Chess Telecom Turns 18

Chess Telecom celebrated its 18th birthday on March 25th with a day to remember. The 130 people employed at
Chess’ head office in Alderley Edge dressed up and joined in games including party hat making contests, quizzes
and a conga. In the evening employees attended an office “house party” with magicians, a cocktail bar and
casino.

The day was also a great opportunity to reflect on the businesses achievements over the last 18 years.

Chess entered the telecoms market at the age of 3. By the age of 11 Chess’ growth was recognised by its
inclusion in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100. Chess was ranked in the Tech Track 100 for the next 2 years and
remains one of the UK’s fastest growing companies.

At 14 Chess was recognised as one of the UKs Best Companies to Work For in the Sunday Times annual listing.
Chess has been included in the Best Companies List ever since, the companies best result coming this year with
its ranking as the 66th Best Company to Work For in the UK.

At 16 Chess was the first Telecoms company to achieve the Customer First Award, cementing its position as the
benchmark for quality service in the telecoms industry. It’s in Chess’ culture to exceed its customers
expectations and just a week before its 18th Birthday celebrated winning its most prestigious customer service
award yet. Chess was named as the winner of the Institute of Customers Services “Quality Service Provider of
the Year” award at the 2011 UK Customer Satisfaction Awards. Chess won from an impressive shortlist that
included Siemens, Santander, Lloyds Banking Group and Boots.

Chess has also won National Business Awards, a National Training award, Federation of Communications Services’
Service Provider of the Year and Cheshire Business Awards’ Employer of the Year. David Pollock, founder and
Chief Executive, has won Institute of Directors’ Cheshire Director of the Year, Ernst and Young Entrepreneur
of the Year and Comms Business Entrepreneur of the Year.

David commented “We’ve achieved an incredible amount over the last 18 years, but without doubt I’m most proud
of our people. We’ve built a fantastic team who make us both one of the UKs Best Companies to Work For and one
of the best companies to be a customer of.”