CODE OF CONDUCT

This code is intended to state publicly how we will act in the conduct of our business.  We value our customer relationships highly and will endeavour to do everything possible to ensure that our customers are delighted with the services that we provide.

About Blake Telecom

Blake Telecom specialises in providing, installing and maintaining digital telephone systems in addition to discounted line rentals and call rates to customers.  With its headquarters in Darlington, the company continues to grow in sales, marketing, technical and administrative roles.

Established in 2004, Blake Telecom has enjoyed outstanding growth resulting in partnerships with Siemens, Panasonic, LG/Ericsson and Samsung therefore our product portfolio is fully capable of servicing every client’s needs for their services.

About this code

This Code of Conduct has been written in response to the General Condition of Entitlement (GC) 14.2 and GC 14.4 (Codes of Practice and Dispute Resolution) as set out in sections 52 to 55 of the Communications Act 2003.

The processes described in this document are in constant review to ensure best practice by Blake Telecom’s employees, thereby ensuring corporate responsibility, quality assurance and satisfaction amongst our developing customer base.

Our Services

• Supply of telephone equipment including telephone systems, handsets and mobile telephones.
• Installation and maintenance of telephone equipment and systems.
• On site and remote technical support.
• Line rental and provision of access to communications networks for the routing of the telephone calls.
• Supply of non-geographic telephone numbers.
• Broadband services.
• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions.
• Provision of computer software and hardware for managing telephone communications systems such as Voice Recording, On-Hold Marketing, Call management systems and Voicemail systems.
• Provision and set up of Computer Telephony Integration (CTI).

Pricing

Our equipment pricing is dependent on a variety of factors including:

• Number of extensions
• Period of lease
• Quantity and nature of additional equipment
• Whether installation, maintenance, line rental or call routing etc is included.

Cancellation of Services

Customers are entitled to cancel services in writing at any time. If this is prior to completion of the agreed contract period, early termination charges will apply, calculated in accordance with the terms set out in individual contracts. Detailed advice can be obtained on 08000 126636.

Equipment Warranty

All telephone equipment is supplied with a 12 month warranty. If this equipment is faulty, it will be replaced free of charge within the first twelve months following installation. Equipment supplied from other manufacturers will be sold with a warranty period equivalent to that offered by the manufacturer.

All customers are given the opportunity to sign a maintenance contract for their telephone equipment. This gives an extended warranty and covers all charges for faulty equipment replacement and engineering charges during the term of the contract.

Maintenance and Repairs

Technical enquiries are logged upon receipt of a telephone call, email, or via our web site.  Depending on complexity they may be dealt with upon first contact or placed in a queue to be dealt with by call back in order of priority.

The level of service offered and response times are constantly monitored to ensure that customers receive a prompt efficient and professional response to all enquiries.  During office hours, we aim to consistently achieve an initial response to all technical problems within an hour of notification.

Access to Services

Blake Telecom predominantly relies on proactive telemarketing calls coupled with digital marketing to arrange appointments for sales representatives. The company has also experienced great success with a referral scheme whereby existing customers recommend associate businesses that would benefit from our services.

Customers can discover more information regarding the range of services available from Blake Telecom, including our full list of terms and conditions, on our website www.blake-telecom .co.uk.

Complaint Handling Process

The Blake Telecom’s Complaint Handling Process ensures that any complaints are rigorously examined and their validity established. Corrective actions can then be assigned as necessary to prevent similar instances from occurring and to provide a better service to the client.

The complaints procedure applies to any activities that are suggested by a customer to be of an unsatisfactory standard. Any complaint received from a customer concerning the actions taken by Blake Telecom shall be entered into our database and, if it cannot be resolved at departmental level, will be escalated referred to a member of our Customer Services Team.

The Customer Services Team member will discuss the complaint with the customer and liaise with the head of the department concerned and fully investigate the claims made. Activity on the account may be suspended pending investigation and response to the complaint. The Customer Service team member and the head of the department concerned will investigate and implement corrective action as required.

The management of complaints is monitored to ensure that all cases are handled within a suitable time period and that a satisfactory resolution with the client is reached. All actions taken in investigation and resolving customer complaints are recorded on the customer database. All correspondence is stored on file.

In the event that a customer is dissatisfied with the outcome, the complaint will be escalated to a senior Director who will seek further to resolve any remaining issues. In the event that we are unable to resolve a complaint to our mutual satisfaction we actively refer the complaint to Ombudsman Services.

Analysis of the complaints can identify if subsequent complaints relate to areas that should have been addressed by previous corrective actions. Instances where complaints still arise after corrective action has been implemented are reported to the Board of Directors.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Procedure

If the complainant remains dissatisfied with our response we will encourage the complainant to contact the telecommunications dispute resolution organisation, Ombudsman Services, for an independent assessment and assistance with obtaining a satisfactory resolution of the matter.

Contact details for Ombudsman Services are as follows.

Ombudsman Services:
Communications, The Brew House, Wilderspool Park, Greenall’s Avenue, Warrington, WA4 6HL
www.ombudsman-services.org

Compensations or Refunds

Where it is apparent that we have overcharged a customer in error we will issue an immediate refund upon customer request. The full extent of our liability for direct or indirect costs, loss of profit or goodwill is clearly set out in the contract documentation which is signed by every customer at point of sale. Customers should refer to their Order Form terms and conditions for further details.

In the event of a billing error, we will immediately investigate upon notification by our customer and if appropriate, will rectify the error on the next invoice. Full itemisation of call charges is available at an additional cost.

Annual maintenance contract charges are invoiced prior to each anniversary of contract commencement. Payment must be made prior to the annual renewal date in order to ensure service continuity.

Other invoices are despatched as and when other services are provided. Except by prior arrangement, these are payable upon completion of the work to which the charges relate. We endeavour to ensure that invoices provide a clear explanation of the nature of the charges and due date.

Customer Rights

We aim to ensure that the terms and conditions under which we trade are clearly communicated to our customers at point of sale. We always provide customers with a copy of all contractual documentation that they have signed at the time of sale.

We maintain a database of customer information. We comply with all aspects of the Data Protection Act 1998.  Customers may request a copy of the information that we hold about their business.

Blake Telecom often acts as an introducer to financial intermediaries in order to assist with their telephone equipment purchases. We are committed to ensuring that the companies with whom we work fully comply with the provisions of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 as well as maintaining our own Consumer Credit Licence.

Communication with Customers

We value regular communication with our customers and wish to receive feedback about the quality of our service as well as suggestions as to how we can improve our service or offer alternative products and services that our customers would value.

We are happy to receive feedback by telephone call, letter or via e‐mail. Appropriate contact details can be found on the “Contact” page of our website at www.blake-telecom .co.uk.

Rather than sit back and wait for our customers to contact us, we pro-actively seek to speak to our customers. We believe that this pro‐activity ensures that we have an improved understanding of our customers’ requirements and can constantly work to ensure that we are providing the service that they need.

When contacting new customers, Blake Telecom is committed to fully complying with the TPS scheme, which allows companies and individuals to opt out of receiving unsolicited telephone calls. All telephone calls both inbound and out bound are recorded for quality monitoring and staff training.

Blake Telecom strives to be compliant with all regulatory requirements for its industry.  By training and monitoring our people, auditing and updating our policies and processes so that they reflect current regulations, we consistently ensure we are fully compliant.

Distribution of this Code

This code will be distributed internally within Blake Telecom via the company intranet and within new staff training material.

The code will be made available to the public externally free of charge via our website www.blake-telecom .co.uk in text form or downloadable PDF file.

Contact Details

Company Name: Blake Telecom Ltd

Registered Office:
Blake House, 131 Stooperdale Avenue, Darlington, Co Durham. DL3 0UD

Tel: 08448 545424

Email: info@blake-telecom .co.uk
Web: www.blake-telecom .co.uk