Tom Guy is the Managing Director of Etc. at the BT Group. A multifaceted individual, he is a modern Renaissance man with an insatiable curiosity and a diverse skill set. An entrepreneur at heart, he's ventured into various industries, from tech startups to the health tech sector. With a knack for innovation and a passion for problem-solving, Tom is known for his strategic thinking and creative approach to challenges.
Hello Tom, please introduce yourself.
Certainly, I am the Managing Director of Etc. at the BT Group. At Etc., our focus is on creating, amplifying, and investing in startups in new and emerging categories adjacent to BT's core business. Our mission is to build products and services that are relevant now and work for the future.
What is Etc. and how does it relate to BT Group?
BOXOUT Etc. serves as the startup and digital incubation arm of the BT Group. BOXOUT Our primary objective is to foster businesses' growth in emerging categories closely related to BT's core operations. We leverage BT's vast scale and harness unique assets from across the Group while maintaining a founder mentality. We aim to develop solutions directly addressing real customer needs, whether facilitating access to timely healthcare, pioneering drone technology, revolutionising payment systems, or introducing EV charging infrastructure at curbsides, Etc. plays a pivotal role in accelerating the development and deployment of products and services that fundamentally change how people live, work, and support one another.
Can you tell us more about your role as Managing Director?
Absolutely. As Managing Director, my primary responsibility is to ensure that our products and services are always rooted in customer insight. We strive to keep the user at the centre of our journey, continuously challenging ourselves and pushing boundaries to deliver the best possible experiences. With a background in product and design, my ultimate goal at Etc. and throughout my career has been to create products that genuinely resonate with users and address their everyday pain points.
Why is BT Group upgrading green street cabinets to address the shortfall in public EV charging infrastructure?
Currently, we're piloting the repurposing of BT Group's green street cabinets to increase the number of EV charge points available, aiming to alleviate the national shortfall. As fibre rollout across the UK progresses, many of BT's green cabinets, traditionally used for broadband cabling and telephone wiring, are becoming obsolete. Recognising this, we identified an opportunity to utilise existing infrastructure to support the ongoing electrification of Britain's roads.
Through this trial initiative, we aim to expedite the UK's net-zero ambition by eliminating barriers our customers encounter with EV charging. We leverage these underutilised assets to contribute positively to the country's sustainable transportation goals.
Can you provide more insights into your mission to explore the potential of building up to 60,000 new charge points across the UK?
Absolutely. Currently, there are fewer than 60,000 EV charge points in the UK, while the government estimates that around 300,000 will be required by 2030 to support the growing electric vehicle market. Within BT Group, we recognise the vast potential of utilising our green cabinets scattered across the UK to contribute to this expansion.
At Etc., we aim to scale up to 600 pilot sites within the next year to assess the feasibility of a broader rollout. Each trial stage will provide invaluable insights that will inform our decision-making process. Our primary focus at this stage is on accessibility, reliability, and convenience for EV drivers.
Through extensive research and engagement with EV drivers, we've gained a deep understanding of their challenges, particularly those without access to off-street parking. Many of our green cabinets are strategically located in areas with limited off-street parking and EV charging availability. It gives us a unique opportunity to repurpose these assets to meet the increasing demand for EV charging infrastructure nationwide.
Can you share details about your first public EV charger?
Indeed, our inaugural public EV charger, powered by a green cabinet, has been successfully installed in East Lothian and is now open for residents to use free of charge throughout May. Accessing the charge point is simple for residents, who can download the trial app from either the App Store or Google Play Store.
The trial app offers a comprehensive suite of features to enhance the EV charging experience. EV drivers gain visibility into the network of EV chargers across the UK and receive real-time updates on pricing, availability, and charging speeds. Users can initiate, monitor, and terminate charge sessions directly from the app and apply filters based on connector type, charging speed, and network provider.
Moreover, EV owners can connect their vehicles to the app, enabling them to receive live updates on battery levels, estimated costs, and charge times. Additionally, they can access their charging history for reference and analysis.
This milestone marks the initial phase of a critical pilot program, allowing us to assess various aspects ranging from the digital customer experience to engineering and technology choices, planning and local engagement, as well as operational and commercial considerations. It represents a significant step in our journey toward enhancing EV infrastructure and advancing sustainable transportation options for communities.
Can you tell us about your studies and career experiences?
Indeed, after obtaining a law degree, I embarked on my career journey in the retail sector. During this time, I found my passion for marketing and, importantly, for crafting exceptional in-store experiences for customers. Such experiences ignited my interest in the world of product development. I wanted to be more involved in the creation process rather than just overseeing existing products.
Throughout my career, I've worked with various retailers, including Curry's, Virgin, Best Buy, and the former Carphone Warehouse. However, my role as a founding member of Hive allowed me to make an impact. At Hive, we pioneered connecting home technology to the mass market, transforming how customers interact with their homes through innovative products like smart heating systems and complete smart home solutions.
Before joining Etc. in 2022, I served as the Chief Product Officer at Vodafone Smart Tech. In this role, I led a talented team developing groundbreaking consumer IoT products. Our efforts created four category-leading smart devices, which received recognition from prestigious awards such as GLOMO, IF Design, Good Design, and Red Dot. Additionally, I had the privilege of collaborating with renowned entities like Disney and industry veteran Yves Behar to develop Neo, a cutting-edge smart kids watch launched in 2020.
What skills have you developed?
If I were to list everything I've learned from my colleagues and leaders, we'd be here all day. However, I've been particularly inspired by leaders like my boss, Harmeen Mehta, for her distinctive leadership approach and knack for championing innovative thinking. Drawing inspiration from Harmeen and other exceptional leaders and mentors I've had the privilege to work with, my primary focus in leadership today is creating an environment where my product leads can shine. Fostering well-being and nurturing a positive culture are essential for business success.
Moreover, I strongly advocate for diversity within teams. It's crucial to have individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences to develop truly innovative solutions. After all, if we aim to create products that cater to everyone, we need diverse perspectives in the room, questioning the norms and offering fresh insights.
I view my product leaders as the CEOs of their respective domains within the business. To support them in striving for excellence, I prioritise fostering genuine friendships within the team. Having informal conversations with your CEO and discussing non-work-related topics are just as crucial as delivering groundbreaking solutions for our customers. Sometimes, the most unexpected conversations can spark the most ingenious ideas.
What other products are you currently developing?
We have several exciting projects underway. One notable initiative is our partnership with the financial technology platform Adyen. Together, we're empowering small business customers to accept contactless payments using their iPhones and the BT Tap to Pay app, eliminating the need for additional hardware. This collaboration streamlines payment processes for UK businesses, ultimately enhancing customer convenience.
Additionally, we're piloting a groundbreaking project in the HealthTech sector, focusing on a preventative approach to healthcare. In collaboration with NHS professionals, we've developed a remote care solution to prevent cardiovascular issues. Patients can upload their vital signs and biometrics to an app through a digital platform, allowing clinicians to monitor their health remotely. The initiative is being implemented across 26 GP practices, benefiting 228,000 individuals in Warrington, Cheshire. The estimation is that this program will prevent over 80 strokes and heart attacks by shifting the NHS's care approach from reactive to preventative.
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