The Business Phone Contract That Nearly Closed a 19-Year Company

Gary Pride has run his graphic design business in Bradford for 19 years. He's survived a recession, a fire, and the COVID pandemic. But what's threatening to close his business isn't a global crisis - it's his phone contract.
According to a recent BBC investigation, Gary is paying £54,432 over 10 years for just five phones. That's nearly £11,000 per phone. He's not alone - thousands of UK businesses are trapped in similar contracts that are putting them on the brink of collapse.
Gary told the BBC: "I've not been paying myself so I could pay that bill, every month." The financial stress has affected his mental health, his sleep, and he's had to start taking antidepressants.
How Did This Happen?
Gary's story is a masterclass in how predatory sales tactics work. He was offered an attractive "introductory offer" of just over £200 per month. What he wasn't clearly told was that this would jump to over £550 per month after two years - with no way out.
When he complained, the company offered him an "upgrade" that would reduce his monthly payments. But here's the catch - he still had to pay for the original contract. Now he's paying for two sets of phones over 10 years.
Gary feels conned: "No-one on this planet would have signed had they known the true extent of the contract."
The Human Cost
This isn't just about money - it's about the devastating impact on business owners and their families. Gary says he feels like he's "let himself down and let all his staff down." He can't afford the £24,584 early exit fee, so he's trapped.
Why We Do Things Differently
At Crushed Ice, we believe business relationships should be built on trust, not trap doors. That's why our phone systems come with just 30 days' notice - not because we're not confident in our service, but because we're completely confident in it.
When You Can Leave Anytime, We Have to Be Better
Think about it - if you can cancel anytime, we have to:
- Keep our prices fair: We can't surprise you with price increases because you'd just leave
- Provide excellent support: Poor service means losing customers
- Keep innovating: We need to continuously improve to stay ahead
- Be transparent: Hidden costs and confusing contracts drive customers away
- Deliver real value: Every month, we need to prove we're worth it
Peace of Mind for Business Owners
With 30-day notice, you can:
- Try our service without fear of being trapped
- Adapt quickly if your business circumstances change
- Sleep soundly knowing you're not locked into a deal that could damage your business
- Negotiate from a position of strength, not desperation
What About Hardware?
We understand that providing phones and setting up systems requires some investment. Our hardware rental does include a six-month minimum term - enough time to set everything up properly and for you to see the real benefits.
But here's the difference: we're human beings running a business built on relationships. If we've failed to deliver what we promised, or if genuine circumstances are affecting your business, we're always open to an honest conversation.
Six months gets you:
- Complete phone system setup and testing
- Your existing numbers transferred over
- Training for your team
- Time to see how the system improves your business
- Unlimited support and maintenance
The True Cost Comparison
Gary's paying roughly £900 per phone over 10 years. Our complete business phone solutions - including the phones, software, support, and 3,000 minutes per month - typically cost a fraction of this.
You get:
- Crystal-clear call quality that makes your business sound professional
- Professional features like call recording, voicemail to email, and auto-attendant
- Mobile apps so your team can take calls anywhere
- 24/7 monitoring to keep your phones working
- UK-based support from people who understand your business
- Easy scaling as your business grows
Warning Signs to Watch For
Based on Gary's experience and the BBC investigation, here are the red flags to avoid:
- Contracts longer than 12 months: Business needs change quickly
- "Introductory offers": Always ask what happens after the special price ends
- Pressure to sign immediately: Legitimate companies give you time to think
- Unclear total costs: If they can't clearly explain what you'll pay over the full term, walk away
- No flexibility: Life happens - good suppliers understand this
- Poor reviews: Check what other customers say about their experience
Building Partnerships, Not Prisons
When Gary says his phone contract has "ruined his life," something is fundamentally wrong. Business phone systems should help you succeed, not threaten your survival.
We believe in genuine partnerships. Our success comes from helping your business communicate better, save money, and operate more efficiently - not from trapping you in contracts you can't escape.
Our Commitment to You
- Clear pricing with no surprises
- Time to properly understand your needs
- Solutions that fit your business, not force you to change
- UK-based support when you need it
- Continuous improvement based on your feedback
- The freedom to leave if we don't deliver
Don't Let This Happen to You
Gary's story is a warning to every business owner. In a market where some suppliers exploit businesses with predatory contracts, choosing a partner who offers genuine flexibility isn't just about avoiding risk - it's about getting the service you deserve.
Your phone system should give you a competitive advantage, not financial stress. With our 30-day notice terms, you have the power to demand excellence and the confidence that we must earn your business every single month.
Want to know what ethical business communications look like? Let's have an honest conversation about your needs - no pressure, no hidden terms, and complete transparency about what everything costs.