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Brockswood Animal Sanctuary Successfully Navigate the Big BT Switch-Off

  • Writer: Amanda Sloan
    Amanda Sloan
  • Nov 26, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jan 23


Brockswood


Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, often lovingly referred to as “a little oasis in the Black Country,” is a non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and rehabilitating animals in need, providing them with a safe and happy forever home.


As a vital community hub, Brockswood is well-known throughout the West Midlands for its hands-on care and commitment to animal welfare. The sanctuary relies on strong communication with supporters, volunteers, donors, and the local community to sustain its operations.



Challenges


With the Big BT Switch-Off imminent and Brockswood’s previous contract nearing renewal, the sanctuary faced an urgent need to replace its aging landline system. Retaining their well-known phone number was crucial for maintaining community ties.


A flexible, mobile-friendly communication solution was required that would enable staff to answer calls from anywhere on site, ensuring uninterrupted animal care, support and education.


Aonix Limited has been a long-term supporter of Brockswood Animal Sanctuary, participating in corporate volunteer initiatives and sponsoring animals for several years. It felt fitting for the team to help Brockswood overcome these challenges in preparation for the Big BT Switch-Off, and the team were more than happy to assist with the transition.


Hetty the Hen, one of the sanctuary's residents, overseeing the transition.
Hetty the Hen, one of the sanctuary's residents, overseeing the transition.

Our Solution


After a comprehensive evaluation, it became clear that our Wildix Cloud Communication solution perfectly aligned with Brookswood’s connectivity needs. With the Big BT Switch-Off imminent and their existing contract approaching renewal, there was an urgent necessity to swiftly replace their outdated connectivity. It was also crucial for them to retain their recognisable landline number to preserve community connections. Furthermore, they required a flexible, mobile-friendly solution that would allow staff to answer calls from anywhere on site. The award-winning technology, combined with our bespoke, personalised service, enabled them to:


Retain Their Established Phone Number

Keeping their number assisted Brockswood in maintaining continuity in the community who rely on and have known it for decades. It also reduced the hassle of changing contact information on various marketing materials.


Take Calls Anywhere with the Wildix Mobile App

The mobile app empowered staff to answer calls from their smartphones wherever they are. Whether they’re out in the paddock feeding goats or mucking out in the stables - the team can remain responsive without needing to rush to an office phone to pick up a ringing call, improving flexibility and efficiency. It can also allow them to and automate the supply of information to callers.


Access a Future-Proof, Cloud-Based System

With a combination of innovative cloud technology and dependable ongoing support from Aonix Limited, Brockswood is safeguarded from future telecom disruptions.


“Our phone and internet connectivity relied on outdated legacy lines, and we were unaware that the Big BT Switch-Off could result in the complete loss of not just our phone number but overall connectivity. When our contract with our previous provider ended, Aonix Limited supported us and ensured we retained our phone number and internet connection, preserving our business identity and presence in the local community. The new cloud communications system has significantly enhanced our on-site communication, making it easier and more efficient than ever.


The transition was quick and seamless, with no downtime. The team has been fantastic in demonstrating the system, which is user-friendly, and has simplified communication for our entire team. Thank you, Aonix Limited!”


~ Neil Swann - Brockswood Animal Sanctuary


Aonix Limited Infrastructure Technician, Amy Butler, setting up one of Brockswood's new handsets.
Aonix Limited Infrastructure Technician, Amy Butler, setting up one of Brockswood's new handsets.
Amy Butler providing a user guide, and having a discussion with Neil Swann.
Amy Butler providing a user guide, and having a discussion with Neil Swann.

The Benefits for Brockswood Animal Sanctuary


Increased Mobility with the Wildix Mobile App

The mobile app has been transformative for Brookswood’s team, allowing them to stay connected while moving across their extensive grounds. Staff can now answer calls from anywhere on-site, ensuring they’re always reachable without interrupting their animal care duties.


Seamless, Minimal-Disruption Transition

Aonix Limited’s team managed the installation process smoothly, with minimal disruption to Brookswood’s operations. Training sessions were conducted to ensure staff felt comfortable with the new system, particularly the mobile app, which quickly became an invaluable tool.


Improved Communication Efficiency & Integration

Wildix’s features, such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and easy contact management, have streamlined Brookswood’s communication process. This enabled staff to respond more quickly to enquiries, enhancing support for all. Wildix also integrates effortlessly with a wide range of software products and web applications.


Long-Term Reliability and Ongoing Support

Backed by 40 years of experience, Aonix Limited provides continuous support, offering Brockswood peace of mind as they adapt to the new system (and beyond!) The team are always available to address questions and ensure the technology runs smoothly.


Future-Proof Technology for Consistency Connectivity

The cloud-based Wildix system ensures Brockswood is prepared for future telecom changes, delivering a reliable and modern solution that will serve them well for years to come.


Infrastructure Technicians Benjamin Russell-Doggett (Left) and Amy Butler (Right) on route to the offices at Brockswood Animal Sanctuary.
Infrastructure Technicians Benjamin Russell-Doggett (Left) and Amy Butler (Right) on route to the offices at Brockswood Animal Sanctuary.

A Special Shoutout


The installation process was warmly welcomed by Brookswood’s residents! Special thanks to Gloria the bearded dragon and Hetty the hen, who provided moral support and “supervised” the setup with curious interest.


Their presence made the installation a memorable experience for Aonix Limited technicians, highlighting the special relationship with not only the Brockswood team but extends to the animal residents too.


Another of the sanctuary's residents, Gloria the Bearded Dragon, this time assisting Ben on his shoulder.
Another of the sanctuary's residents, Gloria the Bearded Dragon, this time assisting Ben on his shoulder.


The Aonix Limited Advantage


Thanks to Aonix Limited’s Wildix cloud communications system, Brockswood Animal Sanctuary successfully transitioned ahead of the inevitable rush and is fully prepared for the Big BT Switch-Off. The new technology not only preserves their business identity but also offers enhanced on-site flexibility through the mobile app, while retaining their phone number to maintain strong ties within the community.


This solution allows the sanctuary staff to stay focused on what matters most, while knowing their communications are secure, reliable, and adaptable - ultimately helping them to work smarter. Coupled with Aonix Limited’s five-star service and ongoing support, Brockswood can rely on the assurance that assistance is always available, now and in the future.



Staying Connected has Never Been Easier



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