It’s that time again. The time of the month when we share the what’s, whys and whos of some of this city’s most innovative businesses! Our Get to Know series gives our community of young professionals the opportunity to unravel different sectors and businesses and the amazing things they do within the city of Manchester.
In this instalment, we’ll be discussing the ongoing work and impressive values of a very reputable company in the UK – TalkTalk. Besides being a broadband provider, this company and the people that work there have done some incredible things for the wider community. From charity work to hosting events, there’s lots to uncover about this Salford-based business!
So, without further ado, let’s do some digging and learn more about TalkTalk!
Who?
TalkTalk is the UK’s leading value-for-money connectivity provider. Based in Salford Quays – it’s the only large ISP in the UK to have its HQ outside the South East of England and one of the biggest tech employers in the north west. TalkTalk’s dynamic team of almost 2,000 employees work across several business functions (from operations and tech to marketing and sales) within TalkTalk, TalkTalk Business and TalkTalk Wholesale Services.
The company’s core values of ‘We Care’, ‘We Challenge’, ‘We Commit’ ring true across all business areas with a strong culture of positivity, flexibility, and encouragement. They encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to work, express their views and share experiences – through internal employee networks and a consistently inclusive narrative. That’s why TalkTalk is now ranked at 19 in the Top 50 Inclusive Employers in the UK. And is proud to be a Member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter – with the aim of making Greater Manchester the best place to live and work.
What?
Since the early 2000s, TalkTalk has been a challenger brand – in a fast moving, exciting and ever-changing industry. TalkTalk is the UK’s largest provider of affordable broadband. The business is committed to offering great value to people who may otherwise be excluded from the digital revolution and [at the time of writing] serves 4.2 million consumers and businesses of all sizes across the country. As well as being a well-known consumer brand, TalkTalk has one of the largest Wholesale telecoms businesses in the UK.
From its HQ in Salford, TalkTalk is rolling out the UK’s latest fibre technology, bringing 100% full fibre directly into homes and businesses across Britain!
Where?
TalkTalk’s HQ is based in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester – but supplies broadband services across the whole UK. With roots in Warrington and Irlam, TalkTalk opened its Salford office in 2016 and then moved its headquarters from London to Salford in 2019 to build upon its success in the north west.
Why?
TalkTalk believes that simple, affordable, reliable, and fair connectivity should be available to everyone. They were the first internet provider to scrap separate line rental charges across all its plans; the first to launch free broadband at a time when people were paying above the odds; and the first to offer free network-level parental controls. As the UK rolls out Full Fibre, connectivity so fast it’s life changing, as a value provider TalkTalk believes its benefits should be for everyone and affordable to all.
How important is community to you?
The company values, which were re-launched in 2021, ‘We Care’, ‘We Challenge’ and ‘We Commit’ are at the heart of everything at TalkTalk and community and culture play a big part every single day. There are seven employee networks which have significantly impacted internal culture, creating a more inclusive workplace and educating, elevating, and celebrating diverse colleagues from the moment they join the business. Examples of these include TalkPride, TalkNeurodiversity and Empower.
Externally, TalkTalk is keen to create ties with its local community around Salford and Greater Manchester supporting local charities and connecting with neighbouring higher-education establishments. Through its women in tech employee network, last year TalkTalk also worked closely with its local tech ecosystem, to widen the community across the northwest, with roundtable events and the launch of the TalkTalk North West Women in Tech Awards. The business also partners locally and nationally with DWP on schemes to promote digital inclusion and job opportunities.
In addition to this, we spoke to TalkTalk’s Early Careers Manager, Bex Armstrong, who said:
“Having a sense of community is central to human experience and important in all aspects of life, including work. At TalkTalk, the feeling of belonging and adding true value is at the heart of our culture and we offer a place where colleagues can bring their whole selves to work. This goes beyond the day job too. We have a number of employee-led networks that work together to provide a safe space for colleagues and a likeminded community – whether that be bringing women in tech to the top of agenda or introducing new company policies. And career development is actively encouraged too – through the networks and through a strong support system of managers and mentors. To me, that echoes community.”
Explore more businesses, job opportunities and networking events in Manchester by joining the MYP community
TalkTalk have some wonderful values and ongoing opportunities, thus supporting the renowned idea that Manchester’s business community in unrivaled. If you’d like to continue reading about the city’s best companies, communicating with like-minded individuals and attending regular networking events – join the Manchester Young Professionals community.
