that make us laugh because we’ve all been there.
What are you most looking forward to?
Retirement. I dream of living in the middle of nowhere surrounded by fields and sheep, where no one can bother me.