Stewart Yates: TFM Networks

Stewart Yates, 35
Company: TFM Networks
Web: www.tfmnetworks.com

Family-run business TFM Networks was born in January 2004. A virtual network operator, the company buys network services from a number of suppliers such as BT, and re-wraps for clients including H&M, Travelodge and Yotel, offering average cost savings of around 40%. One of the biggest challenges, Yates says, has been building corporate grade systems in a small business environment. The company must be getting it right, however. In 2005 it successfully re-signed all of its customers and maintains a retention rate of 100%. The business excels in areas that are often poorly implemented by its competitors, such as billing, Yates says. Turnover should exceed £3m this year, and Yates is now looking towards acquisitive growth, which could propel turnover to £12m in 24 months.