How we rank providers
We score every provider on five dimensions and combine them into a single score out of 100. Here’s exactly how that works.
The five dimensions
| Dimension | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Breadth of service | 30% | How much of a business’s stack one supplier can cover (connectivity, telephony, IT/cyber, energy) and the depth within each. We weight this highest because consolidating suppliers is the single biggest admin saving most SMEs can make. |
| Reputation & reviews | 20% | Grounded in verified Trustpilot scores and volumes, awards and independent recognition. |
| Support & service | 20% | Quality and accessibility of service, UK-based support, account management, SLAs and the customer-service signal in reviews. |
| Reliability & track record | 15% | Network/infrastructure resilience, ownership of the underlying network, financial stability and track record. |
| Value for money | 15% | Pricing transparency and value for money, judged against the market and what reviewers report. |
The breadth weighting, stated openly
We deliberately give breadth of service the highest weight (30%), plus a small bonus for providers that cover all four categories. That’s an editorial stance, and we’d rather state it plainly than bury it. For most UK businesses, putting connectivity, phones, IT and energy with one supplier cuts real cost and admin: one bill instead of four, and one number to call when something breaks.
The practical effect is that genuine all-in-one providers (currently Focus Group and Daisy Communications (Daisy Group)) rank near the top. If your need is narrow, say just a VoIP system, a specialist might suit you better. That’s why every category page re-ranks providers for that one service.
Editor’s Choice
One provider may carry an Editor’s Choice badge and be pinned to the top of the overall table. It reflects the best all-round fit for the typical UK SME on the criteria above. It’s not a paid placement.
Where our data comes from
Provider details are compiled from public sources (official websites, Trustpilot, Companies House, Wikipedia and industry press) and last reviewed June 2026. Each provider profile lists its sources. Where a figure couldn’t be verified, for example an exact review count behind a paywalled page, we say so rather than invent it. Pricing in B2B telecoms and energy is mostly quote-based, so a lot of the figures are indicative. Always confirm current terms with the provider before buying.
How we stay independent & how we’re paid
Compare Business Costs is free to use. When you request a quote, we may pass your enquiry to relevant providers and earn a referral fee if you go on to buy. That fee never affects a provider’s score or ranking. Scoring uses only the criteria above, and the weightings are the same for every provider, whether or not we have a commercial relationship with them. We’ll always show a comparison alongside any single recommendation.
Compare Business Costs is an independent comparison service, not a provider, broker of record or financial adviser. Scores are our opinion. Always do your own due diligence before signing a contract.