Hull telecoms firms forge strategic partnership

Two Hull-based telecommunications businesses have joined forces in a strategic partnership aimed at simplifying connectivity services and supporting future growth.

Bright Edge Networks has partnered with Cobus Communications, one of the city’s longest-established independent business communications providers, following the migration of a substantial portfolio of Cobus’ KCOM wholesale connectivity services onto Bright Edge’s Beacon platform.

The agreement brings together two businesses with longstanding connections to Hull’s telecommunications sector, while marking another step in Bright Edge’s expansion of its wholesale partner network across the UK.

Established in 1991, Cobus has spent more than three decades providing telecommunications and technology solutions to businesses across Hull and beyond.

The partnership will allow Cobus to manage its migrated connectivity services through a single wholesale provider, replacing its previous direct arrangements with KCOM Wholesale.

Using Bright Edge’s Beacon platform, the company can check network availability, generate customer quotations, place orders and oversee its service portfolio through one online system.

Sam Hales, sales director at Bright Edge Networks, said: “Working with Cobus is particularly exciting for us because they’re a business with such a strong history in Hull and an established reputation for looking after their customers.

“We’re both passionate about delivering great service, and this partnership brings together that shared approach with the technology we’ve developed through Beacon.

“Completing the migration of Cobus’ connectivity portfolio has been a significant project for both businesses, and it’s fantastic to see them now benefiting from a much simpler way of managing their wholesale services.”

The platform also incorporates a support ticketing service, enabling Cobus to manage customer enquiries and technical issues while Bright Edge handles communications and escalations with the underlying network providers.

This arrangement will reduce administrative demands, simplify service management and allow Cobus to focus more closely on supporting customers and developing its business.

Emma Waudby, commercial director at Cobus Communications, added: “Moving a significant portion of our Hull connectivity portfolio across to Bright Edge has given us a much simpler way to manage our local wholesale services.

“Beacon brings everything together in one place, from checking availability and preparing customer quotations through to placing orders and managing support requests.

“Having Bright Edge as our single point of contact also means we can spend less time dealing with different wholesale processes and more time focusing on our customers.”

The partnership builds on Hull’s established telecommunications heritage, with both companies looking to combine their local expertise with opportunities in the wider national market.

For Bright Edge, the agreement forms part of a broader strategy to provide managed service providers, IT businesses and telecommunications resellers with simplified access to wholesale connectivity.

Its Beacon platform brings together services from multiple UK networks, including full fibre broadband, leased lines and other business connectivity products, alongside hosted voice, SIP trunking and Internet of Things solutions.

By consolidating these services, Bright Edge aims to help partners expand their offerings without having to manage separate relationships with multiple network operators.

The company is also developing additional commercial support for its wholesale partners, including marketing resources, product information and collaborative promotional activities designed to help businesses reach new customers.

Sam added: “Our relationship with partners goes well beyond providing access to a wholesale platform.

“We want to work closely with businesses like Cobus to help them grow, whether that’s through simplifying their day-to-day operations, expanding their service offering or supporting their marketing activities.”

The approach is intended to support long-term relationships while giving partners greater flexibility to develop their services and pursue new revenue opportunities.

Emma added: “What’s particularly encouraging is that Bright Edge is interested in supporting us beyond the day-to-day delivery of connectivity.

“We’re looking forward to working together on joint marketing initiatives that will help us reach new customers, raise awareness of our services and build on the strong relationships we’ve established over the years.

“We’re pleased to be working with another Hull-based business and look forward to developing the partnership further.”

Bright Edge is continuing to invest in its Beacon platform, with further improvements planned around automation, service management and the range of connectivity products available.

The Cobus agreement is expected to provide a foundation for further collaboration as both businesses seek to strengthen their positions in the telecommunications market.

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