Fareham: Aerial Direct to launch new HQ as it increases headcount

A leading Hampshire independent provider of telecommunications is launching its new head office next week following a multi-million-pound investment. Aerial Direct is also looking to create 100-plus new jobs within the next 18 months at its state-of-the-art headquarters.

The award-winning company, the largest direct business partner of O2 in the UK, already employs 220 people at the new premises with capacity to grow this to circa 450.

A celebratory event is being held for valued customers at Aerial Direct’s Barnes Wallis Road, Fareham, base. The day will include product demonstrations from leading suppliers and talks by industry experts.

CEO and founder David Kilby said: “We are very excited to be showcasing our new HQ and proud that we are able to offer employment opportunities to the area.

“Our new location, adjacent to the motorway at J9 of the M27, puts us in easy reach of Southampton and Portsmouth – this coupled with Whiteley being on our doorstep means we really are well placed to attract the very best talent.

“In line with our ongoing recruitment strategy – having started already by adding a number of key, senior professionals over the past year – we will continue to bolster what is becoming a very skilled and industry experienced executive management team over the coming year.

“As one of the largest and fastest growing independent telecommunications companies in the UK, we required premises commensurate with our status and to support our aggressive growth strategy and, as we grow, both organically and through acquisition we expect to triple our turnover and profit targets over the short to medium term.

“As a technology company we seek to achieve excellence through innovation, by thinking ‘outside the box’ and by challenging the industry norm.

“Our new home will allow us to continually improve the organisation, concentrate on providing our customers with the very highest service levels and develop a diverse suite of evolving technology and software products.”

Technology flows through the new building, including biometric security access, a hi-tech quality demonstration suite and an iPad intelligent meeting room booking system.

Kilby added: “We value our staff – truly the backbone of the company – and so have invested heavily in brand new equipment, such as high-end ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable monitors, Sonos music system throughout the building and an extensive staff break-out relaxation area, thus providing what we believe is an unrivalled working environment.”

The launch day will feature product demonstrations by Samsung, Nokia, NEC and Connect and breakout talks by industry experts from O2, Aerial-Direct and Telefonica. 

Aerial Direct, O2 and Samsung will be discussing and demonstrating customer service strategies, digital transformation and how businesses can get ahead, as well as the future of mobile within business.

Kilby, owner of Aerial Direct since 2012, is a Gosport-bred telecoms expert who founded his first company at the age of 23.

Aerial Direct, whose solutions range from single handsets to multiple mobile devices, is also heavily involved with the community through supporting charities and sponsoring sporting clubs.

These have included Macmillan Cancer Support, British Heart Foundation, Rays of Sunshine, Aidan’s Walking Appeal and the Mayor of Gosport’s charities.

Sponsorship has been given to Gosport Borough FC, Gosport Amateur Boxing Club, Gosport Borough Hockey Club Ladies, Portsmouth Navy Seahawks Rugby League Club and Padnell Rovers Under-8s Lions Football Team.