The Impressive Attractions of Telecom Plus

Share tips: The impressive attractions of Telecom Plus - at Moneyweek.co.uk - the best of the week's international financial media.

Telecom Plus is a "high-growth enterprise" with "an identity problem", says Stella Shamoon in The Times. Its shares are listed in the telecoms sector, but it actually provides integrated low-cost utilities (electricity and gas, and mobile, fixed and internet telephony services) to domestic households. So it's not a telecoms firm, but as it doesn't own the infrastructure to supply, it can't be classed as a utility either.

But none of this takes away from the basic strength of the business. By piggy-backing on the likes of BT and British Gas, Telecom Plus can offer low-cost utilities without risk in terms of technical back-up, such as repairs of gas leaks or faults on telephone lines. The most compelling aspect of the business is how cheaply it acquires new customers. Sales are made by "an army" of 10,000 freelance distributors' who get commission when they recruit friends, colleagues and neighbours to the 150,000-plus customer base. These recommendations are persuasive - the new intake of 7,000 to 8,000 a month "tends to stick". If Telecom Plus can maintain this growth momentum without any service glitches, its business should grow at least fourfold within seven months. Meanwhile, its distributor numbers are growing at a rate of 400 a month.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.