About Retell: UK Call Recording Pioneer (1985-2022)
Retell Company Overview
Retell was a pioneering UK call recording company that operated from 1985 to 2022, serving businesses across all sectors for 37 years. The company evolved from manufacturing simple cassette-based recording devices to developing sophisticated digital call recording systems used by businesses nationwide.
In February 2022, Retell ceased trading. However, the company’s intellectual property, customer base, and support services were acquired by Vidicode UK, ensuring continuity for all existing customers and systems.
Need support for your existing call recording setup? Book a Free Consultation today.
The Transition to Vidicode UK (2022)
When Retell ceased trading in February 2022, Vidicode UK acquired:
- Complete intellectual property portfolio
- Customer database and support obligations
- Website and brand assets
- Ongoing service commitments
Continuity Leadership
The transition was managed by Everton Stuart, who served as Retell’s Commercial Director until 2015 before founding Vidicode UK, bringing deep knowledge of both the technology and customer requirements.
Key team members retained:
- Gemma Page (Administration)
- Tracy Smith (Customer Services)
- Derek Smith (Technical Support)
What this means for legacy Retell customers
For Existing Customers
- Technical support for all Retell products
- Hardware maintenance and repair services
- Software updates including new web browser and patches, where possible
- Migration planning for ageing systems
- Windows 10 to Windows 11 migration options for NEC MyCalls, Retell Call Analyser and Retell Sense call recording
Modern Alternatives
Vidicode UK offers advanced, compliant call recording and speech analytics through the Apresa Linux platform including:
- 3CX call recording (cost-effective, extension-side)
- Microsoft Teams recording (secure, compliant)
- E-SIM mobile phone recording (including billing)
- Speech Analytics (including keyword & phrase spotting, transcription & translation)
- Convert legacy recordings to text transcripts (for lost metadata, e.g. Zoom calls)
Retell’s Journey: Four Decades of Innovation
Early Years (1985-2004): Cassette Recording Era
In 1985 when the company’s founders recognised a growing need for businesses to monitor and record phone calls for:
- Customer service improvement
- Staff training
- Dispute resolution
- Nuisance calls
Original Products:
- Single-line call recording using specially designed micro and standard cassette recorders, utilising various connectors including:
- Retell 156 connector (for office phones and makes it easy for hearing aid users to hear phone calls more clearly using Phonak Roger pen and other hearing devices)
- Retell 157 connector (for PC/laptop software)
- Retell 145 connector (for home phones)
- Retell 157i connector (for mobile phones, iPad’s etc. as used by the NHS)
- Simple telephone line tap connectors
Growth Phase (2004-2022): Digital Transformation
In 2004, Retell launched its flagship Sense Call Recording System, marking the company’s transition to digital recording technology.
The Sense System Features:
- Support for analogue, ISDN2, ISDN30, and SIP telephone lines
- Line-level and VoIP extension recording
- SME and Multi-line business and call centre recording capabilities
- Integration with existing telephone infrastructure
Strategic Partnerships
Retell established key partnerships that expanded its market reach:
Vidicode Partnership: Retell branded Vidicode’s range of higher capacity recording systems, establishing a relationship that would prove crucial for future continuity.
Kelmar Software Integration: This partnership enabled Retell to offer:
- Sense Call Analyser – a comprehensive call recording and call management solution
- Extension-side call information, call performance analytics, call volume tracking, advanced reporting and statistics
OEM Success: NEC MyCalls Integration
One of Retell’s most significant achievements was the adoption of Sense technology by major telephone system manufacturers including NEC.
NEC Partnership Highlights:
- Sense back-end recording integrated into NEC’s MyCalls call management system
- Transformed NEC phone systems including SV8100 and SV9100 into complete call centre solutions
- Widely deployed across UK businesses through NEC’s reseller network
- Provided comprehensive call recording, monitoring, and analytics
Discontinued but Supported
- Original Sense Call Recording hardware
- Sense software installations
- NEC MyCalls integrated systems
- Legacy analogue and ISDN recording equipment
Original Retell Call Recording Products Available Now
Shop now for Retell connectors and software
Find Sense software via Ring Central App Gallery
Why Understanding Retell’s History Matters
For Current Users
If you have Retell equipment or software, understanding the company’s evolution helps explain:
- What upgrade paths are available
- How support and maintenance continue
For New Customers
Retell’s 37-year track record demonstrates:
- Proven reliability in call recording technology
- Deep understanding of business recording needs
- Successful compliance with UK regulations
- Established relationships with telecommunications providers
Get Support Now
While Retell’s story ended in 2022, your call recording needs continue. For all Retell and NEC MyCalls related enquiries, current support, or modern alternatives:
Contact Vidicode UK:
- Phone: 0203 4881498 and speak to an expert
- Email: Professional consultation available, contact sales@vidicodeuk.com
Retell’s 37-year legacy of call recording innovation continues through Vidicode UK’s enhanced solutions and dedicated support.