As it’s the time of year when schools face the end of contracts for their IT and telephone support, we examine the alternatives out there, helping schools to make better use of budgets and time.

With school budgets being squeezed tighter each year, Business Managers have to work harder to make budgets stretch, without compromising the day to day running of the school.

One area that is seeing a change is the IT and telephone infrastructure, as schools look outside of the traditional options of the LEA and BT as providers. Switching to local companies for communication solutions is becoming a better alternative as these can be more cost effective and less time consuming with a local point of contact to answer queries.

Helen Letts, Business Manager at Ernesford Grange Community Academy explains “Ernesford Grange switched to Coventry-based Company, HBT Communications, a number of years ago and we now enjoy the benefits of a cheaper phone system, calls package and local support with helpful staff on-hand if needed. The response time to any queries is always excellent. HBT has also provided great support during our move into brand new premises and continues to work with us proactively as Riverbank Academy prepares to move into our shared accommodation.”

Finham Park School is another Coventry School to make the switch away from tradition and is also seeing benefits.

Edd Walch, IT Network Manager at Finham Park explains “We have worked with HBT for the last 20 years, adding more and more services over time. I would recommend that any school with academy status or with the ability to choose their own IT and Telecoms provider takes the time to research options other than the local LEA. Finham Park is now connected to Coventry’s Ultra-Fast broadband connection thanks to HBT. This connection will support us as and the new Finham Park 2 free school when it opens in September 2016”

Zamurad Hussain from HBT Communications comments “We have many years of experience working with local schools and understand the importance of reliable communications channels. Staff, students and parents need to have confidence in the IT and phone systems and Business and IT Managers need to have a solution that fit in with budgets and the demands of the school.”

Zamurad continues “We are happy to discuss options with school Business and IT Managers and offer independent advice on the best solution for their requirements”

For more information on how we can help your school, please call us on 024 7686 7400 or  visit www.hbtcommunications.com/education