Representatives from 25 North East businesses support culmination of award-winning employability programme. More than 300 students from schools across the North East and Tees Valley attended the Building My Skills Mock Interview Day at the home of Newcastle Eagles, Vertu Motors Arena on July 11th. The Mock Interview Day is
Last week, Savills announced that it has acquired the UK property management business of Montagu Evans, which will be integrated into Savills’ operations. This move provides Savills with an opportunity to enhance its already robust UK property management business by further broadening its client base, particularly in the public sector.
Running a business already comes with its fair share of expenses without the added worry of high energy bills. Yet in an ever-more eco-conscious society, becoming energy efficient has become more necessary than ever. You don’t need deep pockets to make a difference, with some creativity and hard work, energy
Inco Contracts has capped a record twelve months by being named the best company in the Black Country, Staffordshire and North Worcestershire. The fast-growing principal contractor beat off competition from 50 of the region’s finest firms to land the Express & Star Business Awards’ Business of the Year in front
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced that Nick Crossfield will join the Group later this year as CEO of its UK Construction Services business. Nick will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, delivering on its business plans with a focus on further
Fairham Business Park developers celebrate another practical completion as Unit A is handed over to the occupier. Works begun at Plot A4, Fairham Business Park back in October 2023, nine months later the 100,000 sq. ft unit has been built by lead contractor, TanRo and handed over to the
A contemporary workspace in the heart of Bristol’s bustling commercial district will officially launch this week following a £12m major refurbishment. Set in Bristol’s city centre, BLOK can boast an unrivalled location with excellent transport networks via road, rail, and an international airport. Temple Meads Train Station is just an
80% of environmental professionals have concerns around the credibility and transparency of carbon credit offsetting schemes Businesses across the UK have expressed concern at the credibility and transparency of carbon credit offsetting schemes. In a report presenting the outcomes of the National Environmental Services Survey[1] – run in association with
In the modern age, where everyone has gone digital, technology plays a pivotal role in the success of any business. But what happens when those complex systems you rely on start acting up? That’s where your IT guys swoop in to save the day! These tech-savvy heroes help keep your
Key Takeaways: Are you feeling overwhelmed by keeping up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape? Running a business is demanding enough, and managing complex IT security can feel like a constant uphill battle. Outsourcing IT security offers a powerful solution. By collaborating with a dedicated team of IT security
Representatives from 25 North East businesses support culmination of award-winning employability programme. More than 300 students from schools across the North East and Tees Valley attended the Building My Skills Mock Interview Day at the home of Newcastle Eagles, Vertu Motors Arena on July 11th. The Mock Interview Day is the culmination of the multi award-winning programme – coordinated by Esh Group on behalf of the region’s businesses and schools – which aims to raise students’ career aspirations by providing them with an introduction to the world of work, and an insight into sectors and jobs they may not otherwise have been aware of. Over 30 businesses from sectors such as legal, housing and banking took part in 2024’s Building My Skills and between them delivered a total of 94 sessions. The programme launched in January and saw more than 4,500 students from seven secondary schools and sixth form colleges take part in four workshops each. After each workshop, students completed an online ‘checkpoint’ that will assist them when mapping out their own career aspirations, with topics including standing out from the competition and presenting yourself online, on paper, and in person. 25 businesses from the programme attended the Mock Interview Day where they hosted a panel of interviews for students aged between 13 and 18-year-old. The event gives students first-hand experience of what an interview is like in a professional environment, as well as an opportunity to explore their aspirational career further through one-to-one discussions with business role models. Corporate Affairs Director at Esh Group, Darush Dodds, has celebrated the success of mock interview day, commenting: “The mock interview day is always a worthwhile event. It provides valuable interview experiences but can open the door to second interviews for businesses who have opportunities available, such as apprenticeships, traineeships or paid placements. “Building My Skills is the personification of business-education collaboration. Throughout the year, connections between schools and businesses have been formed that may never have existed before this programme took place. More importantly, we have given over 4,500 students the platform to become employable once they leave school. Six months ago, when they started Building My Skills, they may not have known where their career path would lead them; hopefully, we have given them the boost they may have needed to decide their next steps.” John Green, Assistant Head Teacher at St Robert of Newminster Catholic School, said: “We have been involved with Building My Skills for many years now and it always provides really good opportunities for our students. The Mock Interview Day is their first chance to engage and communicate with an employer on a one to one basis. It helps them think about how they can develop their employability skills and how they can prepare themselves for when they leave school, and they get a real job interview.” Karen Marshall, Apprentice, Education and Engagement Lead at Accenture, said the programme provided a great opportunity to the region’s young people. She added: “Accenture have been involved with the delivery of Building My Skills since 2015 and have found it an invaluable programme, helping us reach thousands of school students across the North East. “It has an excellent structure, enabling employers to support the development of transferrable skills including interview skills, with students over an entire academic year. It gives Accenture the opportunity to showcase the Digital Sector in the North East and to highlight fantastic career opportunities to a wide audience of young people and teachers, many of whom may not have realised the pathways to rewarding and highly paid careers open to them on their doorstep. “It’s very well organised, the team at Esh make it very easy for businesses to participate, I’d encourage all employers to take part.” Among the panellists was Esh’s project manager from the Tyne Bridge scheme who gave real life insight to budding engineers of what it is like to work on the restoration of a North East icon. Planning has already started for the 2025 programme which will be launched later this year. If you would be interested in getting involved, contact Esh Group by visiting www.eshgroup.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last week, Savills announced that it has acquired the UK property management business of Montagu Evans, which will be integrated into Savills’ operations. This move provides Savills with an opportunity to enhance its already robust UK property management business by further broadening its client base, particularly in the public sector. It will also strengthen its accounts team and create greater opportunities to leverage sector-specific knowledge and expertise throughout its UK divisions and regions. Led by Andrew Walker, the property management team at Montagu Evans consists of nearly 100 staff, with 20 based in its London office, 18 in Edinburgh, and a further 59 site-based staff who will all transfer to Savills immediately. Those based in London and Scotland will join Savills’ respective offices in these locations. Montagu Evans’ property management team has an established client base, including Redical Holdings, Rivington Hark, AEW, and several local authorities. They currently manage a shopping centre portfolio of approximately 5 million sq ft across 20 centres, with the majority being public sector mandates. This will both complement and enhance Savills’ market-leading position in relation to shopping centre instructions, which encompass 49 million sq ft across the UK, with a predominantly private client base. Nick Herward, head of property management at Savills, says: “By acquiring Montagu Evans’ UK property management business, we have a valuable opportunity to expand and augment our already market-leading property management offering in the UK. We have identified strong synergies with our existing instructions and clients, which will help us to enhance our service further. The team at Montagu Evans has a wealth of experience across the industry with very well-regarded personnel that will provide additional depth to our team.” Andrew Walker, head of property management at Montagu Evans, comments: “This is an exciting opportunity for the team, and we look forward to working with Savills, whom we regard as market leaders in property management. This move not only supports our growth and expansion but also enables us to maintain a first-class service for clients while providing a strong platform for future growth and offering new opportunities for our people to develop their careers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Running a business already comes with its fair share of expenses without the added worry of high energy bills. Yet in an ever-more eco-conscious society, becoming energy efficient has become more necessary than ever. You don’t need deep pockets to make a difference, with some creativity and hard work, energy consumption can be cut significantly with savings showing up on your balance sheet. Let’s look at some cost-effective strategies for greening up your operations without draining your resources. Assess and Monitor Energy Usage The first step to cutting energy usage is understanding where and how it’s being consumed. Conduct an energy audit to detect inefficiencies. No expensive consultant needed, many utility companies provide free or low-cost audits. Meanwhile, use smart metres to track your consumption in real time. These handy gadgets can often be obtained for free from energy providers, offering invaluable insights into your usage patterns. Optimise Heating and Cooling Systems Comfort in your office is both essential and an expense. By maintaining and servicing HVAC systems regularly, energy waste can be reduced significantly through simple tasks like changing filters. Utilise programmable thermostats for energy management when spaces are empty. Don’t be shy to embrace natural ventilation, opening windows and using fans may provide cost-effective methods of increasing air circulation. Lighting Solutions for Savings Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the quickest and cost-effective ways to cut energy costs. Switching out old incandescent bulbs for LED or CFL alternatives not only consumes less power but has a longer lifespan. Also take advantage of natural lighting by rearrange workspaces or adding light reflecting paint colours. Using motion sensors and timers further minimises energy waste so lights only come on when necessary. Employee Engagement Your employees play a pivotal role in your energy efficiency strategy. Create an environment of sustainability by encouraging staff to switch off lights, computers, and other equipment when not in use. Appointing energy-saving champions within your team may further facilitate energy-efficient behaviour. Consider running internal campaigns or competitions between departments in an attempt to see which department can save the most energy, adding some fun can make such serious topics engaging. Small Investments Can Yield Big Returns Sometimes a modest initial investment can result in huge savings over time. Draught excluders, energy efficient window treatments and insulation products can all offer substantial energy savings at relatively low cost. Smart power strips can even help decrease phantom loads consumed by electronics while sitting idle. Water Conservation Although often underestimated, water conservation can have significant energy savings benefits for businesses that rely heavily on hot water systems. Installing low-flow fixtures and quickly fixing leaks are both ways of conserving water usage. Consider conducting a water audit to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, encouraging employees to use it wisely can have significant benefits too. Solar Panel Grants for Businesses Installing solar panels may seem like an expensive upfront cost for businesses, but their long-term cost savings and environmental benefits make the decision worthwhile. Solar panel grants for businesses are available that could offset this initial outlay for solar installations. Utilising grants can greatly lower installation costs, making the transition to green energy more accessible for businesses of all sizes. When looking into grants available in your area and consulting a solar energy expert to maximise benefits. Conclusion Transforming your business to be energy efficient doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavour. Taking small, manageable steps can have a major effect on energy consumption and your bottom line. Moving towards more sustainable business practices could simply involve tracking usage, optimising existing systems, making investments in smaller sizes or engaging team members in making adjustments that have real environmental benefits. Every kilowatt saved represents not just decreased expenses but a step toward creating a greener and more eco-friendly future.
Inco Contracts has capped a record twelve months by being named the best company in the Black Country, Staffordshire and North Worcestershire. The fast-growing principal contractor beat off competition from 50 of the region’s finest firms to land the Express & Star Business Awards’ Business of the Year in front of 350 people at The Halls in Wolverhampton. Judges were impressed with how the management team of Sam Norton and Dave Cotterill had instilled a deep-rooted commitment to customer service and carved a growth plan that has put it on course to achieve £40m in revenue this year. Part of this ambitious expansion has been the creation of satellite offices in the North West and South of England, providing national coverage that has seen it deliver high-profile office and industrial refurbishment projects for Anchorage in Salford, Manchester Airport, Eurolinks, Woodside Industrial Estate and Barlow Road in Coventry. “This is a massive win for Inco Contracts as we continue our journey to be the best principal contractor in the UK,” explained Sam Norton, Operations Director. “There were so many excellent companies we were competing with, doing amazing things and helping put the region on the map. To come out on top and be named the ‘Business of the Year’ is a massive honour and one that our staff richly deserve.” David Cotterill, Managing Director, continued: “You can sometimes get too consumed with figures. We know how important our people are and we do everything we can to offer them development opportunities so we can retain the best talent. This accolade is testament to their skill, hard work and commitment to often go above and beyond.” Inco Contracts, which has recently relocated its Head Office to Cannock, received its prize from Express & Star Editor Mark Drew. The Awards evening was the highlight of the publisher’s 150th anniversary of bringing news to the people of the Black Country, Staffordshire and North Worcestershire. For further information, please visit www.incocontracts.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty, the international infrastructure group, has announced that Nick Crossfield will join the Group later this year as CEO of its UK Construction Services business. Nick will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, delivering on its business plans with a focus on further developing its presence in the growing infrastructure market – including the energy, defence and sustainable transportation sectors – as the partner of choice for notable customers and clients such as SCAPE, the Environment Agency, the NHS and Rolls Royce, as well as local authorities. Nick will sit on the Executive Committee and report directly into Group Chief Executive, Leo Quinn. Having studied Mechanical Engineering at Reading University, Nick has over 40 years’ experience within the industrial and engineering industries, starting his career as a graduate with BAE Systems, and going on to work with British Steel, Network Rail, and Siemens. Currently Nick is the Managing Director of Alstom Transportation’s UK and Ireland business, a role he has held since 2015. Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to Balfour Beatty. “He brings with him a wealth of experience working directly with Government on behalf of industry, as well as a strong track record of managing large businesses, successfully delivering sustainable profitable growth, and navigating highly regulated environments with a focus on driving operational improvements. His experience and understanding of the markets in which Balfour Beatty operates makes him perfectly positioned to lead our UK Construction Services business.” Commenting on his appointment, Nick Crossfield said, “I very much look forward to joining Balfour Beatty. I have watched with interest over the last ten years as the Group has continued to position and win work in its core markets and I look forward to continuing the successful delivery of national and local infrastructure across the UK”. Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business consists of three business units: Scotland, Buildings – responsible for the delivery of construction projects in the aviation, health, defence, education and development sectors in England, and Civils – responsible for delivering civil engineering projects across the transportation (highways, public realm, and rail), flood and coastal defence, and industrial and energy sectors in England. As well as specialist brands Balfour Beatty Living Places, Balvac and Balfour Beatty Homes Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fairham Business Park developers celebrate another practical completion as Unit A is handed over to the occupier. Works begun at Plot A4, Fairham Business Park back in October 2023, nine months later the 100,000 sq. ft unit has been built by lead contractor, TanRo and handed over to the occupier. The unit is neatly located next to the stand-alone units totalling 260,000 sq. ft purchased by international property investment and asset management company Hines and a 100,600 sq. ft bespoke building for a local company who will be moving into their premises next year. The brand-new purpose-built premises comprises of a 95,379 sq. ft warehouse with 12,292 sq. ft office and welfare space over three storeys, situated at the front of the building. There are 84 car parking spaces at the front of property with ten electric vehicle (EV) charging bays. There will also be a large service yard to the rear with ten dock levellers and four level access to meet the needs of the occupier. Clowes will be providing a fully photovoltaic (PV) ready frame. James Richards, Director at Clowes Developments commented on the completion: “Nine months after works began on site and we’re now handing over to our client, who will be formally identified in the next few weeks. It’s testament to our professional delivery team who can perform to such a high standard and according to a tight schedule. It is fantastic to see the ongoing development of Fairham Business Park, as one completes, another ramps up on plot A2. “ As the occupiers of A2 sign the deal for a bespoke 100,600sq ft unit, ground works have already been concluded and steel frames are due to be erected in the coming weeks. In total, this will mean over 600,000sq ft of industrial, warehouse, distribution and manufacturing space has been snapped up at Fairham Business Park, with further announcements expected in due course. Tim Gilbertson, Director at FHP Property Consultants added: “High demand for commercial units at Fairham says something about the transport links of Fairham Business Park and it’s positioning outside of Nottingham’s workplace parking levy. We are excited to market phase two of the business park, where potential occupiers can make use of more varied commercial opportunities such as office, trade counter or retail schemes.” With well over half of the site now under offer or sold, there remains opportunities for build to suit facilities on the prominent site adjoining the A453 and outside of Nottingham’s Workplace Parking Levy. The next phase of the development will see not just manufacturing and distribution space available but also space suitable for offices, a hotel, leisure facilities and other conveniences including roadside retail and trade counters. Fairham Business Park offers a unique opportunity for Nottingham businesses to expand, harvest investment and nurture local talent. The business park has excellent transport links into the city of Nottingham including fully accessible cycle routes and walkways. Fairham Business Park is within easy reach of Junction 24 of the M1, East Midlands Airport and adjoining the NET Tram Park & Ride site, with further transport improvements expected. Fairham Business Park offers the perfect location for conducting business and harnessing local talent. Further information regarding site wide activity and latest news can be found at www.fairhambusiness.co.uk. Parties interested to learn more about the commercial opportunities at Fairham Business Park are invited to contact the site’s agent, FHP Property Consultants and Fisher German. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A contemporary workspace in the heart of Bristol’s bustling commercial district will officially launch this week following a £12m major refurbishment. Set in Bristol’s city centre, BLOK can boast an unrivalled location with excellent transport networks via road, rail, and an international airport. Temple Meads Train Station is just an eight-minute walk away. Already 60% let prior to practical completion and boasting a series of new tenants, including Coreus Projects, 5 Values Consulting, RWK Goodman and Nathaniel Lichfield Partners, the completed BLOK building will serve as a welcome addition to the city’s thriving business sector. Offering 70,000 sq ft of modern workspace and a further 11,000 sq ft of occupier welfare and amenity space including communal lounge, meeting rooms, presentation spaces, independent coffee shop, courtyard garden, roof terrace and private gym. Having purchased the tired 1980s-built property in 2021, real estate transformation specialists Boultbee Brooks decided against demolition and instead employed Mutiny Architecture & Design to come up with plans which could breathe new life into the existing structure. The process of ‘reimagining instead of rebuilding’ prioritises sustainability and occupier experience reflected in the extensive building certification including high BREEAM, EPC, Fitwell, Activescore, and Wiredscore ratings. Boultbee Brooks Managing Director, James Whitcher, comments “In line with our core ethos of ‘Repurpose, not Rebuild’, we’re passionate about reviving older buildings and giving them a new lease of life, with the aim of keeping our carbon footprint as low as possible. “From the outset we committed to retaining the existing façade, instead prioritising expenditure in areas of the scheme that would deliver the highest level of day-to-day benefit for the occupiers using it, resulting in one of the most amenity rich workspaces in Bristol at a very competitive price point. “We look forward to announcing and welcoming new businesses to Blok over the summer!” Further space is available on flexible terms and layouts from 1,000 sq ft up to 12,000 sq ft. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
80% of environmental professionals have concerns around the credibility and transparency of carbon credit offsetting schemes Businesses across the UK have expressed concern at the credibility and transparency of carbon credit offsetting schemes. In a report presenting the outcomes of the National Environmental Services Survey[1] – run in association with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), The Environmental Services Association (ESA), Groundwork, and ESS Expo (Environmental Services and Solutions Expo) – 80% of respondents stated that they had serious concerns around the integrity of carbon credit offsetting schemes. While almost a third of those questioned (33%) believed carbon offsetting is a viable strategy for achieving net-zero emissions, just 37% have employed it as a strategy to reduce their businesses’ environmental impact. The full report and survey findings can be downloaded here. Greenwashing also remains a major concern among industry insiders, with 94% of respondents believing it is prevalent in the UK. In 2023, a quarter (25%) of respondents to the same survey stated that greenwashing was the one thing they would change about the environmental sector as Rob Mowat, Managing Director of ESS Expo, explains: “It is alarming to hear that so many sustainability experts believe carbon offsetting schemes are actually failing the environment. While there are some businesses entering into highly certified programmes, there are concerns from many across the industry that these schemes are simply another form of greenwashing and can, in some instances, cause more harm to the environment than good.” Overall, perhaps unsurprisingly, climate change and global warming (32%) were cited as the biggest issues within the environment and sustainability today, followed by environmental policy and governance (15%) and waste management and the circular economy (13%). Crucially, as we head into a general election, 37% of those asked believe current government policies are unsupportive when it comes to achieving net zero goals, with just under a third (32%) stating that they are one of the biggest barriers to their organisation achieving net-zero, surpassed only by financial constraints (44%). Worryingly, only 3% of those interviewed said their organisation was currently at net zero. Achieving net zero When it comes to achieving net zero emissions across sectors, collaboration and partnerships are key, with 85% of respondents reporting that working together is either essential or very important. Further, nearly all respondents (99%) believe innovation and technology will play a role in accelerating the pathway to net zero emissions, with almost everyone (87%) agreeing it will play a significant part. The five biggest focusses will lie in the expansion of the circular economy (20%), advancements in clean energy technologies (16%), public awareness and engagement in sustainability (15%), followed by strengthening policy and regulation and green infrastructure at 14% and 9%, respectively. Lee Marshall, Director of Innovation and Technical Services at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), said: “It is always valuable to get insights from those who work in the sector. The concerns about off setting show that resources and waste professionals want to do the right thing and take meaningful steps to support climate mitigation. The UK has made good progress, but it is no surprise that people feel policies on net zero and circular economy are not strong enough. “We need policies that will accelerate the transition to a more resource resilient and circular economy capable of meeting future material demands and supporting the battle against climate change, and this is something CIWM is calling for in our ten policy recommendations for the new government.” Head of Climate and Energy Policy at The Environmental Services Association (ESA), Charlotte Rule, said: “Clearly, from these alarming survey results, there remains significant work to be done across the business community to demonstrate credibility and build trust in efforts to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and achieve net-zero targets. “Achieving net-zero must be a collaborative exercise, which is what the ESA has sought to achieve through its Net-Zero strategy – aligning organisations across our sector through a shared roadmap; speaking with a unified voice to Government to achieve a supportive policy environment and being mutually accountable to each other as a membership body.” The survey gathered data from 1,498 professionals from across the environmental services industry from April-May 2024. Download the full report for free on the ESS Expo website here. To register to attend ESS Expo 2024 from 11-12 September at the NEC, Birmingham, visit the website here. [1] The survey gathered data from over 1,498 professionals from across the environmental survey industry from April – May 2024. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In the modern age, where everyone has gone digital, technology plays a pivotal role in the success of any business. But what happens when those complex systems you rely on start acting up? That’s where your IT guys swoop in to save the day! These tech-savvy heroes help keep your business running smoothly so you can focus on what you do best. Indeed, computer support providers are the unsung heroes of the business world. They offer various services tailored to your needs, ensuring your technology works for you, not against you. So, if you’re ready to leave the tech headaches behind, read on to discover how these firms can transform your operations. What do computer support companies offer? Think of computer support companies like AxiaTP as the superheroes of the tech world, swooping in to rescue businesses from IT nightmares! These tech wizards offer a whole range of services that can be tailored to fit your company’s unique needs. So, if you want to keep your business running like a well-oiled machine, it’s time to call in the experts! Benefits of partnering with computer support companies Partnering with IT support in Orlando and other locations offers many benefits for businesses of all sizes. Here are some of them: Access to expertise and experience You’ll have access to IT professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in various technologies and systems. Also, these companies stay current with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices, ensuring your business benefits from the most up-to-date solutions. Cost-effective solutions Outsourcing IT support eliminates the need for hiring, training, and maintaining an in-house IT team, significantly reducing operational expenses. Many companies offer scalable pricing options, allowing you to choose services that align with your budget and business needs. Enhanced security and compliance IT support companies implement robust security protocols to protect your business from cyber threats like malware, ransomware, and data breaches. They also help ensure your business complies with industry-specific regulations and standards, mitigating the risk of legal and financial penalties. Increased productivity and efficiency By constant supervision and counterchecking, the IT support companies help you to avoid critical incidences that could hinder your businesses from functioning optimally. Outsourcing IT support can provide an internal focused team therefore minimizing interruptions, which can help in focusing on core business activities and development. Scalable solutions Hiring a specialized IT group gives you access to scalable solutions that quickly adapt to changing requirements, ensuring your IT infrastructure supports your business goals. Access to advanced tools and technologies Computer support companies invest in advanced tools and technologies that may be cost-prohibitive for individual businesses to acquire independently. This access ensures your IT infrastructure benefits from the latest innovations. Improved customer support Many computer support companies offer help desk services, providing your employees with quick and efficient assistance for any IT-related issues they encounter. By partnering with a reliable computer support company, businesses can enjoy these benefits, leading to enhanced operational efficiency, reduced risks, and a stronger focus on strategic objectives. Finding the right computer support company Finding the right computer support company for your business is crucial for ensuring smooth and efficient IT operations. Here are some key steps to help you choose the best provider: Assess your needs Start by evaluating your specific IT needs. Consider the size of your business, the complexity of your IT infrastructure, and the types of services you require. This will help you identify the level of support you need, whether it’s basic troubleshooting, network management, cybersecurity, or comprehensive IT solutions. Evaluate range of services Ensure that the companies you are considering offer a comprehensive range of services that align with your needs. This might include help desk support, network management, cybersecurity, cloud services, and more. A provider offering a broad spectrum of services can be a one-stop solution for all your IT requirements. Customizable and scalable solutions Your business needs may change over time, so it’s important to partner with a company that can adapt to your evolving requirements. Customizable services ensure that you receive tailored support, while scalability allows the IT support to grow with your business. Check response times and availability Inquire about their response times for different types of issues and their availability for emergency support. Choose a provider that offers 24/7 support to ensure that help is available whenever you need it, regardless of time zones or working hours. Consider local presence A local company can offer quicker on-site support when needed and will have a better understanding of the regional market and specific challenges faced by businesses in the area. Evaluate customer support and communicationPay attention to their responsiveness, willingness to provide detailed information, and overall professionalism. Compare costs and value While cost should not be the sole determining factor, it’s important to compare the pricing models of different providers. Consider the value offered by each company in relation to their prices. Look for a provider that offers competitive pricing while delivering high-quality, reliable services. By following these steps, you can find a computer support company that meets your specific needs, provides reliable and efficient services, and supports your business’s growth and success. Conclusion In today’s highly digitized world, hiring the services of a competent computer support company becomes advantageous to a business. Whether in terms of expense reduction and security or the ability to leverage professional knowledge and service, these firms are invaluable in ensuring and supporting your IT department. So go ahead, explore your options, and make the right choice!
Key Takeaways: Are you feeling overwhelmed by keeping up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape? Running a business is demanding enough, and managing complex IT security can feel like a constant uphill battle. Outsourcing IT security offers a powerful solution. By collaborating with a dedicated team of IT security experts including virtual CIOs, you gain access to state-of-the-art tools, round-the-clock monitoring, and a wealth of specialized knowledge – potentially at a more cost-effective rate than building an internal team. This guide aims to explore the specific advantages of outsourcing your IT security needs, helping you determine if this approach aligns with your organization’s unique requirements and objectives. Cost Savings Outsourcing IT support can be a strategic move for businesses seeking to optimize their operational costs. By choosing to outsource IT to attentus.tech or other service providers, companies can circumvent the substantial expenses associated with assembling and maintaining an in-house IT team. These costs encompass not only salaries and benefits but also the overhead for dedicated office space and equipment. One of the key advantages of outsourced IT services is their flexibility in pricing models. Many providers offer subscription-based or pay-as-you-go plans, enabling businesses to budget more effectively and only pay for the services they require at any given time. This financial agility can be especially advantageous for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which may lack the resources to sustain a comprehensive IT department within their organization. Access to Expertise One of the most significant advantages of outsourcing IT support is access to a broad range of expertise. IT support providers employ professionals with specialized skills and knowledge across various technologies and platforms. These experts stay updated with the latest industry trends and innovations, ensuring that clients benefit from the best practices and cutting-edge solutions. For a business, maintaining such a diverse and skilled team internally can be challenging and costly. Outsourcing services bridges this gap, providing immediate access to high-level expertise without the long-term commitment of building an internal team. Scalability Outsourcing IT support services offers unparalleled scalability, allowing businesses to adjust their IT resources based on current needs. Whether a company is experiencing rapid growth, seasonal fluctuations, or temporary increases in demand, outsourced IT services can easily scale up or down. The flexibility of outsourced technical support extends beyond just cost savings. By utilizing reliable service providers like iT2’s SAP consultants, businesses can gain access to specialized expertise precisely when they need it most, without the obligation of long-term commitments. This agility proves invaluable during peak periods or critical projects, enabling companies to handle increased workloads seamlessly, without the need to undergo the time-consuming and costly process of hiring and training additional in-house staff. Focus on Core Activities By outsourcing IT support, businesses can focus more on their core activities and strategic goals. Managing IT infrastructure and addressing technical issues can be time-consuming and distract from primary business functions. Outsourcing these tasks allows internal teams to dedicate their efforts to areas that directly impact the company’s growth and success, such as product development, marketing, and customer service. This strategic focus can enhance overall productivity and contribute to more effectively achieving business objectives. Improved Security Outsourced IT support providers typically have advanced security measures and protocols in place to protect their clients’ data and systems. These providers invest in state-of-the-art security technologies and stay abreast of emerging threats, ensuring robust protection against cyberattacks, data breaches, and other security incidents. For many businesses, maintaining the same level of internal security would require significant investment and continuous updates. By outsourcing, companies can leverage top-tier security expertise and infrastructure, reducing the risk of costly security breaches and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Enhanced Productivity A reliable IT support team is the backbone that keeps your business operations running like a well-oiled machine. Outsourced IT providers excel at this vital role, offering proactive monitoring and maintenance services that catch potential issues before they spiral into major disruptions. This preemptive approach is a productivity powerhouse, ensuring your employees have seamless access to the technology and systems they need to perform at their best. No more frustrating downtimes or system glitches derailing their workflow. As a result, businesses can maintain a high level of operational continuity and avoid the costly setbacks associated with IT failures. Access to Latest Technology Outsourcing IT support gives businesses access to the latest technological advancements and innovations. IT providers continuously update their tools and methodologies to stay competitive and deliver the best possible service. This means that businesses can benefit from the newest technologies without having to invest heavily in research, development, and implementation. Additionally, outsourced providers can offer valuable insights and recommendations on technology adoption, helping businesses stay ahead of the curve and leverage new solutions for improved performance and competitiveness. 24/7 Support By enlisting these around-the-clock guardians, you gain a steadfast ally in the never-ending battle against technological turmoil. They’re proactive partners who confront every technical challenge head-on, minimizing disruptions and fostering a smooth, streamlined workflow. With them in your corner, your team can focus on what matters most – driving your core business forward. Continuous IT support minimizes downtime, enhances customer satisfaction, and ensures that employees can work efficiently without being hindered by technical problems. This level of support is often challenging and expensive to maintain with an in-house team, making outsourcing an attractive option. Conclusion Remember, a proactive approach is crucial – don’t wait for a security breach to act. Carefully consider your business needs and weigh the advantages outlined in this guide. With the right partner by your side, you can achieve peace of mind knowing your valuable data and systems are protected around the clock.
