A BURY-based 'telecoms troubleshooter' is ringing in the changes to help companies slash the costs of their phone bills.

And business bosses will certainly welcome the soothing tones of Andrew Croft, who guarantees to reduce corporate spending on telephones by at least 35 per cent.

His independent telecommunications company, Northcom Management, will analyse a client's existing phone system to determine what improvements can be introduced to save cash.

"Phone bills account for up to a third of a company's expenditure," stressed sales director Andrew. "I feel that businesses are paying far too much on their phone expenditure."

Northcom offers a key "fact finding" service to firms which could ultimately pay off in terms of easing their phone costs.

Andrew explained: "Initially, we will look at the present telephone carrier they currently use and then look at the phone systems. "It could be a company has more lines than they actually use. But the cost is still there because they have to pay rental on all these lines."

He added: "But by utilising an ISDN 30, with a maximum of 30 channels and a minimum of eight, this can reduce their line rental.

"Instead of paying £40 for a dedicated analogue line per month, fax or modem, they utilise eight channels of ISDN which is more cost effective per quarter."

Andrew went on: "We will also try to identify the best carrier for a company and build in a tariff structure to make their bills significantly cheaper.

"If a company is presently with BT, then I guarantee to save them in the region of 35 per cent."

With an ever-expanding range of carriers and networks now available, the Bury company will be able to assess the cheaper options. "We can arrange everything for a company in terms of transferring to a new carrier, including the reprogramming of phones," Andrew added.

Northcom will also harness the expertise of national company, Powerdial Systems Ltd, to design and build a suitable phone system tailored to the requirements of individual clients. "We will sit down with a company, find out how they operate and then build them the suitable system accordingly," Andrew continued.

"We'll also ask them about a line provider, voicemail and other services. In essence, we can provide them with a bespoke solution."

The Bury company is also heavily involved in the rapidly-expanding mobile phone market, which is a significant arm of its day-to-day business.

Northcom, which deals with an independent Vodaphone service provider, can supply a range of mobiles and offer various packages, including free line rental and cash back, to its customers.

Andrew disclosed: "I've just completed a deal with the nationwide Driving Instructors' Association which has 9,800 members.

"Under the arrangement, all their members with mobile phones can take advantage of free line rental."

Northcom is also currently involved in a project to supply a national company with 4,000 mobile phones.

The Bury telecommunications business which has a six-strong workforce, was established in the town more than a year ago.

Originally based in Silver Street, Andrew currently works from his home-based office while the company seeks bigger business premises.

And he is confident Northcom can continue along the right lines to become a major player in the highly-competitive telecoms market.

"We don't have the same overheads as big companies. So, we prefer to pass on any savings to the consumers while helping to increase a business's bottom line."