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JT Engineers take home Gold at International awards

JT has won Gold and Silver awards at the International Digital Experience Awards, facing tough competition from global business giants.

The telecoms company was shortlisted for three customer experience (CX) initiatives and won Gold in the Best Use of a Digital Platform for JT’s Field Engineering Worx App which was developed in-house during the COVID-19 pandemic.   Linking the Operations Team at base to JT Engineers out working with customers, the App allowed the teams to work more efficiently and resolve issues quickly when JT’s services were in high demand.  Competition in this category came from global businesses including the Indian telecoms company Tata Communications.

JT also had two CX entries shortlisted in the Best Use of Customer Feedback category, winning Silver after coming second to international energy giants, Shell.

Sara McCarthy, Head of Channel Islands Customer Operations, presented the Worx App to the panel of judges: “I am really thrilled that the many talented people who make up our Operations Team have been recognised with a gold award for all their hard work. We started developing the App before the COVID-19 pandemic because we needed to improve the way we managed the engineering services we provide our customers. JT played a critical role in supporting the community during the pandemic and based on the real experiences of the Ops Team and our Engineers, the team were quick to adapt the App and turn it into a reliable tool so that those out in the field could concentrate on providing a great service to customers. It also reduced the amount of face-to-face contact, helping to keep JT’s people and customers safe.”

Winning silver for the ‘JT Voice’ insight panel in the Best Use of Customer Feedback category, the judges recognised the extensive work done by JT to give people the opportunity to digitally share their views and experiences, and how JT then used those learnings to improve their offerings.

Tamara O Brien, Group Head of Corporate Communications, Brand & CX, added: “Everyone has had to work together in trying circumstances over the last year and that spirit of togetherness is what shines through in the way JT’s people approach their jobs. Our people worked extremely hard to improve the technology that helps us to deliver a better customer experience. We are always learning as a business, and we really appreciate customers who take the time to give us feedback via our JT Voice customer panel, giving us vital and welcome insight into how they feel about our products and services which then helps us to continuously improve.  We now have thousands of customers on our panel and their invaluable feedback helps drive us forward.”



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JT and States of Guernsey work together to minimise disruption

The essential work due to begin later this month on La Grande Rue in St Martin is part of JT’s commitment to bring its fibre network to more parts of the community, improving the island’s critical infrastructure.

JT has worked very closely with the States’ Traffic and Highway Services (THS) team who facilitate essential works within the road through road closures and/or traffic management systems. This ensures that the island’s extensive programme of improvements, vital to the community, remains on track. The work, which will last for seven weeks, has been carefully planned and split into phases to keep disruption to a minimum.

Paul Taylor, Managing Director JT Guernsey, said: “We do understand that any disruption to our routines and lives is unwelcome, and together with the States of Guernsey we are working hard to make sure that this essential work causes as little inconvenience as possible.

The last eighteen months have shown us how vitally important it is to have good connectivity. It’s been a lifeline that has enabled us to stay connected to the outside world, to carry on working, keep in touch with isolated loved ones and enabled our children to continue learning.

Over the next year JT Guernsey will invest an additional £1.7m on top of the £16m already spent on Guernsey’s fibre network to meet the growth in demand for fast, reliable connectivity. To help Guernsey ‘Build back better’ and benefit from rapid advances in technology, some short-term disruption is unfortunately, necessary. This type of connectivity offers multiple benefits to businesses and their customers and is an essential investment if we are to  future proof our island and our local businesses. JT will be in contact with those businesses impacted to discuss the details of the road closures and also explain the benefits of the new technology. However, any business who is interested in getting connected to JT’s fibre network and taking advantage of the benefits of fibre for their business, whilst we are in the area, is encouraged to contact the JT team as soon as possible and email us gsyplanningteam@jtglobal.com.’’

Karl Guille, Director of Traffic & Highway Services, States of Guernsey said: “Roadworks are an inevitable consequence of the requirement to maintain the services that are needed by households and businesses. THS has the challenging task of endeavouring to manage the requirement to maintain vast networks of infrastructure across the island and to co-ordinate works in such a way as to minimise disruption.

“We are very aware of the traffic management and road safety impacts when the Grande Rue is closed. The work has therefore been planned for school holidays when traffic volumes are usually at their lowest. Closure of the Grande Rue, especially during term time, creates very high traffic volumes in the lanes nearby, which are less able to safely accommodate as many vehicles as the main road.

“These lanes are the routes along which primary school aged children would ordinarily be cycling and walking at the start and end of the school day. This was therefore the most significant consideration in determining the scheduled timing of the works.

“As always, we apologise for any inconvenience caused while we facilitate these works.”

The scheduled works will begin on Monday 19 July and are expected to be completed on or before Friday 3 September. The work will be split into 5 phases and while there may be times when vehicle access isn’t possible to individual properties, every effort will be made to work with property owners to keep that disruption as short as possible. All Businesses and people living in the area have already received full details of the works direct from JT Guernsey with contact details for anyone who may have questions about the planned roadworks.



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Music lovers unite to support local charity

Guernsey Cancer Support has received a significant boost in funding thanks to the generosity of music lovers who attended the recent Cobo Bay Balcony Gig sponsored by JT, where more than £1,200 was donated. As JT’s 2021 chosen charity, Guernsey Cancer Support has for the first time become a beneficiary of a select number of the Gigs.

With JT’s help, the local charity has also made various operational changes and by using the powers of technology has continued helping islanders and their families at home and away. The Channel Islands telecoms group kick-started its 12-month commitment by providing several free-roaming devices and sims that the charity’s members can use when travelling off-island for treatment, giving them one less thing to worry about.

Gill Syvret-Berboda, Chairwoman of Guernsey Cancer Support, said: ‘We were absolutely thrilled to have had the opportunity to not only raise awareness of our services but also much needed funds. Our charity is made up of volunteers and supports not only people with cancer but also their loved ones, so being part of such a wonderful event that brings the community together, is in keeping with our own values. It was incredibly humbling to see so much support from the Guernsey community.

‘It’s been a super start to our partnership, for small charities like us this is an amazing opportunity and we’re really looking forward to working with the team at JT on many other initiatives’

Tamara O’Brien, Deputy Managing Director, JT Guernsey said: ‘We are always blown away with the Guernsey community support for local charities and their genuine love for the annual Gigs, and very proud to be connected with both. Being able to combine the two and provide Guernsey Cancer Support the added benefit of exposure to a wider audience  is invaluable. For us being part of community events and groups that make a tangible difference is at the very core of who we are.

Guernsey Cancer Support relies solely on fundraising events and the generosity of the public and corporate partners. All funds raised are used on island to help those with cancer and their families access community and emotional support, information, and wellbeing advice.



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Communications boost for local cancer charity, with JT partnership

This year the JT Guernsey Team have decided to offer their support to Guernsey Cancer Support, a small charity made up of volunteers who help those living with or impacted by cancer, their families and carers.

The Channel Islands telecoms group has kick-started its 12-month commitment with a people donation of £500 and a number of free-roaming devices and sims that the Charity’s members can use when travelling off-island for treatment, giving them one less thing to worry about.

Gill Syvret-Berboda, Chairwoman of Guernsey Cancer Support, said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to JT Guernsey for choosing us as their charity of the year. Like so many other charities, it has been a difficult 12 months particularly during the lockdown periods when we were unable to hold our monthly meetings or spend time with members and give support to those affected by cancer.  

‘Improving connectivity will enable us to help our members who are travelling off-island for critical treatment to stay in touch with loved ones. This is going to make a huge difference to us and all the people who use our services.  A team like JT, that is clearly passionate about being part of what we do, is already making a difference and means so much to us.’

Tamara O’Brien, Deputy Managing Director, JT Guernsey said: “Unfortunately, one in two people will be affected by cancer in some way, and the chances are we all know someone, likely more than one person, who has been affected in some way by this disease.

“For this reason alone, we are all fully committed to supporting Guernsey Cancer Support as they care for our loved ones. It’s very important to us that we get involved with causes which are dedicated to helping others because without additional support, especially in difficult times, many services would not be so readily available.”

Helping local charities and initiatives is embedded into JT’s culture; it’s a great way to bring people together and give back to the communities we serve.

Throughout 2021, JT will focus their support on charities which helps people living with cancer and their families. The Guernsey office has chosen Guernsey Cancer Support and the team in Jersey will partner with Macmillan Jersey to make the best use of JT’s expertise to help develop digital patient services and to make a positive impact where it is most needed.



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Jersey talent stands tall next to the world’s largest businesses

JT’s frontline Customer Experience teams are up against some of the biggest business names from the business world after being chosen as finalists in two categories at the International Digital Experience Awards.

Two of JT’s customer experience (CX) initiatives have been shortlisted twice in the Best Use of Customer Feedback category, and JT’s Field Engineering Worx App, developed in-house, during the COVID-19 pandemic to help digitise the case management for JT Engineers, is in the running for the Best Use of a Digital Platform.

Both CX entries are competing in the same category as the global energy giant Shell and the Indian telecoms company Tata Communications.

The winners will be announced on 22 July after presenting their initiatives in full to a distinguished panel of judges from around the world.

Graeme Millar, JT’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I’m so proud of the individuals whose hard work, dedication and brilliance shine a light on Jersey. It’s not the first time our Customer Experience teams have been up against some of the biggest names in the world of business, so we understand the challenges of being measured alongside these brands and are delighted to be recognised as their peer. It really demonstrates, that our local talent is up there amongst the best and how technology and the use of digital channels is improving the customer experience.”

Tamara O’Brien, Group Head of Corporate Communications, Brand & CX , said: “Making the shortlist with not just one, but three entries is a fantastic achievement and I’m so thrilled that our people are being recognised for their genuine dedication to providing great customer service. They did that while we were all facing daily challenges during the pandemic, at a time when what we do best suddenly became essential, every JT team member played a key role in keeping our community connected.’’

The International Digital Experience Awards recognise innovation and best practice as millions of people moved to becoming digital-first customers during 2020 and 2021.



Aerial photo of Cobo Bay Hotel
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Balcony Gigs to return in the 10th year of JT support

With news of the Government’s roadmap for exiting lockdown, Cobo Bay Hotel have announced that their popular Balcony Gigs will return this summer with an exciting line-up for Guernsey music lovers. The Big Band Collective will kick off the series of six gigs starting on Sunday 2 May, marking 10 years since JT began sponsoring the now legendary, and much anticipated, annual Balcony Gigs.

On the line-up, which will continue through the summer until the August Bank Holiday weekend, are tributes to world famous international acts such as AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac and Oasis, supported by amazing local bands,  many of whom are now firm favourites on the Cobo stage.

Organisers will stay in close contact with the health authorities to make sure the gigs comply with all restrictions in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone attending and contributing to each event.

Tamara O’Brien, JT’s Deputy Managing Director in Guernsey, said: “Living through the recent lockdown, we have all had a reminder of the things we miss the most, and one of those is probably having the chance to get together with family and friends to enjoy live music. The Cobo Bay gigs provided a massive boost for our community in 2020 when we were lucky enough to be the only place in the British Isles able to hold live music events. Which is why, as we emerge from lockdown, we are pleased to have this opportunity to confirm our support and our renewed sponsorship of these gigs, given what has been an extremely challenging time for all those in the hospitality sector. Guernsey has a really proud tradition of supporting this industry who do so much to enrich our lives. I know I’m not alone in counting down the days for The 2021 Summer Balcony Gigs to kick off,  with a line-up of amazing musical talent who can’t wait to perform.”

Another great Guernsey tradition is supporting local charities, especially now when fundraising has been so difficult for them. There will be a collection at every event in support of the Guernsey Cheshire Home and Guernsey Cancer Support. Each gig will be live streamed across JT’s social media channels so they can be enjoyed by people everywhere.

David Nussbaumer, organiser of Cobo Bay Hotel’s Balcony Gigs, said: “The ongoing support from JT in conjunction with the extra financial assistance received from Ravenscroft this year has ensured the continued success of our Summer Balcony Gigs.  We’re also celebrating a ten-year partnership with JT that we very much value, and look forward to working closely together to bring the carnival atmosphere to Cobo Bay this summer. I really can’t wait to look down on all those happy faces enjoying the true spirit of the Guernsey summer.”



Angus Flett - JT
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Former BT Executive added to the JT Board

A former BT executive who helped the organisation achieve a world number one ranking for customer services has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director of JT.

Angus Flett is the CEO of Smart Data Communications Company, he has an extensive background in telecoms, including roles in product management, marketing and service operations. He held a senior role at Vodaphone, where he was Senior Vice President for Global Enterprise Products.

While at BT, Angus was the Managing Director of Customer Service and Customer Relationship Management, where he was instrumental in BT’s world number one ranking for agent technical expertise and number two for agent responsiveness. He was also responsible for BT’s Internet Service Provider division which was the fifth largest white-label ISP in the UK, providing services to EE, Vodaphone, Post Office and SSE.

Angus Flett said: “JT’s reputation among much larger businesses in the UK and overseas is already excellent and that reputation is growing rapidly. It is a forward-looking company that is doing remarkable things in the Channel Islands and around the world. That’s why I wanted to join the JT Board, and I’m delighted to be working with such a creative, ambitious and diverse company. What impresses me more though is how well embedded JT is in its community. This was demonstrated this year when it won Silver at the UK Customer Experience Awards, beating BT in its category, I might add. Listening to customers and acting on their feedback to develop products and services shows JT is a company that is moving forward and taking its core customers with them.”

JT Chairman, Phil Male, said: “We are really fortunate that we are able to attract people with such a broad level of experience in senior management as Angus. His leadership at some of the world’s most well know telecoms companies will be a huge asset to the JT Board and will no doubt help with our long-term vision for growth and sustainability both in the Channel Islands and internationally. The business world is facing uncertainty at the moment, but this appointment will further strengthen the ability of the Board to oversee JT’s operations and services.”

Graeme Millar, CEO JT Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome someone of Angus’s calibre to JT. His expertise and experience will greatly bolster JT’s long-term plans and strategies. It is also hugely beneficial that he comes from a background of customer service and customer relationship management, an area that is very important to us and our people as we continue to provide and receive positive customer experience feedback, which is crucial to the success of our business.”



JT electric car
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JT vehicles to go all electric within next few years

JT has become the latest large company to begin replacing its vehicle fleet with zero emission alternatives. Ten years ago, it was hard to imagine being able to drive more than a few miles in an electric vehicle, on a single charge – today it is very different and with an ever-growing network of charging facilities, more and more Channel Islands businesses are making the transition from fossil-fuel to low carbon electric transport.

JT have begun their transition by purchasing ten Nissan electric vehicles, starting by replacing the oldest of JT’s fleet of Suzuki vans, supporting their goal of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2030.

Tom Noel, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, said: “JT has one of the largest commercial fleets in Jersey, with almost 100 cars used daily by our engineers. Our aim is to not only replace all petrol and diesel vehicles but to reduce the number of vehicles on our roads, supporting that with charging points in key locations. As a business that has placed sustainability at the heart of everything we do, we’ve made initiatives like this a key priority of our Sustainability Strategy over the next decade.”

The EV’s may be new to JT but all have been bought at auctions having previously been used by councils in Scotland in keeping with JT’s policy to reuse, reduce and recycle wherever possible.

JT’s people are key participants and drivers of JT’s sustainability programme with many of their ideas now being adopted companywide, including going 100% paperless for note taking by using Rocketbook Fusion notebooks, re-usable water bottles, a solar panelled building and an employee voucher scheme for e-bikes.

‘Moments of global crisis often lead to historical change and the recovery from the pandemic presents a huge opportunity for Governments, businesses and individuals to put action on climate at the heart of their efforts,” said Tom.



Reed Conservation Tom Noel
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JT support for National Trust conservation

A team of volunteers from JT have joined others reconnecting with their island’s natural beauty last week swapping their desks for a day of volunteering for the National Trust in Jersey.  The team helped maintain bird hides and reed beds in St Ouen.

Six members of JT’s new sustainability team supported the Trust with habitat restoration and enhancement of the bird hides and reeds at Les Mielles de Morville. It’s part of JT’s commitment to our local environment and community and our desire to help support the wellbeing of islanders.

Jon Parkes, Lands Manager for the National Trust for Jersey, said: “Like everyone, the Trust has had an unusual year with plenty of challenges, but we are lucky enough to work with lots of corporate partners and groups. This year has seen the countryside, including National Trust sites, busier than ever, as people rediscovered the island they knew and discovered parts they never knew existed. We are delighted that people are reconnecting with nature and really valuing what we have here in Jersey. Support for the Trust from local businesses like JT is really meaningful. Especially in difficult times like these, when we all need to work together for the benefit of our community and island.”

The National Trust is continuing with its busy programme of conservation and management work at its sites across the island.

Tom Noel, JT’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability said: “JT is actively pursuing our new strategy which puts our planet, our people and our community at the heart of everything we do. It’s not only about reducing carbon emissions, it’s also about how our people are embracing sustainability, coming up with their own ideas for green initiatives and supporting local organisations such as the National Trust. Seeing our volunteers so passionate on such a worthwhile project like this, demonstrates their genuine commitment to making a real difference. These projects are great for team building, exposing people to new experiences and really helping to keep our environment at the forefront of all our minds, helping to maintain and protect our island for future generations – plus, it’s something we really enjoyed.”



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JT host virtual breakfast with Santa

It’s been a year where many of us have had to adapt and it’s no different in the North Pole where Santa and his trusty team have embraced technology and come up with new ways to see and hear from children all over the world.

Sadly, Santa can’t make his usual stop at the JT shop this year, so he and his busy Elves have teamed up with JT to provide a live feed to Santa’s home on Facebook making sure children across the Channel Islands won’t miss out.

Mrs Claus, who manages Santa’s very tight schedule has come up with a great idea. To make sure no time is lost making presents, Santa and his elves will chat to children while they take a break for breakfast. It will be a chance for parents to gather their little ones between 9:30 and 10:30 on each of the Sunday’s – 6th, 13th and 20th – in December to speak to Santa who will be live from his home in the North Pole, sharing in the magic of Christmas together.

Tamara O’Brien, Group Head of Marketing, Brand and Customer Experience, said: “Meeting Santa is one of the most magical experiences children can have at Christmas. It’s an annual tradition that we had to help make happen and we were so pleased when together with Santa’s team we found a solution so that local children can see and speak to Santa virtually. Things may look a little different this year, but we are so pleased that we can help keep everyone connected this Christmas.”

Parents and children will be able to type their questions and present requests live on the Facebook stream and, with the help of one of his elves, Santa will respond.

There is no need to book. Simply register interest via Facebook Live events on the JTSocial page. Reminders and updates will be sent to those that register.