Ashley Harris, Managing Director of Jibba Jabba, talks to unLTD about building a business rooted in integrity, the company’s international growth and why 2025 marks the start of a renewed focus on building connections here in South Yorkshire.
When Ashley Harris founded Jibba Jabba back in 2010, he wasn’t driven by money or titles. Yes, it’s a cliché – but after ten minutes in his company, I’m inclined to believe him. From the outset, he warns me he’s not used to promoting himself and admits he still gets embarrassed describing himself as the owner.
Once over the initial interview shyness, however, he soon finds his stride. He explains that his motivation has always been about doing the right thing – for clients, his team and the industry he’s spent years trying to improve.
“I always wanted to start my own company,” Ashley says. “The way I decide whether to do something is simple – will I regret it if I don’t? I was nervous, but I knew if I didn’t do it, I’d regret it.”
Before Jibba Jabba was born, Ashley’s career took him to London, including an early role in Westminster. Though his career took him to the capital, his roots have always been firmly back up north. Even back then, he was commuting to London up to five times a week from South Yorkshire. “It sounds crazy, but the train from Doncaster’s only an hour and 40 minutes. Some people outside London spend longer than that getting into the city.”
It’s this connection to the region that’s fuelling Jibba Jabba’s next chapter, with plans underway to relocate from Doncaster to Sheffield and grow the company’s local presence. “Our biggest challenge is that many people around here don’t even know we exist,” Ashley admits. “We’ve been based in Doncaster, but most of our clients are national or international. It’s time to change that.”
Founded with a clear ethos to do things differently and with integrity, Jibba Jabba quickly established itself in the telecoms and IT sector by offering an alternative to what Ashley describes as an industry riddled with “cowboys”.
“There are so many companies out there selling on fear, taking advantage because people don’t understand certain types of technology,” he says. “I’ve walked into businesses and seen how they’re being ripped off – it’s immoral, it’s not ethical, and it really riles me.”
Rather than reselling off-the-shelf systems, Jibba Jabba took a bold approach, acquiring the source code to a fleet telecoms platform, allowing them to deliver bespoke solutions tailored to each client.
“We’re techies, not salespeople,” Ashley explains. “When our competitors were selling standard packages, we’d sit down with a blank piece of paper and say, ‘What do you want to achieve?’ and then we’d build it.”
That ethos has carried the business far beyond Doncaster. Today, Jibba Jabba’s footprint stretches internationally, with major clients in Dubai, Spain and across the UK. “Our biggest client’s in the Middle East, they’ve got offices in around ten countries,” Ashley says. “But I know the Chief Exec absolutely trusts me and the team – and that trust, to me, is the most important and rewarding aspect of that relationship.”
Trust, respect and doing the right thing run through every aspect of the business. It’s reflected in Jibba Jabba’s impressive client retention, its staff culture and its commitment to quality – highlighted by achieving ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certifications, international standards for quality management and information security.
“Getting those certifications was a proud moment,” Ashley says. “A lot of our competitors don’t have them, but for clients in regulated sectors – accountants, solicitors – they’re vital. It shows we practice what we preach. You can’t bluff your way through ISO, they audit everything.”
Ashley is also proud of the company culture he’s built. “I always say, it’s not what I’ve achieved, it’s what we’ve achieved as a team,” he explains. “Family comes first, health comes first. I don’t have my own office, I sit with everyone. We’re all adults; it’s about trust and respect, both ways.”
This philosophy has shaped Jibba Jabba’s approach to growth. Rather than chasing every opportunity, the company focuses on partnerships where there’s alignment on values. “Our sweet spot is around 50 to 150 users,” Ashley says. “A key industry we face is the ongoing underestimation of cybersecurity. It’s still seen as a buzzword or a sales tool, but many people don’t take it seriously enough. Most breaches come from simple mistakes – things that can often be fixed without spending much at all, just by making small changes.”
Cutting through the jargon and demystifying technology is another big part of the company’s DNA. “I’m a geek with a personality – I hope!” Ashley laughs. “We talk to clients in plain English. It’s not about blowing people away with the science, it’s about making sure they actually understand what we’re doing.”
Looking ahead, the team are determined to bring that approach to more South Yorkshire businesses. “We’re moving to Sheffield this year, that’s the plan,” he says. “Most of our staff already commute from there. There’s such a big market here, a great buzz around the place, and we need to shout louder about what we do.”
As the company prepares to grow its presence in the city, that philosophy will remain at the heart of everything Jibba Jabba does. “It’s about trust, respect and keeping things honest,” Ashley says. “As the name suggests, it’s about cutting through the chatter or the noise and making things work for people. That’s what we’re about.”
Find out more:
Web: www.jibbajabba.co.uk
LinkedIn: jibba-jabba
Twitter/X: @jibbajabbauk
