Comms National Awards 2024 triple winner and Reseller of the Year Uplands OneTelco CEO Paul Hooper is clear on his motivations, goals and priorities.
The telecoms industry is at a turning point, and those who combine innovation with sustainability and CX will lead the next wave of transformation, believes Hooper. “AI and sustainability solutions are the key trends that drive our focus on the art of the possible and greener technologies,” he stated. “These areas, and the evolution of our differentiating CX level will shape our future strategy. Customer demand for value and becoming more planet focused is also influencing our work at The People’s Operator. We see this proposition getting much stronger over the coming years.”
As a business leader, Hooper is clear on his immediate priorities and longer-term objectives. “Let’s start with what truly matters: Health, family and friends – those are non-negotiable,” he said. “If you’re not taking care of yourself, the people closest to you and the relationships that give life meaning, then what are you doing all this for? On a personal level, maintaining a balance and making time for the things that fuel me outside of work is priority number one.”
Turning to business, Hooper’s focus is just as crystal clear. “It’s about continuing to deliver what our customers need right now – we take them from where they are to where they want to be,” he added. “The world of technology is moving faster than ever and with the advancements in AI it’s only going to speed up. This means focusing on emerging technologies, especially IoT where we see massive potential.
“Longer term, it’s about evolution, not revolution. We’re looking at new ways to solve old problems, but at the core, it’s always going to be about CX and putting customers first. After 45 years, you can definitely say we’re playing the long game, building a company that’s not just successful but sustainable for our people and the planet – all with vision and purpose.”
Uplands is currently targeting key sectors like retail, manufacturing and media. Its strategic partnerships include VMO2, Vodafone, Gamma, Giacom, Xelion and Pangea. “Our goal is to lead in these services and solutions,” added Hooper. “Future growth will also come from greater 5G deployment as well as the work we are doing on automation and integration. And there’s an opportunity to add advanced service and analytics to our portfolio.”
Strong pedigree
The strategic foresight displayed by Hooper was also a defining characteristic of Uplands OneTelco from the outset. The company began its commercial life in 1979 when two partners, Elwyn Jones and Tony Parker, founded the business as Uplands Car Radios initially focused on selling car stereos. The company soon became a familiar name across Wales and the west country, providing audio solutions for vehicles. In 1985 it expanded into the telecommunications sector as a Cellnet Advance Partner, marking its first steps into mobile communications. By the 1990s Uplands had introduced prepaid mobile phones to the UK market. Then Hooper joined the firm in 1993 and quickly became involved in propelling that transformation, helping to drive the prepaid mobile phone market and working on cutting-edge projects like satellite navigation systems for major clients, including the NHS and Blue Light Services.
If you’re not taking care of yourself, the people closest to you and the relationships that give life meaning, then what are you doing all this for?
“This blend of hands-on experience with emerging technologies and a deep commitment to customer-focused solutions laid the foundation for my role today as CEO of Uplands OneTelco,” he stated. “I draw on those experiences daily and always have a focus on making technology simple and accessible to empower growth.”
It was back in 2008 when Hooper became MD and purchased the company. “Deciding to buy the business when I had little to no experience and absolutely no cash in the bank was a big risk,” he stated. “I had to remortgage my house and commit to working tirelessly to make it succeed. Knowing that everything was on the line for something I believed in forced me to focus all my attention and energy. It was a huge leap of faith, but that level of risk really drives you to push beyond your limits and make things happen.”
Just one month after Hooper acquired Uplands the global financial crisis hit and to say the impact was an exacting personal test for Hooper would be to greatly understate the trial that lay ahead of him. “That was a challenge, not just of the business but of me personally,” he added. “We could have crumbled but instead we doubled down, adapted and pushed through. I genuinely enjoy taking on new challenges and believe in throwing myself fully into everything I do, whether it’s work or personal pursuits. I have a passion for learning and growth and take pride in continuously honing my skills.”
Another major milestone was reached when Uplands sold its car audio division which, as mentioned, had been part of the company from the start. “We had to focus all our efforts on the telco industry,” stated Hooper. “That move allowed us to fully commit to becoming one of the UK’s leading B2B and enterprise comms providers. Looking ahead, I want Uplands OneTelco to be known more for what we are now, a customer focused telco partner with a boutique approach and the reach of a giant punching well above our weight. We’ll get there by scaling strategically, leveraging our partnerships, respecting our people, our planet and our customers – and by having lots of fun along the way.”
Just a minute with Paul Hooper...
Role model:
My dad, who I sadly lost when I was in my 20s, but he made the biggest impact on my life. He was a hard working, loving and caring individual with a great sense of humour. He taught me the importance of knowing right from wrong, being honest and always treating people with respect. His influence continues to guide me every day.
Your main strength and what could you work on?
My vision and leadership are strong, but I need to work on delegating more.
Three ideal dinner guests:
Elon Musk for his innovation and to find out what he is really like. David Attenborough, why wouldn’t you? He and I went head-to-head a few years ago for a sustainability in tech award – he won of course. And my wife Sophie, she is my perfect dinner date.
If you weren’t in ICT what would you be doing?
I spent a lot of my youth surfing on the Cornwall and north Devon coast and always had a dream of owning a surf shack, selling coffees and renting surfboards. That would have been a perfect alternative path for me.
What do you fear most?
Stagnation and complacency, they kill growth.
What talent do you wish you had?
I play the guitar and piano and wish I could take my musical abilities to the next level.
The biggest risk you have taken:
Buying the business when I had little to no experience and absolutely no cash in the bank.
Tell us something about yourself we don’t know:
I am a 5th Degree Taekwondo Martial Arts and personal self-defence instructor. I have my own school and train about 40 students twice a week.
Your biggest career achievement:
Building Uplands OneTelco into a multi-award winning company while maintaining a focus on our customers.
One example of something you have overcome:
I worked hard to overcome my discomfort with heights by pushing myself into situations outside my comfort zone. A prime example was when I abseiled down Avon Gorge in Somerset for a press release while wearing a business suit and carrying a briefcase.
In hindsight:
I’d probably have taken bigger risks to accelerate growth earlier.
How do you relax?
Spending time with my family, walking the dog, seeing to the chickens, playing guitar and hitting people at Taekwondo!
Your favourite comedian and comedienne?
Josh Pugh and Katherine Ryan are ace.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given:
Always have vision and purpose – and mind the gap.
What are today’s leadership priorities?
First and foremost I am here to provide the team with vision and purpose. Innovation, agility and people-focused leadership are also priorities. Being fast is important... get it done, don’t hang around. Continued success comes from empowering teams, adapting to change and staying customer-focused all the time.
Industry bugbear:
We need to focus more on sustainability by pushing for greener technologies and making refurbished devices more mainstream. And we need to talk in plain English – drop the jargon and acronyms.
Top tip for resellers:
Focus on your customer, build long-term relationships, never get complacent, be honest and reliable.