About us
We are Talk 2, the largest franchise of Telefónica UK Ltd (O2). We’re well established and successfully operate a large number of O2 retail stores located across the country, engaging with nearly 300 employees in the roles of Sales Advisors, Assistant Store Leaders, Store Leaders, and Senior managers.
We believe technology should be accessible to everybody – we work on your behalf to demystify technology and make it easier to connect people you care about.
That is why we are committed to continuing to develop our stores and the teams within them to ensure we have all the skills necessary to offer ‘wow’ customer service.
Talk 2 Everyone
Through Technology
Who we are
However you’re contacting us, you will get the same expert advice that makes technology simple. We will help with all your mobile and broadband needs, providing perfect packages for you and the local community via our partnership with Virgin Media O2.
To be our local customers’ first choice in connected communications, and to be recognised as the No.1 Virgin Media O2 Franchise group in the UK.
At Talk 2 we are constantly evolving to stay ahead of the competition in the country’s fastest changing industry.
Meet the team
Surj
Dhillon
Surj responded to an advert in mobile news for an O2 franchise, and the journey began. Grasping every opportunity and working with his staff, he's been able to establish the largest O2 franchise in a short period. Surj is a man of principles and integrity, and his drive and passion for growing the business never diminish.
Bal
Dhillion
Bal founded the company back in 1997 with just one shop, a hand full of phones, a pad of contracts and a dial-up line for connections. After managing the business for over 25 years, she and Surj became the proud owners of the largest O2 franchise with the best staff anywhere. Just like what she has always believed - you can do anything you set your mind to.
Danny
Carroll
Danny joined the company in November 2014 as a Sales Director, bringing with him a wealth of 30-year retail experience, and 15 years of experience at the senior management level in the Telecom industry, both national and international level. Key interests: Golf, guitar, fishing, and his sons.
Rob
Paterson
After returning to the UK from South Africa in ’97, Rob spent 10 years honing his knowledge and skillset before joining us in 2007, during this period of time he has built up a huge wealth of knowledge and experience of not only our business but the industry as a whole. As our Head of Stores Rob has his finger on the pulse in relation to virtually all areas of our business. Away from work he is an avid football fan (Manchester Utd), loves dogs (German Shepherds in particular) and enjoys spending quality time with his family.
Stuart
Williams
Stuart joined the company in 2013 - he has worked in the telecoms industry for over 30 years starting with BT moving to O2, and now with Talk 2. He is responsible for the safe operations of the business and helping us meet our legal and contractual obligations. Outside of work his interests include cycling and growing carnivorous plants.
Florence
Afolabi
Florence joined Talk2 in July 2014 - She is a well-qualified Accountant with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and she recently completed her MSC degree in Mathematical Finance at the University of Birmingham. Florence oversees end-to-end finance operation, management reports and analysis, a very positive person, always looking to make improvements to procedures and control. Key interest: family, football, helping young people
Graham
Starr
Graham (Assoc CIPD) provides learning and development support to all team members - whether it be providing our new employees with a welcome in the induction programme, developing the skills they need to perform in their chosen role or preparing them for future roles in leadership, it is his job together with his L&D team to design, deliver and assess the effectiveness of these solutions. Graham has worked in every role in our stores over the last 14 years before working his way through several L&D qualifications including professional coaching and CIPD Level 5 Diploma in L&D. Fun fact: Graham once solo travelled arctic circle for photography expeditions.
Daniel
Lewin
Dan is the Human Resources manager for Talk 2. He started his HR journey as an HR Administrator at Talk 2 in 2015, then he achieved both Level 3 and Level 5 in Human Resource practice. Dan is now overseeing all Human Resources operations and driving the people management function to be the best it can be. He and his team understand the importance of people in business and think it is key that every employee has the skills training and support to succeed in their role.
Daren
Corcoran
Daren joined Talk 2 in March 2018 as a store leader bringing with him 13 years of mobile phone retail experience in a multitude of roles. In 2019 he moved into the call centre manager role for 12 months and most recently became the store's support manager supporting our store teams at every level across the business. Every day is different and Daren loves being on the road training and engaging with our managers and sales teams. When he's not at work Daren loves nothing better than being in the kitchen baking and cooking up a storm.
Elodie
Zheng
Elodie is a highly driven marketer who achieved a MA in Advertising & Marketing at the University of Leeds, and a MA in Translation & interpretation in Hong Kong and France. After graduation, she acquired great versatility and cross-cultural dexterity through crafting marketing strategies and branding experiences for industries with diverse backgrounds. Elodie joined Talk 2 in 2021, and she is heading up marketing efforts to increase our store’s outreach and online profile. Elodie is a big Marvel fan and she can’t live without spicy food, when she's not at work, she's LARPing.
Will
Trainor
Will joined Talk 2 in August 2022 as the Call Centre Manager for our Call Centre based in Birmingham with 8 years of technology and mobile retail experience in various roles behind him, he is passionate about colleague development and ensuring quality of operations and customer service. In his spare time he enjoys reading, jogging and watching his favourite shows.
