Hey, it’s Parns from the Colouring-in Department! After a whirlwind month across two continents, I am back in Simwood HQ, fully recharged and buzzing with stories to share.
First, let me give you the lowdown on what’s been happening. I had the incredible opportunity to attend ITW Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, followed by WWC in Madrid. It was a full-on sprint – I was back in the UK for just 24 hours before hopping on another plane. If you have never been to Kenya, let me tell you, it was mind-blowing.
Kenya was an absolute highlight. It was my first time there, and I’m so glad Pete nudged me to go. Actually, scratch that – he pushed me, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my career. I went with Pete and Fred, who has recently moved to the UK from Uganda with his family. Let’s just say, it was a trip to remember.
Kenya’s people? Wow. The warmth, the sense of community, the hospitality – they go out of their way to help, and it’s genuine. Fred was our star; everyone recognised him, having read his blog about moving to the UK. People were so happy for him, and we were swamped with warm handshakes and introductions.
I can already see myself going back – the people alone make it worth it. Plus, the buzz around Simwood’s booth at ITW Africa was electric. I mean, we are the only telecom company out there selling potatoes, right? The Simwood Potato stole the show! Our branding stood out like a beacon, and so many operators were intrigued by our unique approach.
Without getting too technical (because this is supposed to be fun), here’s the scoop: Our Simwood PotatoⓇ is our secret sauce. It’s a core network that simplifies things for carriers and platform providers. You know, all those fancy features like call recording and sentiment analysis? It’s a game-changer, and everyone was blown away by how we have integrated everything, from Microsoft Teams to the PSTN.
Not to forget our no-nonsense stance on surcharges. The UK’s origin-based surcharges? Yeah, we think they’re a cash grab, and we’re doing things differently – offering fixed rates that de-risk things for carriers. It’s all about transparency and keeping things fair. Then there’s our BYoC (Bring Your Own Carrier) feature, where customers can plug their network into ours and tap into advanced features. Pretty neat, right?
Now, back to the adventure! Fred – I’m calling him my bestie now – is genuinely one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. We bonded big time on this trip. And Pete? Wherever he goes he brings out the vibes with him. When Fred and I ventured into downtown Nairobi, we may have returned a little late. I got a message from Pete: “Stalker mode is off, hope you’re still alive.” Classic Pete, in full dad mode.
When I got back to the office, everyone asked, “How was Kenya?” My answer? It didn’t feel like a work trip. It was three people, from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages, coming together, working, having fun, and learning a ton. It boosted my confidence, helped me grow, and reminded me why I love being part of the Simwood fam.
So yeah, shout out to Pete for pushing me out of my comfort zone and to Fred for being the best travel buddy. And to Kenya, for making me feel so at home. I’m a proud Simwoodean (yes, Simon, I know, you will cringe – but I’m saying it anyway!).
