Summary
Tayto is one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable brands, producing crisps and snacks that are enjoyed across the UK and international markets. Over the last two decades, the business has experienced significant growth through expansion and acquisitions, transforming from a £23 million business into an organisation with revenues of approximately £200 million.
As the company expanded across multiple locations and increased the size of its workforce, reliable communications became increasingly important. For more than 18 years, Barclay Communications has supported Tayto’s evolving mobile and fixed-line requirements, helping the business stay connected while adapting to changing operational demands.
The Challenge
When Tayto first engaged Barclay Communications, the business was managing communications through a variety of suppliers and network providers.
As the organisation continued to grow through acquisitions, it required a communications partner capable of simplifying mobile management, providing consistent support and scaling services alongside the business.
The company needed:
- A reliable partner to manage its growing mobile estate
- Flexible connectivity solutions across multiple sites
- Access to multiple network providers
- Fast and responsive customer support
- A supplier capable of adapting as business requirements evolved
Initially, there was some hesitation about moving away from dealing directly with network operators.
However, after discussions with Barclay Communications, Tayto recognised the value of having a dedicated communications partner focused on service and long-term support.
As Christopher Milligan, Head of Group Systems and Infrastructure at Tayto, explained:
“There was a bit of hesitancy at first as we had previously been dealing with the networks directly, but we realised very quickly Barclay Communications could help us achieve our goals.”
The Barclay Solution
Barclay Communications became Tayto’s trusted communications provider, delivering a fully managed approach to mobile and fixed-line services across the organisation.
Over the years, the partnership has continually evolved to support the changing needs of the business.
What began as approximately 100 mobile connections has grown into a communications estate of around 500 connections spanning:
- Mobile phones
- Tablets
- Data-only devices
- Fixed-line services
- 5G connectivity solutions
One of the key advantages for Tayto has been Barclay Communications’ independence from any single network provider. This allows the company to choose the most suitable solution for individual locations, teams and users rather than being restricted to one network.
Beyond connectivity, Barclay Communications has provided hands-on support and dedicated account management throughout the relationship.
Whether assisting with device rollouts, handling renewals, troubleshooting issues or responding to urgent requests, the team has focused on making communications management as straightforward as possible for Tayto’s internal IT team.
Christopher recalls one example where a Barclay team member personally travelled to Tayto’s Tandragee headquarters to provide same-day SIM activation and ensure employees remained connected.
Business Outcomes
Over the course of the 15-year partnership, Barclay Communications has helped support Tayto through significant growth and organisational change.
As the business expanded from £23 million turnover to approximately £200 million, its communications infrastructure successfully scaled alongside it.
Key benefits include:
- Growth from 100 to approximately 500 mobile and fixed-line connections
- Consistent communications support throughout multiple acquisitions
- Simplified account management through a dedicated support team
- Greater flexibility through access to multiple mobile networks
- Faster issue resolution and responsive customer service
- Long-term continuity from a trusted technology partner
The relationship has also enabled Tayto to focus on its core business while leaving communications management in the hands of a specialist provider.
Reflecting on the partnership, Christopher Milligan said:
“At the time when we moved to Barclay Communications we were much smaller, operating as a £23m business. By the end of an eight-year acquisition process it was sitting at £200m. There has been massive growth.
Dealing with the team at Barclay Communications is an enjoyable process. It was refreshing to be able to say, ‘Here’s my problem,’ and have them respond with, ‘We’ll fix it for you.'”
Customer Testimonial
“What has been evident with this partnership is that Barclay Communications has actually taken the time to learn about our business and what we need.
In Northern Ireland, a lot of business is based upon the people you are dealing with, and it’s a credit to Britt and the team he has developed. They want to solve your problems and give their best.
As we have grown as a business, our needs have too, and they seem to relish the challenge and succeed at every opportunity.
As we have grown, Stewart, alongside Donna and her team, have grown with us. The whole team have managed our account incredibly well throughout the 15 years we have been a customer. They continue to provide a service with great attention to detail, from renewal negotiations to delivery.”
Christopher Milligan
Head of Group Systems and Infrastructure, Tayto
