Business telecommunications provider, Focus Group, dialled into the needs of its local community by providing NHS workers and vulnerable people with free meals from its canteen during the pandemic. Despite the global health crisis, it also continued holding regular fundraising events for its charity of the year Chailey Heritage Foundation which supports young people with complex disabilities.

Founded in 2004 by Ralph Gilbert and Chris Goodman, Focus Group began trading from a tiny office in Hove Technology Centre, with just enough room for three desks, a white-board and a kettle. Its products centred on the re-sale of voice minutes, commonly referred to as “calls and lines” complimented by sales of telephone systems and broadband via strategic partners through direct sales and a reseller community and it took the opportunity to diversify its portfolio with complementary products and services.

Today the privately-owned enterprise, has an annual turnover in excess of £60m, delivers a range of services including managed services, IT support, security and energy. Based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, it employs more than 400 people in offices throughout the UK and provides telecommunications solutions to more than 15,000 organisations.

Its staffing policy is simple; finding good staff is one of the biggest challenges, so when you find them, keep them.

The company ethos is built on respect, integrity, ambition and teamwork. New ideas are encouraged and its regular Focus Fun events encourage collaboration and help people get to know each other better.