Susan, Author at Business Comms

Audio Visual and Video Conferencing Technology is Essential to Business

Posted on 28th January 202628th January 2026

In 2026, Audio-Visual (AV) and video conferencing technology have evolved from “pandemic-era stopgaps” to foundational business infrastructure in the UK.

Approximately 74% of UK organisations now support hybrid work, and the shift from “standard” to “professional” AV is significantly impacting various sectors:

1. Corporate: From Connectivity to “Autonomous” Rooms
The focus has shifted from merely having a video link to perfecting the hybrid experience.

Meeting Equity: UK businesses are investing in AI-powered cameras and beamforming microphones to ensure remote participants feel as involved as those in the room.
The Autonomous Meeting Room: 2026 systems now use AI auto-framing and real-time acoustic adaptation, allowing meetings to start without manual technical adjustments.
Collaborative Hubs: Office design is moving away from fixed desks toward specialised AV-rich collaboration spaces, with 65% of UK companies reporting improved team collaboration after upgrading their AV.

2. Retail and Hospitality: Immersive Customer Engagement
AV technology is being used to bridge the gap between digital and physical shopping.

Digital Signage: UK retailers report up to a 33% increase in engagement by using interactive digital signage to promote offers and display real-time updates.
In-store Experiences: Large-format LED and immersive video walls are becoming architectural features rather than just screens, used to create memorable brand environments.

3. Events and Conferences: “Broadcast-Quality” Expectations
Corporate events in 2026 are expected to meet broadcast production standards.

Strategic Video: Instead of recording “just in case,” UK firms now build high-end video assets into event strategies from the outset, including 3D graphics and live vox-pops.
Hybrid at Scale: Major conferences now effectively run “two events at once”—delivering a professional experience for the live room and a dedicated, high-quality stream for remote global audiences.

4. Training and Education: The “Hybrid Learning” Standard

Interactive Onboarding: Businesses are using interactive displays and VR/AR-assisted environments to deliver consistent, global training without repeating sessions across different sites.
Recording and Accessibility: The ability to record and transcribe sessions via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams has improved staff retention of training information and ensured accessibility for employees with diverse needs.

Summary of Strategic Impact

Benefit	Business Outcome in 2026
Cost Efficiency	Average 30% reduction in travel costs for businesses leveraging pro-video.
Decision Speed	Visual collaboration is reported to reduce project completion time by up to 89%.
Sustainability	Proactive use of energy-efficient LED displays helps firms meet green mandates and reduce long-term OPEX.

Two-Way Radio Comm vs. Mobile Phones in Business

Posted on 27th January 202628th January 2026

The comparison between two-way radios and mobile phones in the business arena where safety is essential, particularly as of 2026, reveals significant advancements and shifts in communication technology, especially within construction and logistics sectors:

Unified Connectivity:
- Traditional two-way radios often suffered from “dead zones” or connectivity gaps.
- Modern solutions integrate satellite, 5G, and AI-driven monitoring to ensure seamless communication anywhere, eliminating black holes.
- Hybrid satellite-to-cellular systems and private 5G networks provide continuous connectivity in remote and large-scale sites.
Advanced Asset and Safety Tracking:
- Two-way radios mainly supported voice communication; now IoT and AI enhance asset tracking beyond location to cargo condition.
- Wearables and sensors connected via advanced networks monitor worker safety and trigger preventive actions automatically.
Modernised Site Communication:
- Site offices have evolved from poorly connected cabins to digital hubs using cloud PBX and VoIP.
- Smartphones with office extension capabilities and AI-powered video triage improve operational efficiency and remote inspection.
Enhanced Hardware and Security:
- Ruggedised devices running Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk over LTE/5G replace legacy radios, offering encrypted, instant communication worldwide.
- Security compliance such as end-to-end encryption is critical to protect sensitive construction site data and 3D models.

In essence, while traditional two-way radios provided basic voice communication, the integration of mobile technologies, satellite, 5G, AI, and IoT in 2026 delivers a comprehensive, secure, and intelligent communication ecosystem that significantly improves safety, connectivity, and operational oversight in industries where these factors are vital.

Cel-Fi GO G41 Smart Signal Repeater

Posted on 12th September 202212th September 2022

Designed to solve cellular coverage issues for indoor environments, the Cel-Fi GO G41 Smart Signal Repeater is the most powerful carrier-grade solution available.

Providing up to 100 dB gain, GO G41 offers class-leading 5G/4G/3G voice and data performance.

Cel-Fi GO G41 also supports 5GNR operation for seamless network migration and consistent connectivity.

In addition to providing cellular coverage up to 1,500 square meters when configured with the included donor and server antennas.

This system can be expanded with outdoor or additional server antennas for an increased coverage footprint.

This solution is network safe and the easiest solution to install.

As a customer, you will gain these benefits:

Read more about Inbuilding Cellular solutions that we offer here.

However, do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about Inbuilding Cellular solutions and/or if you need more information.

NEW – Mototrbo™ R7 Two-Way Radio

Posted on 1st April 202212th September 2022

Due to global semi-conductor supply issues, there have been significant supply problems over the last few months with Two-Way Radio products and accessories.

However, there is now GOOD NEWS; Motorola have just announced a new radio model, the Mototrbo R7, which is compatible with DP4000(e) series radios and chargers.

The R7 series is available in both non-display and display versions – see data sheet.

Key Features include:

We will advise on availability as soon as we receive an update, but these radios are expected very soon.

If you wish to discuss new orders, or replacing existing DP4400e orders with R7 radios, please contact the radio team for costs at radios@businesscomms.co.uk or call 0203 4188 039

Video Conferencing Tips

Posted on 20th January 202212th September 2022

Today many of us are working from home due to Covid-19. So there is no opportunity to have face-to-face meeting, instead we hold video meetings.

The benefits of video conferencing are many such as;

You can see those you talk to
You can read body language and gestures as in a physical meeting

Thus getting a holistic experience of the conversation that you cannot get in a telephone conference or via written communication. Regardless of the platform you work with, there are some things you need to think about before you have your video conference.

Here are some of our tips to have a successful video meeting:

Prepare for the meeting

Make sure you have good lighting in the room, avoid having a window in the background
Check that your computer has the correct camera and audio settings
You need to familiarise yourself with the meeting program (for example Microsoft Teams / Zoom) in advance, to confirm you know how it works
If you need to share documents during the meeting, make sure that these programs are open for easy access during the meeting
Ensure you have all the materials you need for the meeting available

During the meeting

Start the meeting with a presentation round, it means that everyone in the meeting is seen
Make sure that everyone has the camera is turned on so you can see each other (the meeting will feel a bit more “real”)
Always keep the microphone on, however turn off the microphone in order not to disturb others, especially in multi-party meetings
Avoid flipping through paper, clicking on the pen, texting, whispering to a colleague, eating, or drinking during the meeting
If you share presentations / data image, avoid jumping between images quickly
Look directly into the camera when you talk and have a good conversational tone

Good luck!

With video conferencing, you get as close to a physical meeting as you can get and with today’s technology, you can get both image and sound of high quality.

The above are some tips but do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about your current video conference or need other solutions

How Old is Your Radio Fleet?

Posted on 19th May 202120th October 2021

How old is your radio fleet as Motorola has ceased repair of non ‘e’ models?

Please be aware that Motorola no longer support repair of Two-Way Radio Models that were cancelled in 2016 and these are radios without the ‘e’ suffix such as:

DP2000 Series – DP2400
DP3441
DP4000 Series – DP4400, DP4800
SL400
SL4010
DM4000 Series

Motorola continues repair and spares support of all ‘e’ suffix radios such as the DP4400e and DP2400e. Find all product specifications downloads here.

Further information from Motorola and all the products that are affected please Click Here

Please contact Business Communications for clarification if required.

Is it Time to Replace your Motorola Two-Way Radio Battery?

Posted on 16th April 202116th April 2021

Signs that your radio battery needs to be replaced include the Motorola battery requires you to recharge it continually shorter intervals and/or the radio is constantly beeping when turned on or transmitting.

However, we recommend the best way to ascertain if your Motorola Two-Way Batteries need to be replaced, is for you to check them against the reference key on your Motorola Multi-Unit Charger:

If the charger LED is AMBER, the battery is reforming and should be left to complete this
If the battery flashes RED/GREEN, it is nearing the end of its useful life
Flashing RED means the battery will not charge and before you replace it, check the connection in the charger just in case
Solid RED means the battery is charging
Solid GREEN means the battery is charged and ready for use

For more information, read our article ‘Is Your Two-Way Radio Battery Treated Right?‘

Otherwise, contact us if you have any further questions.

Relocation of the Staisafe Radio System in Staines

Posted on 18th March 202118th March 2021

Business Comms engineers have completed the first phase of the relocation of the Staisafe radio system in Staines-upon-Thames.

This involved the recovery of two base station repeaters and an antenna array from a now defunct department store and installing the equipment at the top of a nearby multistorey car park.

This is the first phase of the project.

The second phase will be completed with the issue of a revised licence from Ofcom and the purchase of a two channel combiner which will enable the two repeaters to be connected to a single replacement antenna array.

Gatwick Station Redevelopment – Site Comms

Posted on 17th February 202117th February 2021

Working with Costain the Principal Contractor on the Gatwick Station Redevelopment project, Business Comms has provided a Motorola 4 channel Repeater system using Motorola Solutions Capacity Plus software to support a fleet of ca. 80 DP4400e and 4800e keypad display Digital Two-Way Radios. These radios are used by Costain site operatives, senior site management and their nominated sub-contractors including Kilnbridge and Emico.

The Ofcom licensing was arranged by Business Comms whilst liaising with the Airport authority’s representative for site approval. The Motorola Repeater System is installed within a 24U rack with Combiner connected to a DAS (Distributed Antenna System).

The site offices provided for this project in 2 phases, were mobilised with a Cat5e and Fibre infrastructure installed by Business Comms to support the projects data and audio/video conferencing demands.

A complete site communications deployment was delivered which we are supporting throughout the construction and redevelopment of Gatwick Station.

Awarded IT Cabling on SCS Railways – HS2 Projects

Posted on 16th February 202117th February 2021

Business Comms have been awarded the IT cabling infrastructure works on all 20+ site offices for HS2 main works projects.

We were awarded these works in 2020 and are in the process of mobilising multiple site offices including SCS Railways head office in North Acton.

Our works include Cat5e, Cat6 and fibre cabling for offices supporting between 10 and 200 site staff across the London link, HS2 project.

Our company reputation is built on delivering quality, cost effective and reliable solutions from a professional and skilled team.

To find out more about us and/or what we can do to help improve your business telecommunications, contact us on: 01252 617116 / 0203 4188039 or email: enquiry@businesscomms.co.uk

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Author: Susan