About JT

Annual Review for 2016: Another strong year for JT

JT Group today (6 June) publishes its Annual Review for 2016. This shows a 14% increase in operating profit on the previous year. Therefore, 2016 was a strong year with gross profit rising by 1% to £90.7m, mainly generated by JT’s highly successful international machine-to-machine1 business, enabling JT to deliver a healthy dividend back to its ultimate owners, the people of Jersey. The dividend paid to the States of Jersey increased from £4.1m to £5.5m.

In 2016, Jersey consolidated its position as one of the most connected places on earth. With 84% of broadband customers directly connected to fibre. Therefore, the Island is now in second place in the world, and in first place in Europe, in terms of the percentage of broadband homes directly connected to super-fast, fibre-optic services.

JT’s super-fast 4G mobile networks in Jersey and Guernsey also became, officially, the fastest in the Channel Islands, as verified by Speedtest by Ookla, the world’s most popular internet performance testing service.

Growth in International Business

The year saw considerable growth in JT’s international business, which now accounts for 65% of the company’s revenue. A particular focus is the Internet of Things (IoT), which is not only an exciting emerging global technology but also allows JT to utilise the 600+ roaming agreements it has with other operators around the world. JT SIM cards now connect more than one million devices worldwide. The division charged with developing the company’s international business – JT Wholesale – grew by 29% in 2016.

Closer to home, the IoT is enabling JT to offer new communications technologies to its customers in Jersey. In December, the company launched the Channel Islands’ first low-power radio network (‘LoRa’), which allows devices to share data securely.

1. Machine to Machine (or M2M): direct communication between devices via a mobile network.
2. Internet of Things: A system of interrelated devices that have the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
3. LoRa (LongRange): A wide area, low frequency radio network for wireless battery-operated devices that requires very little power to run. It is ideally suited for simple and regular data transfer, such as monitoring air pollution.

A Strong Set of Results

JT CEO, Graeme Millar, commented: “Against a background of intense competition and global uncertainty, this is a strong set of results. 2016 was a year of investment, diversification, relationship-building and growth in areas that we believe will offer substantial returns for many years to come.

“The most obvious is the continuing roll out of our Gigabit project in Jersey. With 84% of broadband customers now having fibre connected directly to their homes, we are extremely close to all broadband households having a superfast connection to the internet. The significance of this milestone should not be under-estimated and we expect to finish connecting practically all broadband households to fibre within the next 12 months.

“This set of results is also dependent on our customers and I thank them for their loyalty and engagement. Their willingness to work in partnership with us helps JT to provide the services they need to remain connected.

Always Improving

“Although last year’s performance across the Group was strong, we know we have much more to achieve, and have already been working hard in 2017 to make sure our service is always improving.”

JT Group Chairman, John Stares, added: “I would like to thank the team for their hard work in delivering this solid set of results for 2016, which means we have increased our value to our shareholder through a healthily increased dividend.

“JT’s international growth is impressive but it in no way means that the company is less committed to our Channel Islands’ home. On the contrary, growing revenues internationally not only means that we can invest more in our local network, it also means that our shareholder has extra funds to invest in essential infrastructure and services.”

ENDS

Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email
julien@directinput.je for more information.

CEO Graeme Millar is available for interview from 1430 on Tuesday 6 June. Please contact Julien to arrange. To see a copy of JT’s 2016 Annual Review & Financial statements visit: www.jtglobal.com/annualreview

NOTES TO EDITORS
JT is a full-service Tier-1 global consumer and business enterprise provider based in the Channel Islands with over 120 years’ experience. JT offers a domestic and global customer base a range of world-class services including; voice and data; consultancy; co-location; leading-edge data hosting; internet; security; cloud back-up; fixed and mobile technologies; e-Gaming; M2M (see footnote); cloud services, fully managed IT services; and wholesale solutions. Hence, across 11 global locations, JT employs over 600 staff. These staff provide products and services to over one million global consumer subscribers. Also to 2,177 active business customers. JT has an international presence across Europe, Asia and the United States that has aided its evolution in becoming a leading supplier in roaming services.

How much is that doggie in the window? Pug-love kicks off JT’s 2017 charity campaign

A cardboard cut-out of a Pug dog on display in the window of JT’s Queen Street store has been auctioned off. This has kick-started JT’s 2017 charity campaign to support charities linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

On social media the two-dimensional dog generated a lot of interest on JT’s Facebook page. 100’s of followers asked if they could have the two-foot pooch once it had finished its duty of promoting JT’s New JT One campaign.

JT decided to auction off the pug on Facebook. And, Kirsten Murphy became the proud new owner with her winning £35 bid. The cut-out featured in her daughter’s birthday celebrations.

Running until next March, JT’s 2017 fundraising drive will support Jersey Alzheimer’s Association and Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association. Plus, other related charities in London, Melbourne and Boston, where JT also has offices. The fundraising target this year £20,000.

A New Owner for a Dog in Need of a Home

Christophe Chateau, JT Group Head of Culture and Staff Engagement, said: “What better way to launch a charity campaign than by finding a new owner for dog in need of a home. In all seriousness, though, JT has a proud record of supporting local charities. Kirsten’s donation gets the ball rolling. Last year, we raised over £25,000 for baby-related charities. I’m sure our amazing people will raise a similar amount for charities supporting islanders with Alzheimer’s Disease. This is the most common type of dementia and more prevalent as the numbers of elderly people increase.

“Throughout the year, JT people will run, walk, dress-up, bake, and collect for charity, and lots more besides. Our customers too are incredibly supportive. It promises to be a busy year.”

Mark Blamey, Manager at Jersey Alzheimer’s Association said: “ We are thrilled that JT and their employees have chosen to support the Jersey Alzheimer’s Association this year. We are a local charity for local people whose lives have been touched by dementia. We are reliant on money raised by individuals and businesses to continue the work we are doing. This is for the people with dementia and their families.”

ENDS

Kirsten Murphy, winner of the JT Pug

NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information.

‘Books for Tablets’ collects 2016 Telephone Directories

23 local primary schools have joined JT’s 2017 ‘Books for Tablets’ recycling campaign this year.

With every 150 phonebooks collected by each primary school, JT will donate to them a Smart Tablet.  At the end of the recycling competition, the school that has collected the most directories also wins a free digital workshop.

Tamara O’Brien, JT’s Head of Marketing, Brand and Distribution, said: “Last year’s JT ‘Books for Tablets’ competition was a tremendous success. We are really keen to build on that this year. With 24 schools signed up for the programme we are off to a tremendous start. We should be able to recycle even more directories and reward even more pupils for their efforts.”

Tamara said: “The competition is now into its 21st year, and has given thousands of school children a practical way of learning about recycling. Last year the schools collected a total of 8,312 directories. This has secured 60 tablets for them in total. We hope the pupils will be able to encourage family and friends to give them their directories this year to recycle so they can help their school win even more JT Smart Tablets. This allows the schools to enjoy the latest technology.”

The new 2017 JT Directory is being delivered to all homes and businesses in Jersey over the coming weeks. Additional copies will also be available for collection at JT’s Queen Street store once distribution is completed.

JT has joined together with Jersey Post this year to help ensure the 2016 telephone directories can be disposed of. Especially in an environmentally responsible way across the Island. Jersey Post will collect directories from the recycling points set up at The Co-operative Grand Marché. Also at St Peter and St Helier, the Parish Halls. As well as at the new Household Reuse and Recycling Centre at La Collette.

The JT ‘Books for Tablets’ competition runs from 18th April to 20th May.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • For every 150 phone books collected, JT will donate one tablet to the primary school. 24 schools are taking part in this year’s competition.
  • Last year 8,312 directories were collected and 60 tablets donated.
  • JT are asking the schools to get involved on Facebook and Twitter, posting updates on how their collection is going and tagging @JTSocial
  • Photograph: Last year’s winners, St Luke’s Primary School, who collected a total of 2,250 and were presented with 15 brand new Alcatel tablets by JT.

 Directory Recyling

Issued by Hannah Reed at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email hannah@directinput.je for more information.

About JT

Join Together for FREE travel on JT’s big green bus this Friday

Passengers catching the green JT-sponsored double-decker bus on Friday will result in FREE travel, as part of JT’s new Deals You Can’t Ignore campaign.

The eye-catching bus will be on the Number 15 route between Liberation Station and the Airport and all journeys and travel on it will be free all day, thanks to JT.

Tamara O’Brien, JT’s Head of Marketing, Brand and Distribution, said: “Throughout the
year, JT will be offering lots more incredible deals, starting with this latest pay-as-you-go
offer. This really offers islanders a great deal so we wanted to spread the word and some
kindness this Friday. There is no catch … if you jump on the JT green bus, the journey is
on us.

The first Deal You Can’t Ignore offers 4GB of superfast 4G mobile data, 500 minutes and
500 texts every time a customer tops up just £5 via the ‘JT My Top Up’ app which is
available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Islanders may have
already seen the promotion of the offer around the island featuring some unusual Jersey
cows in Queen Street and the Airport.

The JT double-decker bus also highlights the fact that JT powers the fastest internet and
mobile networks in the Channel Islands, as confirmed by the Speedtest Awards from
Ookla, the world’s No. 1 internet text.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email
julien@directinput.je for more information.

Alive After 5 – Town Centre life doesn’t end at 5.30pm!

The Parish of St Helier and the Retail Development Group are pleased to announce the launch of Alive After 5. Over 50 retailers in St Helier will be taking part by opening to 6pm Monday to Friday. 20 opening late on Thursdays to 7pm. The later shopping hours start from Monday 3rd April and continue until Friday 29th September 2017.

The shift towards later opening hours mimics the hugely successful Alive After 5 campaigns in many cities and town centres across the UK. It is also a reaction to changing consumer shopping habits. Shoppers like a ‘Town Centre experience’. They want to take their time, try items on, and perhaps enjoy an al fresco coffee or a trip to the salon. By remaining open later into the evening we improve the customer shopping experience by allowing St Helier’s fantastic retail offer to become accessible at a time when people are available to shop. When they have finished work.

The scope for the benefits of Alive After 5 go far beyond the retail sector. St Helier’s restaurants, bars and cultural venues will also have later shopping hours. As shoppers stay in town later into the evening they will potentially meet with friends for dinner, drinks or a trip to the theatre or cinema.

The Alive After 5 social media pages promote the retailers who are open to 6pm or later Monday to Friday. It also provides information on St Helier restaurants and detail the many cultural activities on offer from 5pm.

A Positive Step for Businesses

“We have a fantastic offer in St Helier. When retailers remain open for longer that offer becomes accessible for more people to enjoy. This is a really positive step for businesses, customers and St Helier’s evening economy.” Daphne East, Town Centre Manager

“The later opening hours are a reaction to changing consumer shopping habits. But also keep up to date with other successful ‘Alive After 5’ campaigns launched in cities and towns across the UK and Europe. St Helier has a successful, diverse and unique range of shops. It’s important to make that available for customers, both local and tourists, to enjoy at a time that is convenient for them.” David Elliot, Chairman of the Retail Development Group

 “There’s no doubt that shopping habits have changed. Customers appreciate the opportunity to shop beyond the traditional 5:30pm closing time. Sure is pleased to participate in the Alive After 5 initiative and offer our customers the chance to shop with us at their convenience.” John Harvey, Head of Retail at Sure.

“The Consumer Council called out to Islanders in our December 2016 Newsletter asking ‘When do you shop and would you shop between 5pm and 6pm in town?’ Consumers called for greater flexibility in shopping hours. Especially having the opportunity to shop later in the day. The Council welcomes the Alive After 5 initiative. Versatility and change must be embraced.” Anne King, Jersey Consumer Council

Listening to our customers and responding to their changing behaviour is right at the heart of what we do. So, JT stands fully behind this initiative. It will help us to support more customers when and where they need it. Our team are looking forward to being available at more convenient times.” Tamara O’Brien, Head of Marketing, Brand & Distribution at JT

JT’s 2017 Telephone Directory celebrates old and new buried treasure

The 2017 Telephone Directory is launching in Jersey this week. It’s cover showcases both Jersey’s rich history and the investments that are being made into the Island’s future.

Coins featured on the directory cover were unearthed in 2012. Two local men discovered a treasure of 2,000-year-old compacted gold, silver and copper coins and jewellery in a field in Grouville. The hoard has since been disassembled and is now on display at La Hougue Bie.

At the same time as the discovery, JT launched its ‘Gigabit Jersey’ project. This replaced its long standing copper network with fibre-optic cables running directly to all homes and businesses in Jersey. Five years later, over 70% of properties now enjoy super-fast broadband. Provided by running down reliable and scalable fibre. The project is due to be completed in 2018.

Therefore, this illustrates a hugely significant development. A development that puts Jersey third in the world in terms of jurisdictions with households connected directly to fibre. JT has commissioned glass worker and Genuine Jersey Member Glyn Burton to create a symbolic piece of art from glass.  Glass is the main component of a fibre optic cable. The piece brings to life the opportunities which a ‘fibre future’ offers our island.

Valuable Posessions

His intricate work, overlaid on the cover with ancient coins from the hoard, demonstrates both the beauty and versatility of glass. It also represents the fibre future our island now enjoys. The images are represented by the headline: “Years on, and we still bury our most valuable possessions”.

JT Chief Executive Officer Graeme Millar said: “In terms of historical significance, connecting all homes and businesses directly to fibre is genuinely comparable to the discovery of the Coin Hoard. We wanted to make that link. In years to come, I have no doubt that this investment by JT and the States of Jersey will be one that brings the Island new opportunities and prosperity. It felt appropriate and meaningful to celebrate this future on the cover of the JT Directory. One which sits in homes and business across the island.”

JT would like to thank Mr Burton, the Genuine Jersey Products Association and Jersey Heritage for their help in the cover design.

2017 JT Directories will be delivered to all homes and businesses in Jersey. Copies will also available for collection at JT’s Queen Street store.

Hence, we feel it is our responsibility to take care of the disposal of our telephone directories. Therefore, please recycle 2016 directories at:

– The Co-operative Grand Marché, St Peter’s and St Helier

– Parish Halls

– The Household Reuse & Recycling Centre, La Collette

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information

Local filmmaker Callum Thorne has created a short video to tell this story:
https://youtu.be/TNMNa5QGJ4Q

Photograph credit: Callum Thorne http://www.callumthorne.com/

JT employees raise over £25,000 for charities

Two important Channel Island charities that support premature and sick babies have received a boost from employees at JT.

Over 2016, employees have raised £25,410.98 for Friends of SCBU, and the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation in Guernsey. JT also has offices in London, Melbourne and Boston and the money will also support baby-related charities in these cities.

In Jersey, the money has been used to buy two state-of-the-art portable heart monitors to be used in antenatal to monitor the fetal heart rate. Also in Guernsey, the money is being used to equip The Burrow – the PPBF’s new property in Southampton, which will be used by families with children being cared for at the nearby hospital.

We are Delighted

Neil Maclachlan, consultant obstetrician gynaecologist at Jersey’s General Hospital, said: “Not only do these new pieces of equipment closely monitor high-risk babies and assess potentially high-risk babies, they also hold essential historical data – providing the team with a large database of collective experience and knowledge to support our own visual assessments. We are so delighted with the monitors. Therefore, i’d like to thank JT employees for raising the funds for us to buy them.”

The PPBF was founded by three times World Touring Car Championship champion Andy Priaulx and his wife Jo, Andy said: “Thanks to an incredible amount of fundraising and genorisity, we have been able to purchase The Burrow but we still need to fundraise for furnishings, decoration, equipment and general maintenance in order for it to open its doors in the summer, as planned. So, JT’s fantastic contribution will help make this a reality.

JT raised money throughout 2016. Their efforts included:

  • Taking part in the Jersey It’s a Knockout Challenge.
  • Holding a Christmas staff raffle.
  • Having a Staff Charity Day, complete with cake sales, barbecues and sponsored silences.
  • Swapping gifts usually given at corporate Christmas events for donations. Is this the reverse advent calender? Why not say it?
  • Also, customers donating money in JT’s stores and sponsored events, such as Jersey Live and Guernsey’s Join Together Day.

Christophe Chateau, Group Head of Culture & Staff Engagement at JT, said: “Every year I am bowled over by the massive efforts of JT employees to support our partner charities. Striving to make a positive difference is part of JT’s culture. Therefore, this extends to the enthusiasm my colleagues show in their energy  for fundraising.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS
To find out more about JT’s Chosen Charity please visit: /Global/Global-Landing-Page/CSR/Chosen-Charity/Our-People/

Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information.

About JT

Top accreditation for JT’s managed services

JT’ has been rewarded with top accreditation as a supplier providing the highest levels of security for its Data Centre and Managed Service customers.

ISO/IEC 27001:2013, the highly regarded Information Security Management System, was implemented last year in JT’s Data Centres and Cloud services. Thus, proving that JT is compliant with and meets the standards for using the very best practices in information security.

Our ISO 27001 accreditation has now been expanded to include the JT Service Management Centre (SMC). This means that JT’s managed services also adhere to the top global information security standard.

The JT SMC provides a fully managed service to customers who want to outsource the management responsibility of their network. Thus giving a voice to a trusted partner like JT. This includes the on-boarding, monitoring and configuration processes.

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised information management standard that sets out a systematic approach to managing the confidentiality, availability and integrity of sensitive company and customer information.

The Challenge of Keeping Data Safe and Secure

Paul D Taylor, Managing Director of JT’s Global Enterprise Division, said: “There is no denying that security presents all businesses today with the challenge of keeping their data safe and secure. The prevalence and growth of increasingly sophisticated threats, such as brute force, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) and ransomware attacks is a real risk for companies. And is a threat to the security of customer data.

“Securing and meeting the rigid requirements of Information Security Management Systems such as ISO 27001 is now a pre-requisite for many companies when choosing a business partner. It is an essential part of many customers’ checklists. Especially when they are rightly seeking reassurances that their business partners are doing enough to protect their data.

“Frameworks such as ISO 27001 help to differentiate JT’s services further. Thus, reinforcing our security expertise, knowledge and capability in a highly competitive marketplace.”

END

Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone (+44) 1534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je

About JT

Innovative account tracking app in high demand

A free account tracking app developed in Jersey exclusively for JT customers has been downloaded almost 17,000 times in under two years. It has inspired the introduction of an app for Pay as you go customers. This has been downloaded 3,000 times in just six months.

The JT My Account App was the first of its kind to be launched in Jersey. Since launch, JT has further invested in enhancing the functionality of the App. It now meets customer needs. Thus, making the technology available to pre-paid customers by creating the JT My Top Up App.

Dominic Vye, JT’s Head of Commercial Development said: “Mobile Apps have changed the way we live and our customers have demonstrated that there is a real need for 24/7 access to their JT account while on the go. We’re delighted that thousands of active App users are benefiting with instant access to account information. Thus, helping them to keep track of their usage and spend while enjoying the Channel Islands’ fastest 4G network.

Available for Free

The JT My Account App and JT My Top Up App were developed by Hollis Consulting and are available to download for free from the Apple App Store or the Android Play Store.

The JT My Account App translates complex billing data into something meaningful with a focus on accessibility, high performance and security. Users can set usage alerts to suit budget, monitor usage and spend, and add services.

The JT My Top Up App means that pre-paid mobile customers who are reliant upon ‘topping up’ their credit at top up terminals can benefit from many advantages, including the ability to:

  • View prepaid balances (voice/sms/data) as well as their core balance
  • Easily track current credit so they never run out
  • Instantly purchase credit at the touch of the ‘recharge now’ button

Dominic Vye added: “Furthermore, during holiday time, such as the forthcoming half term, our advice is to be familiar with your tariff first and foremost to ensure that you’re on the right one for your family. We also suggest investigating what bolt-ons or additional services can help keep spend to a minimum. Understanding data-limits is important and can help avoid any overspend. When out and about, using public Wi-Fi where possible is a sensible option for data-intensive activities such as streaming video.”

ENDS

Issued by Julien Morel, Direct Input, telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput

About JT

JT updates its billing and charging

JT is updating the way billing and charging is done, to make sure that it reflects changing behaviour. The majority of JT customers now pay their Bills via Direct debit. Customers are increasingly opting to save paper and sign-up to receiving their bill online or via email. This is straight-forward, cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

As numbers choosing this free option have grown, the cost of sending paper bills to a diminishing minority has increased. So, following most telecoms providers and utilities in the British Isles JT will be introducing a small charge for paper bills and non-Direct Debit payments.

From 28 April 2017, customers will still be able to receive paper bills. However, they will be charged £1.25 per bill. Those choosing to make a non-Direct Debit payment (by cash, cheques, cards or online) will be charged £1.25 per payment.

JT will continue to offer all options of paying or receiving a bill. But, they strongly recommend customers to opt for the free means of paying and receiving a bill. JT is prepared to help anyone who wants to set up an email address and/or access its online portal or mobile app.

Benefitting Every JT Customer

Dominic Vye, Head of Commercial Development at JT, said: “Sending paper bills and administering non-Direct Debit payments as well as chasing late payment, now costs JT over £1m a year. That is money we could reinvest to provide better products and services that can benefit every JT customer.

“By encouraging more efficient means of receiving and paying a bill, we will improve the efficiency of our operations. Thus freeing up resources to invest elsewhere. For example, in continuing to invest in the quality of our network.

“It is also estimated that moving to paperless billing and paying will save 100’s of trees from being chopped down each year. So, this change has clear positive environmental benefits.

“We are currently contacting relevant customers to explain the options. And are making them aware of these changes ahead of time, offering assistance.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Issued by Julien Morel at Direct Input. Telephone 01534 735253 or email julien@directinput.je for more information.

JT has actively engaged with relevant stakeholders to explain the changes in more detail. These include Age Concern, Citizens’ Advice Bureau , Trading Standards and the Jersey Consumer Council.

Customers with any questions can call 882882 (and press option 2 and then 4) or, if they prefer can pop in to the JT’s Queen Street store between 5.30 pm and 7 pm on a Thursday evening to discuss the options in more detail. Alternatively, customers can visit www.jtglobal.com/billing for more information.