The UK is one of the top global hot spots for communication fraud – including telephone hacking – which is estimated to be running at up to $80 billion worldwide.

Control Phreak Chief Architect Roger Ansin says phone systems are susceptible to attack and should be protected by the only software-based product of its kind on the market. Roger who is MD of The Callista Group teamed-up with Nimans several years ago to launch the effective technology which took five years to develop and comes complete with an integrated Proxy Server which only allows authorised access to PBX programming.

Roger says ‘phreaking’ is now so big it’s being masterminded by organised crime and even terrorist groups to raise illicit funds.

“A phone system is a vital business asset but it’s also one of the most vulnerable,” Roger revealed. “Phone hackers can breach security in milliseconds to make illegal calls which can cost businesses thousands of pounds in bills. Control Phreak provides total around-the-clock protection, detecting and killing any illegal activity, automatically.

“Phone systems are a prime target for hackers, and if they’re not protected, companies won’t find out if they’ve been targeted until their next phone bill, and then it’s too late.” He continued: “It’s a massive international problem.”

Control Phreak makes a phone system invisible to hackers so that it’s safe and impenetrable, as Roger concluded: “These latest advancements represent another major step forward so that resellers not only protect their own customers but also themselves, to maintain productive relationships and avoid potentially costly legal disputes if hackers target unprotected systems.”

Merchandising Manager Allison Fishlock explained: ”The Back To School market remains an important period in the calendar for retailers, despite changes in purchasing habits our retail members still see a considerable upturn in footfall during this period – Our Back to School marketing and purchasing programme enables dealers to turn this opportunity into increased sales and margin on traditional school products, as well as the new and seasonal items that are on offer via arrangements with our approved suppliers”

The N720 DECT IP platform has a 100 user capacity from up to 20 base stations, high definition sound, e-mail notification, local and public online directory access and a 30 parallel call capacity – for scalable, future-proof functionality.

The system operates with many compatible handsets from the extensive Gigaset range, including the new SL610H that features a vivid 1.8” TFT display, intuitive user interface, Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free communication. To aid resellers, Gigaset has created a special ‘survey kit’ to help them identify the most appropriate on-site solutions, prior to installation.

Nimans’ Head of Handsets, Ian Brindle says the latest Gigaset innovations are a significant step forward for dealers, as they are designed to grow with evolving business requirements. “The N720 will work behind a customer’s existing IP-PBX, connect to hosted SIP services and of course can be bundled with new IP-PBX system sales,” he explained.

“Functionality and flexibility are the stand-out benefits from this ingenious IP DECT solution that provides a huge palette of sales opportunities for dealers,” Ian emphasised. “There’s easy set-up and configuration, enhanced business productivity and a broad range of compatible handsets to choose from, from the elegant to ruggedized. Dealers can tailor individual customer requirements easily and effectively, like never before – using the survey kit to provide the most appropriate solution ahead of a smooth running installation.”

The SPEAK 410 is available in two versions; the MS which is optimised for Microsoft Lync, and a standard device compatible with all leading UC solutions.

“This is a speakerphone designed for office professionals with an everyday need for audio conferencing,” confirmed Nimans’ Purchasing Director, Andy Winfield. “Its compact design and travel case make it easy to carry around, and the integrated cable management ensures quick set-up. It’s the perfect solution for spontaneous conferencing and collaboration with easy set up and handling.

“Thanks to advanced Digital Signal Processing, the SPEAK 410 provides crystal-clear audio with true wideband sound quality. The powerful speaker and built-in omni-directional microphone offers 360-degree coverage for a very rewarding conferencing experience.”

• Access to the BOSS Interactive website
• Industry News
• The Business Register
• BOSS e-newsletter Membership Matters
• Regular updates on changes in legislation
• Market tracking – via GFK
• Free Legal Advice telephone advice (company and contract law only)
• Affinity Benefits – RAC, Private Healthcare, Insurance Packages

Gold membership provides the added benefit of telephone support from a team of professional business advisors, offering a wide range of services and support for all businesses. These cover every area of your business operation, and help you to add expert knowledge and skills to your in-house team.

Following on from this, Platinum membership is the BOSS Federation’s most comprehensive level of membership, offering a wide range of services and support for all businesses. These cover every area of any business operation, and help you to add expert knowledge and skills to your in-house team. Uniquely, Platinum membership gives you access to on-site support from our regional business advisors.

For more information, please visit the BOSS website at www.bossfederation.com. Alternatively, if you would like more information about membership of Officepoint, OfficeStar or SimplyOffice, please contact the Business Development Team on 01757 213622

Members are encouraged to promote the PLAY initiative campaign, to generate brand awareness and increase customer loyalty and sales, with access to promotional collateral incorporating direct mail, response cards, flyers, html templates, web banners and press releases.

This end user campaign is just one of many initiatives funded by Integra Office Solutions to help generate exposure of the brand and drive sales. The initiative brand represents an exclusive opportunity for members to sell a value for money range with healthy profit margins for their business.

Members purchasing the initiative range either through their preferred wholesaler or Antalis are also incentivised with additional rebates and promotional pricing. In addition members can earn points to redeem for gifts through the ‘Indulge Yourself’ initiative incentive programme by growing initiative sales.

In his extensive career Lord Jones has served as Director General of the CBI, and was also Minister of State for UK Trade & Investment. Today he serves as a non aligned peer in the House of Lords, and amongst his many roles he is a non executive director at Flybe Plc, Chairman of Triumph Motorcycles Ltd, Senior Advisor to HSBC and is a Corporate Advisor to JCB.
Speaking on the appointment Lord Jones said “I am delighted to be joining the Board of Spicers at such an exciting time for the Company. I have known the people behind Better Capital LLP for many years & I have always seen them as the responsible, understanding face of Private Equity. Growing and developing the Business in an environment of a renowned, world-famous brand and some first-class people is the task in hand for all the team and I look forward to playing my part in realising that ambition.”

Products available at Rapid include sets representing human DNA, atomic structure and astronomical phenomenon. The Orbit Tellurium 2 is a model that Professor Brian Cox would struggle to better in terms of communicating how key astral relationships determine our seasons and climate. Mounted on a revolving platform with accurate scale representations of the Sun, Earth and the Moon, the flexible design and interchangeable parts of the Orbit Tellurium 2 also visualizes such aspects as the climates in the northern and southern hemispheres, the phases of the Moon, solar movement across the sky and the eclipses of the Moon. Turning the platform in a darkened classroom will fascinate and engage children of all ages.

Chris Calver of Rapid commented: ‘From the magic of the stars to the mysteries of molecular structure, Cochranes of Oxford educational models aid inspire children with the thrill and wonder of learning. I am delighted to be able to introduce these Cochranes products to Rapid.’

For more information about the Cochranes products available at Rapid, video clips and product datasheets please visit the Rapid website.

www.rapidonline.com

Chrisbeon Office Supplies, whose furniture and stationery showroom is based at Stafford Park, Telford, has chosen the Chinese manufactured 4×4 pick-up as a multi-role vehicle.

“It is a stylish, high-spec motor at an extremely competitive price that ticks a lot of boxes for us,” said Richard Hughes, partner of Chrisbeon.

“We will be using it to visit clients for meetings, site surveys, chair and equipment demonstrations, exhibitions and also small deliveries,” said Richard.

“With a ton of carrying capacity and four wheel drive option, it is an all-purpose, go anywhere Chrisbeon service vehicle.”

Great Wall Motors is the leading pick-up manufacturer in China and the Steed is their launch vehicle into the UK.  It is the cheapest pick-up in the UK market and most fuel efficient with a capability of up to 40 mpg.

Tony Mellish, local business specialist with Furrows who supplied the vehicle, confirmed it was the first one of its kind in Telford.

Chrisbeon is located in Units B2 and B3, Stafford Park 4, Telford TF3 3BA, 01952 292606, email sales@chrisbeon.co.uk

The comms specialist has unveiled an enhanced service that builds on the success of a previous high calibre platform, and includes several new features. These incorporate cross-selling and up-selling options, full Payment Card Industry and FSA Compliance, 100% search engine functionality and improved marketing tools. Money from online sales goes straight into a reseller’s bank account as part of an intuitive and rewarding operation where they can choose which products they wish to showcase.

Nimans’ Operations Director, John Cunningham, confirmed: “Customers benefit from a much improved, more robust and professional website service that puts them in full control at the cutting edge of online sales, to dramatically accelerate their presence and revenue potential. The new architecture is based on scalability and flexibility to allow resellers to continually move with the times.

“eCat has proved a very effective reseller resource over many years and these latest advances take the online buying process to a dynamic new level, making it a more rewarding and compelling experience for all concerned.”