Sixty five per cent of callers hang up when they hear a voicemail message according to recent market research carried out in Britain. So to businessmen Tom Shanahan and David Kelly, Kendlebell seemed the perfect answer. Kendlebell offers a range of personalised, “virtual office “ services for small businesses. Clients simply divert their telephone lines to their own exclusive Kendlebell number and a team of professionals represent them as if they were sitting in their own office.

David Kelly and Tom Shanahan, Kendlebell

Kendlebell has been in operation in the UK for a number of years. Shanahan and Kelly have brought the concept to Ireland and it is a franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs that are interested in providing a professional, efficient service to small companies. “We intend to roll the franchise out through the main population centres in Ireland over the coming years,” explains Shanahan.

Outsourcing front–end receptionist duties enables clients to focus on their core business. Key objectives may be to cut costs, increase efficiency, reduce capital outlay and ultimately increase profitability. Outsourcing telephone answering activity reduces capital outlay on telephony systems, e-communication tools, database development, IT maintenance, customer relationship management and office floor space. It also reduces the overhead and risk of employing and managing receptionist staff. Depending on requirements, clients can choose between five packages that range from €50 per month (entry Level) to €300 per month (platinum).

“If you only need help when you have absenteeism issues or when your employees are on holiday, Kendlebell offers a daily rate where they can handle your calls when you are in need,” explains Shanahan.