JMC Mobile has taken the telecommunications world by storm since it began in 1999 to become Ireland’s second biggest direct business partner to 02.
The company provides mobile communication solutions to businesses all over the UK and has worked closely with clients south of the Border, providing them with UK network phones for more cost-effective international sales and business.
The Newry-based telecoms and business technology provider has seen exponential growth from its beginning as a mobile phone shop. With 38 staff, JMC has seen sales soar sales in the past three years and continues to thrive in its market.
Jim Finnegan and his brother opened a shop selling pay-as- you-go and contract phones in 1999.
“We could see things were getting tighter for independent shops and the high street was dead as far as independent shops in the mobile phone game was concerned,” he says.
“The only way to stay in the game was to change to business phones – 100 people walking in the door to buy a phone each in one day was never going to happen.”
In 2003, they made the move into the business mobile phone market by doing telesales and hiring desk-based account managers to directly target businesses for phones. With the shift in focus, they decided to move the company from the high street, to the outskirts of Newry.
“We moved to a purpose- built unit and it was one of the best things we did. It made it easier for customers to get to us and they didn’t have to pay for parking or have the hassle of going into a busy town centre.”
In 2004, the company was offered a direct partnership with 02. “It meant we could deal directly with the service provider and could provide better customer service.”
Finnegan says customer service has been key to the company’s success. “Our customers have a direct link to us and don’t get through to an answering machine. If you look after your customer, they will stay with you and recommend you to others – it’s as simple as that.”
As the business expanded, the company decided to expand into other products.
“In business, if you can only sell one product, you’re finished. You have to get as many products out to customer as you can. The customer likes to have one point of contact and get their mobile, broadband, CCTV or whatever they need from you. They will never leave if they have all these products with you and you provide great customer service,” he says.
“People like a personal service and being able to put a face to a name not just a voice down the phone.”
In 2009, the business strategy changed and the decision was made to expand to the UK market.
“Our desk-based account managers started looking for business over the phone to get more customers in England and we built it up from there. Now around 50 per cent of our business is from the UK.”
Looking ahead, Finnegan says JMC Mobile will be recruiting sales professionals as well as business acquisition managers to cover the north of England as it aims to bolster its wide-ranging business offering and further its reach in the lucrative telecoms market in the UK.
He insists that for any company to be successful, it needs to invest in its staff.
“We sat down and developed our staff, and made sure they had excellent product knowledge and customer service skills. If your staff aren’t trained or see it as a dead end job, you need to address it. They need to feel they have a chance to grow and can contribute to the company.
“We have an open-door policy; you can come and speak to any of the managing directors and talk about new ideas and are rewarded for it.”
Finnegan says the company prides itself on its working environment and vibrant young staff who have a passion for teamwork and a shared goal for the company.
In January, the company picked up the Investors in People accreditation in recognition of the organisation’s commitment to best practice and creating a positive working environment for its employees.
“We give our staff free rein and let them think for themselves and encourage them to think of new ways to develop the company. Businesses can’t be run like a dictatorship anymore – everyone should be allowed have a say.”
