Telecoms should be straightforward. You sign a contract, pay a fixed amount, and get a service that supports your business. But for many small businesses in the UK, that’s no longer the case. Telecoms costs are fast becoming a hidden expense that’s draining budgets, increasing stress, and tying businesses into contracts they never meant to sign.
If you’re confused by your telecom bills, locked into a long contract, or paying over the odds for basic services, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to put up with it.
We’ll break down what’s really happening, why so many small businesses are struggling, and how Labyrinth can help you take back control of your telecoms and IT support.
Telecommunications refers to the services and equipment your business uses to communicate. This includes phone systems, broadband, mobile contracts, and related software or hardware. For most small businesses, having reliable telecoms is essential. It keeps you connected to your clients, your team, and the services you rely on.
But while the technology has improved, the contracts behind it have become more complex. A simple monthly cost can quickly become a long-term financial burden if you don’t fully understand the contract terms.
A recent investigation by the BBC revealed that thousands of small businesses across the UK are being charged inflated telecom prices through lengthy finance deals. These deals often involve renting phones or equipment at a price that far exceeds their value, and many business owners say they weren’t fully aware of what they were signing up for.
One example is Gary Pride, who runs a small graphic design business in Bradford. He’s now paying over £54,000 to rent just five phones and some basic software. The stress of these payments has affected his health and nearly pushed his business to the brink.
Mr Pride, like many others, received an initial offer with a low monthly fee. This followed by a steep increase after a two-year “introductory period”. When the bills soared, he felt he had no choice but to renew. This added more years and more debt to the original agreement.
These contracts often involve third-party finance companies, and many small business owners say the sales pitch didn’t match the actual contract. Some were rushed into signing, weren’t told about extra charges, or were encouraged to agree to upgrades that only made the situation worse.
Experts told the BBC that some companies were charging “outrageous” prices for these systems, selling basic phone services at many times the industry standard. They also charged customers for features like call logs and maintenance, even though other providers often include these services as standard.
To make matters worse, business contracts don’t come with the same protections as consumer ones. Without a cooling-off period, many businesses remain tied in for five to seven years, with no affordable way to exit early.
At Labyrinth Technology, we work with small and medium-sized businesses across London and beyond, helping them take control of their telecom and IT services. We’ve seen these problems first-hand, and we know how damaging they can be, not just financially, but emotionally too.
Here’s how we help.
At Labyrinth, we start by assessing your current telecom setup in detail. We review your contracts to spot any hidden fees or confusing terms. Many small businesses don’t realise they’re tied into costly leasing deals or end up with duplicate contracts through “upgrades.” We help you understand exactly what you’re paying for and where you might be overpaying.
Next, we recommend smarter telecom options tailored to your business. Using our expertise with VoIP phone systems and trusted providers like 8×8, we deliver solutions that offer clear, transparent pricing and the flexibility you need. Additionally, we design a cloud-based phone system or upgrade your current setup to deliver the best fit without unnecessary costs.
We integrate your telecom services into your wider IT strategy. We set budgets that work for you, monitor contract timelines, and help prevent sudden price hikes. On top of that, we provide ongoing support and maintenance, so you get reliable service and don’t have to worry about day-to-day telecom issues.
Our goal is to give you peace of mind and control over your telecom expenses. With the right advice and modern, reliable technology like Labyrinth’s VoIP solutions, you can stop wasting money and focus on growing your business, not stressing over your phone bill.
It’s clear the telecoms industry still has work to do. Regulators like Ofcom are starting to take notice, and new rules on pricing transparency are coming in 2025. But until then, small businesses need to be proactive and aware of their telecoms costs.
If you’re worried about your telecoms costs, or just want someone to take a proper look at your setup, get in touch. At Labyrinth, we offer honest advice and real solutions. Whether you’re based in London or further afield, we’re here to help.
Telecoms should support your business, not hold it back. Let us show you how.
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