Barrie calls it a day for a life of luxury! - 12.06.2009

BARRIE WAINWRIGHT, who founded Direct Telecom 10 years ago, has decided on a life of luxury after nearly 50 years in business.

Barrie, who remarried last year and has now retired, now, intends to take lots more holidays with his wife, Jane, and just relax. “It’s time to wind down and enjoy life,” he added. 
His main hobbies include tennis, swimming, walking, snorkeling and sailing, and he believes whole-heartedly in keeping fit.
”It is the key to longevity, especially in this wonderful climate,” he said. “But the problem we all have here is the easy access to alcohol.
“Tenerife was once described to me as ‘100,000 British alcoholics clinging to a volcanic rock’ – but if you can get it right, it’s a great place to live.”
Having survived at least three other recessions, the optimistic businessman predicts that the downturn in the global economy will make Direct Telecom even stronger.
“Everyone – especially companies – is looking for that special deal, combined with a five-star service, to save money, and that is what Direct Telecom is all about,” he said.  
Barrie has built up several businesses and sold them on over the years, both in Tenerife and in the UK. Direct Telecom has been acquired by Shahid Butt, who owns Options Utilities.
Having been involved in the UK telecom market since it deregulated, Barrie feels Shahid is the ideal person to build on the success of Direct Telecom.
“The buyers are, in fact, corporate clients of Direct Telecom’s, so it made sense for the two businesses to amalgamate under one ownership, each benefiting from the other,” he said.
“But without the support of my staff at Direct Telecom, who are by far the best team I have ever worked with, plus the full support of my family over the years – especially my sons Austin, Guy and their mother, Linda – life would have been much more difficult.
“I have no doubt that Direct Telecom will continue to expand under the new ownership, with Mike Broekaert still as MD. And with all the new services and offers now available, everyone will benefit.”
He added: “I geared the company up, not only to withstand the recession but to expand because of it.
“Direct Telecom is now one of the most serious telecoms companies in Spain and well respected by all its competitors, including Telefonica.”