Telecoms & Data Team

We keep you and your business connected with the right mobile, landline and broadband solution.

Sharon Smith

Procurement Manager

The role of Procurement Manager for Telecoms is a diverse and challenging role.  Technology is advancing rapidly, and it is our challenge to offer simple and cost effective solutions to our membership that enhance and benefit their core business.

I have been in the Telecommunications industry for 20 years and worked at AF for 8 years managing the telecoms team.  Prior to that I worked in international procurement and distribution. I had the opportunity to travel extensively and worked with many leading brands across the globe gaining valuable experience in both procurement and technology.

phillip bird telecoms team

Philip Bird

Member Support

With 20 years of experience in the fast-evolving world of telecoms we are always discovering new developments and solutions for our members. I enjoy providing excellent service and advice, saving our members both time and money.

I’ve been in Telecoms for 20 years, the last 7 with AF. It’s a fast-evolving industry so you are always discovering new developments and solutions. I enjoy discussing the requirements of our members and provide excellent service and advice to our members. It’s a busy and varied  role and I work with a great team both in my department and the company as a whole.

robert george

Robert George

Business Development Manager

My primary role is to undertake cost analysis for Members and produce proposals for telecoms services including mobile, landline and broadband connections.

With a background in procurement and customer service I have worked at AF since 2006. In that time the telecoms department has developed a great deal, for example when I started my AF journey we managed a few hundred ‘voice only’ mobile connections, whereas now we look after over 18,000 connections using over 25,000GB of data per month. My greatest satisfaction is finding savings for Members – helping businesses spend less on their running costs is rewarding, especially when it can make a big difference to their survival. When I look back over my time at AF I think more about the relationships I have developed with members than I do about the business that has been done – I am now seeing the second and even third generation of farmers coming through on some accounts, I may have even sold their parents their first mobile phone contract – I’m getting that old!

vikki williams

Vikki Williams

Business Retentions Manager

As part of the telecoms team, I use my administrative and organisational skills to ensure that our Members’ telecoms services are the best fit for their business’ requirements.

I have worked in the telecoms team for 10 years, starting as Trading Support for landlines. The knowledge and experience I have gained over the last 10 years from colleagues and training has allowed me to progress to Retentions Manager, a role that includes problem solving, analysis and administration to provide our Members with the service, support and advice they expect.

Kristian Dunham

Head of Livestock Inputs & General

I cover one of the most diverse areas within AF with a wide variety of product areas.

I have been working with AF and our Members for much of my career, initially through an approved supplier before joining the General Supplies team within AF. Over the last four years I have moved on to become the Business Manager for General, one of the most diverse areas within AF and one that crosses over with many other departments.  This position is key in that it gives me a unique insight into how the needs of our Members and the departments they use are intertwined, with many natural cross overs that, once identified, can add value for Members and maximise returns from every interaction.