Utility Umbrella Merchant

What is Utility Umbrella

Utility Umbrella is a business service provider based in London, United Kingdom. The company operates under the legal name Real Agent Group and offers a consolidated solution for essential business utilities. Its main purpose is to simplify operations for businesses by providing multiple services under a single provider, which can reduce administrative tasks and potentially lower costs. Utility Umbrella bundles services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) phone systems, payment processing solutions, Point of Sale (POS) systems, business broadband, energy (gas and electricity), and website development. This one-stop-shop approach is designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking for efficiency and a single point of contact for support.

Utility Umbrella Features

Utility Umbrella provides a range of services tailored for business needs. Each feature is designed to be part of an integrated package.

• Cloud Phone System: A VoIP-based communication system that allows employees to make and receive calls from any location using the CtrlCom application. This supports remote and flexible work environments.
• Payments Solution: Enables businesses to accept various payment methods, including online, over-the-phone, in-store, and mobile payments. This helps businesses cater to different customer preferences.
• Point Of Sale (POS) Systems: Provides the hardware and software necessary for retail and service businesses to process transactions, manage sales, and track inventory.
• Business Broadband: Offers reliable, high-speed internet connections designed to meet the demands of business operations, from daily emails to data-heavy tasks.
• Business Energy: Supplies gas and electricity services to commercial properties, with the goal of providing competitive and stable energy rates.
• Website Services: A complete package that includes website design, development, hosting, and ongoing maintenance for a monthly fee. This is for businesses needing a professional online presence without a large upfront investment.
• Hardware Provision: Businesses have the option to either purchase or rent necessary equipment, such as VoIP phones or POS terminals, providing financial flexibility.
• Centralized Support: Offers 24/7 live chat support, giving businesses a single point of contact for any issues across all their subscribed services.

Utility Umbrella Pricing Plans

Utility Umbrella does not offer standard, pre-defined pricing tiers. Instead, it operates on a quote-based model. The pricing is customized for each business based on its specific needs, size, and the combination of services selected. To get a price, a potential customer must fill out a form on the website to request an instant quote. This approach allows the company to create a tailored package that fits the unique requirements and budget of each client, from small startups to larger enterprises.

Utility Umbrella Free Plan

Utility Umbrella does not offer a free plan or a free trial for its services. This is standard for utility and service providers. However, businesses can request a no-obligation quote free of charge to understand the potential costs and benefits of switching their services. This quote provides a detailed breakdown of the proposed package and pricing before any commitment is made.

How to use Utility Umbrella

Getting started with Utility Umbrella involves a straightforward consultation process.

1. Request a Quote: Go to the Utility Umbrella website and select the services your business needs (e.g., Phone System, Broadband, Energy).
2. Provide Business Details: Fill in the contact form with your name, email, company name, phone number, and postcode.
3. Consultation: A representative from Utility Umbrella will contact you to discuss your requirements in more detail. They will assess your current usage and needs to prepare a tailored proposal.
4. Receive Your Package: You will receive a customized quote outlining the services, features, and fixed monthly costs.
5. Onboarding: If you accept the proposal, the Utility Umbrella team will manage the process of switching your services from your previous providers. They handle the technical setup and ensure a smooth transition.
6. Manage Services: Once set up, you can manage all your utilities through a single account and contact their support team for any assistance.

Pros and Cons of Utility Umbrella

Pros

• Service Consolidation: Having one provider for phone, internet, payments, and energy simplifies billing and administration.
• Single Point of Contact: A single support team for all services saves time when troubleshooting issues.
• Customized Packages: Services are tailored to the specific needs of each business, avoiding paying for unnecessary features.
• Fixed Pricing: The company emphasizes fixed prices, which helps businesses with budget planning and avoids unexpected costs.
• Potential Cost Savings: Bundling multiple services can often result in a lower overall cost compared to sourcing them individually.

Cons

• Lack of Transparent Pricing: You must contact the company for a quote, making it difficult to compare prices quickly.
• UK-Focused: The services are primarily designed for businesses operating within the United Kingdom.
• Generalist vs. Specialist: As a general provider, its individual services may not be as advanced as those from specialized, single-service companies.

Utility Umbrella integrations

Utility Umbrella does not publicly list specific third-party software integrations for its services. Integrations for their POS or VoIP systems may be available depending on the specific hardware and software provided in a custom package. Businesses that require integrations with specific CRM, accounting, or e-commerce platforms should discuss these needs directly with the Utility Umbrella sales team during the consultation process to determine what solutions can be offered.

Utility Umbrella Alternatives

• BT Business: A leading telecommunications provider in the UK, offering a wide range of services including broadband, mobile, and cloud phone systems. It is a larger, more established alternative, often with more extensive infrastructure.
• XLN: A direct competitor focused on small businesses in the UK. XLN also bundles phone, broadband, card payments, and energy services, offering a very similar value proposition to Utility Umbrella.
• Bionic: A business services comparison platform that helps businesses find and switch providers for energy, insurance, connectivity, and finance. Unlike Utility Umbrella, Bionic is a broker rather than a direct provider.
• Vodafone Business: A major provider of business mobile and broadband services. It is a strong alternative for businesses prioritizing connectivity and mobile solutions.

Utility Umbrella API

Utility Umbrella does not offer a public-facing API (Application Programming Interface) for developers. Its services are provided as a managed solution directly to businesses, and there is no platform for third-party developers to build custom integrations or applications.

Utility Umbrella Affiliate program

There is no information available on the Utility Umbrella website regarding a formal affiliate or referral program. Businesses or individuals interested in partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact the company's support or sales team directly to inquire about any potential partner programs or referral incentives that may be available.