Chamber conversations: Gildas Jones from Dial A Geek
At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations – from ambitious start-ups to established firms and charities – all working to make our region stronger and more connected.
This September, as the world marks World EV Day, the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, and World Car Free Day, we’re reflecting on the importance of sustainable practices and greener futures. As a certified B Corp ourselves, we’re proud to champion businesses that not only drive innovation and growth, but also place people and the planet at the heart of what they do.
We’re delighted to feature Dial A Geek Ltd as our Chamber Member of the Month – a certified B Corp company committed to using business as a force for good. From supporting businesses with their digital needs, to embedding sustainability into their operations, Dial A Geek is proving that technology and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Dial A Geek. What does a typical day look like?
I’m Gildas Jones, managing director of Dial A Geek. I moved to Bristol in 2001 and never looked back – it’s a city that inspires innovation and community. I’ve been running Dial A Geek for 19 years, and I’m also a dad of four, so life is never quiet!
A typical day starts with cycling into the office, followed by working closely with our brilliant team, speaking to existing clients about their IT strategy, and meeting potential new partners. I also try to make time for networking events, where I get to connect with other like-minded business leaders across the region.
Can you tell us more about what your company does, where it is based, and the impact it has on the local business landscape and beyond?
Dial A Geek is a Bristol-based IT support and consultancy business, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) harness technology to grow, stay secure, and work smarter. Over the years, we’ve supported more than 1,000 businesses across the South West, from start-ups to established firms.
Our services range from day-to-day IT support to specialist areas such as cybersecurity and compliance – helping businesses safeguard their data, meet regulatory requirements, and reduce risk. Most recently, we’ve launched an AI compliance service, designed to help SMEs adopt artificial intelligence responsibly while staying compliant with emerging laws and regulations. It’s part of our commitment to ensuring smaller businesses aren’t left behind in the digital revolution.
Being rooted in Bristol also means we contribute to the local economy – supporting jobs, collaborating with other small businesses, and helping the region’s enterprises stay resilient and innovative.
We’re passionate about supporting local organisations that make a difference too. This year, for example, we provided a pro bono email migration for St Paul’s Carnival, helping them streamline their operations. We also donate laptops to DigiLocal, a local charity that refurbishes and passes them on to school children who otherwise wouldn’t have access to digital learning.
As a certified B Corp, sustainability is clearly important to your business. Can you share some of the steps you’ve taken to reduce your environmental impact?
Sustainability runs through everything we do. From encouraging cycling and public transport for staff, to minimising e-waste by refurbishing, reusing and repairing hardware wherever possible.
Beyond our internal operations, we also advise clients on how their technology choices can reduce carbon impact – whether that’s moving to cloud-based solutions that cut energy use or supporting flexible working that reduces commuting.
And our commitment extends to the community, too. By donating refurbished laptops to local school children through DigiLocal, we reduce e-waste while helping to close the digital divide. Our B Corp journey has pushed us to measure, improve, and be transparent about our impact – and that accountability makes all the difference.
We understand you’ve made a pledge to plant trees – can you tell us a little more about this initiative?
We’ve pledged to plant a tree for every staff member that a new client has. That means when we take on a business with 50 employees, 50 trees are planted. It’s a way of linking the scale of our work to the scale of our environmental contribution.
For us, it’s about demonstrating that even in the IT sector – where our direct environmental footprint might seem limited – we can still play a role in protecting the planet. It also gives our clients a sense that by choosing us, they’re directly helping to restore forests and biodiversity.
How long have you been a member of Business West Chambers of Commerce and what prompted you to join?
We've been a member for several years now. The decision to join was driven by a desire to connect more deeply with the business community in Bristol and the wider West of England. Being part of Business West has given us access to opportunities, resources, and a platform to share our own experiences as a B Corp with other businesses.
What has been most valuable to you as a Business West Chamber Member?
The most valuable aspect has been the community. Business West brings together such a diverse network of businesses – from social enterprises to large corporations – and that diversity fosters collaboration and fresh ideas.
We’ve benefited hugely from networking events, knowledge sharing, and the chance to both learn from and contribute to conversations about sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.
Finally, what advice would you give to a business thinking of becoming a member of our Business West Chambers of Commerce?
My advice would be: don’t hesitate. The Chambers of Commerce is a space where businesses of all sizes and sectors can find support and inspiration.
Whether you’re looking to grow internationally, improve your sustainability credentials, or simply connect with peers who understand your challenges, there’s a wealth of value in membership. It’s an investment in your business and in the local economy.
Join the Chamber and make connections that matter
Whether you’re a charity, SME, or multinational company, Business West Chamber of Commerce is here to help you connect, grow and thrive. By becoming a Chamber member, you gain access to:
- a vibrant network of businesses
- networking and profile-raising opportunities
- local influence and business representation
- dedicated support from our expert teams.
To find out more about becoming a Chamber member, click here. And if you are already a Chamber member and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one, then please get in touch with Amy.