So who are Virtual1?
At Virtual1, we like to challenge the status quo. We’re a tech-first telco, built from the ground up to become the biggest, most advanced wholesale-only network in the United Kingdom with a team of the industry’s best behind us.
Our people
Our people are the lifeblood of our organisation. Each of our employees has a passion for what they do and are well-versed in asking the questions that matter to help us push industry boundaries and deliver tomorrow, today for our customers.
The Virtual1 HQ is based in the historic Alphabeta building in the heart of the City of London, surrounded by likeminded techies–a cool, modern space to make it all happen.
Our purpose
We exist to accelerate business through innovations in cloud and connectivity
Our vision
We aim to be the power behind the progress of UK PLC, backing every single business to success
Our mission
By prioritising innovation, automation and simplicity, we strive to challenge the ordinary everyday; delivering tomorrow today for our partners and their customers
Our Truths
Our truths are what we stand for. They’re in our DNA and serve as a compass to guide our actions and decisions. They’re how we get things done and why partners want to work with us.
We put people first
We invest in the best people for the best results. All of what we’ve achieved is down to the incredible passion and hard work of our people. Our team is our best asset.
We believe in simplicity
The most powerful technology is both advanced and easy to use. We keep things simple and accessible, making life easier for our partners and their customers.
We ask, ‘what if?’
It’s what drives us to push industry boundaries and challenge the status quo, so we never stand still. It’s how we’ve built the UK’s most advanced wholesale network.
Our recognition
Comms National Awards 2021 - Best Network Provider
Comms Dealer Channel Champions 2022 - Vendor/Distributor Event Champions of the Year
Comms Dealer Sales & Marketing Awards 2020 - Vendor Channel Marketing Team of the Year
Comms Dealer Sales & Marketing Awards 2020 - Charity & Fundraising
Acronis #CyberFit Partner Awards 2020 - Cloud Transformation
Comms National Awards 2020 - Best Network Provider
Best Companies accreditation 2020 (rated as outstanding) Two-star rating
CRN 2019 - Specialist Vendor of the Year
CRN Sales & Marketing Awards 2019 - Best Company to Work For
Tech Marketing and Innovation Awards 2019 - Best Campaign on a Small Budget
Tech Marketing and Innovation Awards 2019 - Overall Marketing Campaign of the Year
Comms Dealer Sales & Marketing Awards 2019 - Best Company to Work For (Over £10m)
Comms Dealer Sales & Marketing Awards 2019 - Vendor Channel Marketing Campaign of the Year
Managed Services and Hosting Awards 2019 - Best Comms/UC MSP Project
Comms National Awards 2019 - Best Network Provider
Our Leadership Team
Tom O’Hagan
Founder and CEO
After working in the wholesale market for some of the world’s biggest carriers, I knew there was a better way of doing things to drive the market. So, with a big idea and big ambitions I sold my house in 2007 to form Virtual1 and do just that. 14 years on and I am incredibly proud of what the team have achieved, however it’s still just the beginning!
James Hickman
Chief Technical Officer
Not satisfied with helping to build the networks of both PSINet and Telstra Europe, I joined Virtual1 with the promise and challenge to build a highly innovative network, my way, from the ground up and make it fully software defined. We’ve won some awards for it now too, which is nice.
Magnus Båtsvik-Miller
Chief Financial Officer
Big Four qualified (ICAEW) with a Diploma in Treasury (ACT). After a highly successful stint as Group FD for a fast-growth Fintech business, I joined Virtual1 in 2016 to repeat those successes in a different industry and help raise the capital to transform us into the leading UK network we are today.
Jason King
Chief Sales Officer
I joined Virtual1 in May 2015, though it seems like yesterday—the time has flown by. I started out running sales functions at Energis (now Vodafone) before moving onto COLT and Virgin Media Business, and the last 26 years have been spent in telecoms. Tom’s vision of Virtual1 becoming a real market disrupter was so compelling that I had to be part of the journey. And what a journey it’s been!
David Simpson
Chief Operating Officer
For 17 years, I ran teams at Virgin Media covering UK B2B delivery and assurance, the national core and access networks. However I wanted to be a bigger part of an organisation and to transform the customer experience in the wholesale market. Once Jason King heard I was looking, he delivered one of his finest sales pitches, and the rest is history!
Kate Brunning
Director of People
After 4 years working for RELX Group (a global provider of information-based analytics) I set up my own HR consultancy business. Virtual1 was my first client and after 2 years, I jumped at the chance to join full time, to develop our award winning culture and help Virtual1 become a 3* best company to work for. That was 8 years ago, I think that makes me an original Virtual1er.
Neil Wilson
Product Strategy Director
After years of being a customer of Virtual1 whilst running the Product Marketing function at Alternative Networks, i decided i should join! I came to Virtual1 to drive the development of our products and propositions into the award winning shape they are today.
What’s it like to work for Virtual1?
At Virtual1, we hire the best people in the industry, who have a passion for what they do. We’re all about building connections, so our teams work closely together, everyday to share ideas, support each other and drive the business forward.
Our awesome people are based across our London HQ, North Macedonia, China and Sweden. No matter the location, we put our people at the heart of everything we do to generate a culture that creates and innovates.
Want to become part of the Virtual1 team?
It's not all about business
At Virtual1, we’re very proud of our partnership with Restless Development, an international charity that aims to empower young people across the world.
Now more than ever, the world needs young leaders to solve its greatest challenges. That’s why every year Restless Development train, mentor, nurture and connect thousands of young people to lead this change and create a just and sustainable world for all.
Some of these individuals are social entrepreneurs setting up businesses to provide for their families, others are youth advocates campaigning on issues like gender equality and HIV. No matter the issue, these young leaders are working to improve their lives and the lives of people in their communities.
