- Lyca Group is relocating operations outside the UK but retains a minimal London presence.
- The company cites market expansion plans in Africa and new digital brands for Spain and the US.
What happened: Lyca’s UK retreat framed as strategic growth
Lyca Group has announced a strategic growth plan that involves a substantial reduction of its UK operations while increasing its focus on international expansion. Although the company will retain a small team in its London office, the majority of functions that can be managed remotely will be relocated overseas.
Despite the restructuring, Lyca confirmed that its UK-based Lycamobile MVNO, which operates using EE’s network, will continue its services without interruption.
This strategic shift comes after a period of financial difficulties and heightened scrutiny. Last summer, HMRC won a VAT case against Lyca and issued a winding-up petition—later rescinded—following what the company claimed was a procedural error.
The financial strain may have influenced Lyca’s decision to reduce its UK workforce by 90%, potentially cutting over 300 jobs and retaining just 48 staff. Rather than elaborating on job losses, Lyca chose to highlight its ambitions in Africa, with plans to expand its MNO operations in Uganda and pursue new markets.
The company also hinted at launching new digital brands in Spain and the US, though it has yet to reveal further details.
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Why it’s important
Lyca Group’s pivot to overseas markets signals broader industry trends, where telecom firms recalibrate in response to local regulatory pressures and financial scrutiny. The decision to prioritise markets like Africa and expand digital services in Spain and the US highlights where Lyca sees growth opportunities amid intensifying domestic competition.
This is particularly significant given the telecom sector’s rising costs and market consolidation trends.
The company’s emphasis on cost-saving measures, such as streamlining operations, is a strategic response to financial pressure. However, its move away from the UK follows highly publicised financial disputes, including VAT fraud allegations in France.
By shifting operations abroad, Lyca aims to fortify its global footprint while leveraging digital expansion for resilience. Whether this repositioning will stabilise the firm remains to be seen, but it marks a clear bid to reshape its narrative amid controversy.
