Why ethical customer service is the heart of our local business
Here in the bustling city of Sheffield, VOOT Telecom stands out not just for its reliable services but for its unwavering commitment to ethical customer service. At VOOT, we believe that true business success isn’t measured solely by numbers but by the trust and loyalty we build within our local community.
What Does Ethical Customer Service Mean?
Today’s savvy clients and customers are keenly interested in other’s experiences of a company, their service or product. This is evidenced by the explosion in the use of features such as Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and Amazon’s customer ratings. Many businesses now incorporate some sort of independent customer star rating system. Some companies choose to demonstrate their ethics by planting trees or demonstrating how they treat employees or their supply chain fairly etc., but the king of what customers want is always excellent, ethical customer service.
Ethical customer service goes beyond simply addressing queries. It’s about treating every customer with respect, transparency, and care. Here in Sheffield, where community values run deep, our approach at VOOT has always been rooted in honesty and fairness.
"Great service isn’t just about speed; it’s about sincerity and trust."
If you are not being 100% sincere in your ethical customer service, it’s not ethical customer service but a polluted imitation. For us at VOOT, ethical service is about doing what’s right, even when no one is looking. I have witnessed countless discussions in our office that are testament to that - doing what is in the best interests of the customer.
Whether it’s resolving an issue promptly or offering guidance tailored to a customer’s needs, ethical practices ensure a positive and lasting impact. To this end, we established VOOT’s Business Telecoms Clinic. In our clinic we offer a free ‘health check’ for your telecoms, identifying inefficiencies and prescribing cost-effective, efficient solutions.
The VOOT Approach to Ethical Service (feel free to steal/adopt our approach for your own business!)
We’ve built our ethical framework on four pillars:
Transparency: We believe in clear communication. Hidden fees? Not with VOOT. Surprises are for birthdays, not bills.
Responsiveness: Our customers deserve timely answers, just as we’d want for ourselves. Whether it’s a call, email, or chat, we’re here.
Empathy: Understanding a customer’s perspective helps us deliver better solutions. Our clinic is, in part, for discovering that perspective.
Accountability: If we’ve made a mistake, we own up to it and work to make things right.
Why Ethics Matter in Local Business
As a local business, we’re not just serving customers—we’re building relationships. Ethical customer service strengthens these bonds and fosters mutual respect. It is these bonds that lead to the genuine 5-star Google Reviews.
"In a community as tight-knit as Sheffield, ethics aren’t optional—they’re essential."
When you choose a local business like VOOT, you’re not just a transaction; you’re part of our family. This mindset drives us to go the extra mile, ensuring every interaction reflects our values.
Tips for Delivering Ethical Customer Service
Listen First: Truly understand the customer’s issue before jumping to solutions.
Be Honest: If something can’t be done, be upfront about it.
Keep Promises: Never over-promise and under-deliver.
Seek Feedback: Continuous improvement is key—always ask customers how you can do better.
The Impact of Ethical Service on Sheffield
Sheffield thrives on strong community ties and our local region has a strong sense of social justice. It’s no surprise that our national parks were founded from the actions of our fellow Mancunians and Sheffielders - I’m sure you know that history. Sheffield has a long and proud history as a centre for ethical behaviour. Our people have given their voice that would lead to the abolition of slavery, end of apartheid, improved industrial working conditions, and women’s suffrage. We were the nation’s first City of Sanctuary and have been a safe haven for refugee groups. These ethical actions by Sheffielders benefit and influence all of us and we at VOOT are continuing that tradition. Our founder, Nigel Short has witnessed first hand the unethical treatment of customers by national telecoms companies he’s worked for. But, being a Sheffielder by nature, he started VOOT as a local business that provides truly ethical customer service.
Our ethical practices haven’t just shaped VOOT; they’ve helped us give back to Sheffield. Whether it’s sponsoring local events, athletes and children, to supporting community projects, our approach ensures we’re always putting our local region first.
"A business that serves ethically is a business that grows sustainably."
We’ve seen firsthand how ethics translate to customer loyalty and positive word of mouth. Our customers become advocates, sharing their experiences and helping us grow within the wider communities we serve.
Join Us on This Journey
At VOOT Telecom, ethical customer service isn’t just a practice; it’s our promise to Sheffield. We are one of the very few business telecoms companies that runs under an ethics policy, which you can find on our website.
We’re proud to set a standard that prioritises people over profit, knowing that the rewards go far beyond the bottom line.
Let’s build a stronger, more ethical Sheffield and wider region together. If you haven’t experienced the VOOT difference yet, we invite you to join our family today.