Personal service is the missing ingredient when it comes to dealing with the telecoms giants, according to entrepreneur Matthew Brain.

His business, MBDEV has just moved into a new home at UKSE’s Ebbw Vale Innovation Centre, from where it will offer network services including internet and phone, cloud storage, IT, networking and cybersecurity to clients around the UK.

Matthew said: “With the big companies you are, inevitably, a number, but with us we treat our clients as a person.” he said.

“We monitor the service to our clients, and are alerted if there any problems. It means we know immediately if there are issues and we don’t waste any time resolving them. For local clients we will visit to examine any problems and get things sorted out as quickly as possible,” he said.

While the big comms companies offer prescribed packages, MBDEV is able to make flexible, individual arrangements to suit people’s needs.

“We can offer short-term contracts to students and other clients at no extra charge to suit their circumstances,” said Matthew.

“These flexible contracts are proving very popular and people nowadays expect, rightly, more than a one-size-fits all approach.”

He is delighted with the business’s new home at the Innovation Centre, owned and run by Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE. “It’s a great place with excellent facilities, and an impressive location to meet clients and business contacts. The staff here have been very helpful and the reception is brilliant.”

The majority of MBDEV’s clients are domestic, and he is now hoping to grow the range of business customers. In the next three years, he plans to take on sales and administration staff as business increases.

Gail Hannam of UKSE said: “We are very pleased to welcome MBDEV to the Innovation Centre. He joins a community of businesses here at this prestigious and well-located centre, with quality office accommodation, workshops and a gym for the use of tenants. We wish MBDEV every success in the future.”