SME News- IT Awards 2024 - IT Awards 2024
SME News is excited to announce that the IT Awards are returning for a third consecutive year in 2024! Each year we delve into the latest trends and developments in the UK’s budding Information Technology sector, to provide our readers with a guide to the top businesses and service providers leading the industry today. The IT Services market has been going from strength to strength in recent years, now employing close to two million people across the UK and generating over £150 billion each year for the country’s economy. With an additional two million open job vacancies registered in 2023, the long-term growth prospects for every facet of the IT industry are exceptional. In fact, the latest data from trade association techUK shows that the UK’s Technology sector is growing 2.5 times faster than the rest of the economy. Phone: +44 (0) 203 970 0010 Website: www.sme-news.co.uk Sofi Parry Senior Editor No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. IT Awards 2024
Contents 4. Go SharePoint Limited: Most Trusted Data Migration Engineering Specialists 2024 6. Simtech-IT Limited: Small Business IT Specialists of the Year 2024 – West Midlands 7. Reverse Life: Best Website Traffic Generators 2024 8. CIMAR UK Ltd: Most Innovative Medical Imaging Solutions Company 2024 9. Nationwide Fleet Services Ltd: Most Innovative Fleet Maintenance Tech Company 2024 10. Trinity Managed Services: Managed IT Service Provider of the Year 2024 – South East England 11. Panamoure Group LLP: Best Business IT Transformation & Value Creation Consultancy 2024 12. Data Visualisation: A Game Changer for Small Business Strategy 13. How Can SMEs Mitigate the Cybersecurity Risks Associated With Their Business? 14. Use IoT to Centralize Customer Insights
SME IT Awards 2024/ 4 In the fast-paced digital world of today, efficient management becomes a vital component in driving a company’s success. Luckily, Go SharePoint Limited is on hand to ensure a smooth and secure data transition that boosts productivity, underpinned by its faultless service. Beginning by assessing a client’s environment, before creating a bespoke plan, preparing the data, and then executing a safe and swift migration, the team here offer subsequent ongoing support to ensure a flawless operation is achieved. Leveraging the skills of a team with more than two decades worth of combined industry experience, Go SharePoint is a premier, selfmade company from Telford that specialises in providing seamless SharePoint migration. Delivering on its promises of affording clients unrivalled and innovative solutions that have been meticulously tailored to their unique needs, the team here excel when it comes to maximising productivity and minimising downtime for their satisfied customer base. The industry-leading services provided by Go SharePoint encompass everything from document and content management through to advice and guidance, all revolving around the company’s core values of passion, diversity, creativity, quality, and a clientcentric approach. It is through its adherence to these values that Go SharePoint is such a distinguished figure in this sphere, one that stands out for the sincere passion and authenticity that it brings to every project it carries out. Founded by Michael Pomfret and built from humble beginnings, Go SharePoint’s journey is determination and genuine care personified, separating it from the large, impersonal, and often faceless firms operating across the sector. With a workforce comprised of professionals that are not only down to earth, but committed to going that extra mile when it comes to delivering premium SharePoint migration services, all projects are treated as if they were the company’s own. Seeing its clients succeed is this company’s overarching mission. Driven by the prospect of becoming a catalyst for positive change in the world of data migration, Go SharePoint has its remarkable team to thank for its success, with this workforce operating cohesively and collaboratively to ensure that all of the company’s goals are more than met. Benefiting from regular meetings and the frequent training sessions they are provided; the company’s employees thrive on mutual respect and a shared responsibility. With the skills of such a team at its disposal, Go SharePoint has been able to place its focus on providing transparent communication and personalised solutions, as well as its effectiveness using advanced tools and methodologies. Through such processes as removing or archiving outdated or irrelevant data to streamline the migration process, in addition to using specialised tools provided by its partners such as LinkTek and ShareGate, the company simplifies SharePoint migration and guarantees a smooth transition. Remaining adaptable and collaborative in this space is crucial for ensuring lasting success. Through its aforementioned partnerships with the likes of LinkTek and ShareGate, both of which Founder Michael Pomfret has partnered with in the past, Go SharePoint is fortifying its position in the market. Continuing to develop these alliances is one of the business’ main goals for the rest of the year, with the team also seeking to expand their operation both into the US, where a number of ongoing projects are already taking place, and Europe. Following this planned expansion and increased workload, the company is currently driving recruitment initiatives, searching for an apprentice with an innate passion for success and enthusiasm in spades. It is also looking to adopt even more advanced migration software, like Dataverse. This highlights Go SharePoint’s unwavering passion for its clients, team, and partners, all of which have proven integral in the company’s thriving since it was established in April last year by a team of highly skilled and experienced data migration engineers. Making the most of its one-of-a-kind ability to conceptualise and manipulate the technologies of Microsoft SharePoint and Lotus (IBM), offering seamless integrations across both of these platforms, Go SharePoint Limited serves as the UK’s premier bespoke SharePoint migration provider. Answering the calls of national and international clients alike in search of excellence, we celebrate Michael and co. as the Most Trusted Data Migration Engineering Specialists 2024. Contact: Michael Pomfret Company: Go SharePoint Limited Email: [email protected] Contact Number: 01952 456 667 Web Address: https://gosharepoint.co.uk Most Trusted Data Migration Engineering Specialists 2024
What inspired you to create Go SharePoint? From as young as thirteen, I had my heart set on both IT and migrating – this is a passion that is still unwavering at 52. My initial curiosity developed into a strong dedication to the industry which inspired me to find my own business. My main objective has always been to cultivate and nurture an environment where I can both share my knowledge and provide others with opportunities to advance and prosper in the migration lanscape. 1. Can you tell us about your journey leading up to founding Go SharePoint? I was certain from an early age about what I wanted to achieve. My career begun by instructing engineers in laptop repair. It was a positive start, as I was excited by anything IT related. My objectives then were to locate appropriate migration projects that I considered accurately represented my identity. This is where my knowledge of migration issues was cultivated. Working at Acer was my most memorable contract due to the diversity and wide spectrum of individuals I encountered there. 2. What were some of the challenges your faced in the preliminary stages of your company? During the initial phases of Go SharePoint, one of the most significant obstacles I encountered was identifying suitable candidates that accurately embodied our organisation and values. At 51 when I started the company, I frequently thought that my age was a hindrance. I also travelled alone on this journey, which tested my resilience. Creating the company from the foundations up, I oversaw all finances, marketing, and brand development, resulting in the early periods challenging on occasions. 3. What are some of your greatest achievements since starting Go SharePoint? Last year, Go SharePoint, achieved a significant milestone by partnering with two industry leaders, LinkTek and Sharegate. the word "migration," I would like them to think of our company instantaneously. In addition, I aim to create an organisation comprising individuals who are equally as enthusiastic about the industry as I am, so that we can collaborate as a family in a supportive and upbeat environment. 7. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs starting off in migration? I would recommend maintaining your devotion and determination. Recognise that it takes time and work to advance in this field, so be prepared for challenges and embrace lessons from them. Embrace a committed group of individuals who share your vision and principles. As reputation is crucial in this field, you should always put quality and reliability first in your services. Finally, consistently stay learning and adjusting to current trends and innovations in the industry. 8. What motivates you personally to keep excelling in your field? The passion for the work I conduct and my strong enthusiasm for it, drive me to continue being the best in my profession. Overcoming obstacles and reaching practical solutions gives me an excellent sense of accomplishment. In addition, I consistently consider my clients as their satisfaction impacts the position we hold. I am motivated by to gain their trust and guarantee their approval. This trifecta of enthusiasm, critical thinking skills, and customer fulfilment keeps me driven towards being better and continuing to excel. LinkTek, renowned for their advanced data management solutions, Sharegate provided robust tools that simplified and accelerated our migration processes while ensuring compliance and security. Being able to undertake courses from the Sharegate academy were a fantastic way to broaden both my knowledge and skillset. With the knowledge that data loss would be avoided when utilising LinkTek solutions, Go SharePoint felt more secure when starting up as a company. These strategic alliances enabled us to deliver superior migration services to our clients, minimising downtime, and maximising efficiency. 4. What does this award mean to you and your company? The Most Trusted Migration Engineer title is a wonderful testament to our diligence and commitment. It demonstrates the calibre and dependability we work hard to deliver and confirms our determination and perseverance. This award strengthens our reputation and presents an exceptional opportunity for Go SharePoint to become more widely recognised in the migration industry. It serves as evidence that you ought to constantly give your all and never give up on achieving your goals, no matter how out of reach they feel. 5. Can you share specific project or client success stories that highlight why Go SharePoint is highly trusted in this industry? Since I started migrating over ten years ago, I have successfully completed all projects tasked to me. I am highly trusted because I run tests before conducting migrations and maintain strong working relations with my clients. 6. What are your future goals for Go SharePoint? My goals for Go SharePoint are to position the business as the reliable and competent source for IT migrations. When individuals encounter
SME News - IT Awards 2024/ 6 Small Business IT Specialists of the Year 2024 – West Midlands Simtech-IT is a trusted provider of IT support and leadership solutions for clients across the UK and around the world. The company’s specialised services have helped shape small businesses around the globe by enabling them to facilitate growth, improve security, and standardise their business IT operations. As the company receives its title in the IT Awards 2024, we take a closer look at its unique offerings. Boasting over three decades of experience within the computer industry, Simtech-IT is a leading expert in the design, implementation, and support of IT solutions for clients all over the world. The company specialises in aiding small and medium-sized businesses with sales of between £1 million and £5 million annually. Additionally, the company works across various industries, tailoring its services to suit each client’s specific business needs, rather than opting for a one-size-fits-all technique that often overlooks unique challenges and opportunities present in the operations of small and mediumsized businesses. Among the range, Simtech-IT has serviced solicitors, accountancy firms, architects, specialist medical firms, humanitarian organisations, and high street retailers. This variety highlights SimtechIT’s ability to adapt its offerings in accordance with the sector it is working within. This approach means that Simtech-IT empowers small business owners, allowing them to take control of their business practices and receive opportunities for growth that they may not have otherwise been afforded. The expert team at Simtech-IT is equipped with industry insights and cutting-edge tools that effectively handle the client’s IT support needs, meaning that the business can save both time and money without needing to hire internal staff. Simtech-IT offers a comprehensive range of services, all designed to improve the IT experience for its clients. All new projects are initiated via strategic consulting, allowing Simtech-IT to discover the unique strengths and weaknesses of the client’s IT systems. From there, the company can work alongside its client to set project goals that will help them to achieve operational excellence. Through risk management services, Simtech-IT helps clients to break down the cybersecurity risks that are associated with their technology and workforce, further allowing the company to effectively mitigate and manage IT risks that may arise. Alongside this, Simtech-IT delivers prompt IT support and preventative maintenance services designed to reduce system outages and ensure continual optimisation. This helps the workforce to remain productive and further minimises any potential threats to the system. Such solutions allow Simtech-IT to improve the overall security posture of its client’s businesses, allowing for longevity and enhancing IT system resilience. Of these services, the ones most frequently serviced to Simtech-IT include technical support, IT security, disaster recovery, and cloud based technologies to enable remote work. Simtech-IT offers turnkey packages that enable clients to quickly receive all required services for a clear, fixed, monthly premium on a ‘per employee’ basis, allowing for convenient, comprehensive services. With a dedication to easing the process of IT system management for its clients, Simtech-IT goes a step further than its competitors when it comes to preparing their businesses to succeed. Simtech-IT promises to guide clients through compliance with various accreditations and regulations, such as cyber essentials certification, NIS2, PCI DSS, DSPT, and HIPAA. When working with Simtech-IT, clients can feel reassured that their IT system is in the right hands. With a strong focus on managing digital risk, the company allows its client’s organisations to effectively achieve and maintain IT governance. Client’s IT systems are continually monitored and assessed, with roadmaps produced to address and overcome any weaknesses flagged. Of course, such stellar services would not be made possible without the expertise of a top-notch team of industry professionals on hand to provide support. Simtech-IT’s employees have built their experience working with some of the world’s leading brands, effectively transferring enterprise class knowledge to the world of small and medium-sized enterprises. Employing a team of highly qualified IT specialists enables Simtech-IT to act as an extension of its client’s IT department, meaning that the client can use the free time to focus on their business operations. With a wealth of industry knowledge making it well-equipped to manage the IT systems of SMEs around the world, Simtech-IT has effectively solidified itself as an industry leader. The company has soared to great heights since its inception and aims to continue providing unparalleled IT services and solutions to its loyal clientele. It is for this dedication that Simtech-IT has been rightfully recognised as the Small Business IT Specialists of the Year 2024 – West Midlands. Contact: Karl Wood Company: Simtech-IT Limited Web Address: https://simtech-it.com
As the leading liquid collagen company in the UK, Reverse Life knows more than a thing or two about generating traffic to its website. Since being founded during the lockdown of 2020 by Chris Niebel and Mark Shephard, the company has sold in excess of 19 million units of its original high strength collagen – making it the UK’s leading supplement – and achieved more than £15 million in sales alone. All of this has been attained through organic growth and zero external investment, leading the company to be on the receiving end of a number of beauty and e-commerce awards. Best Website Traffic Generators 2024 From the most humble of origins, Reverse Life has grown into a national empire. Beginning with just one product, this being Reverse Life’s Original Collagen – a berryflavoured drink brimming with hydrolysed marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, biotin, and vitamin C – the company’s range has today extended to include a number of innovative skincare products and leading liquid collagen supplements. Across the approximately 100,000 people who rely on Reverse Life’s products for their health and wellbeing needs, the company has earned more than 14,000 Trustpilot reviews. The vast majority of these have been five-star, underpinning both the exceptional quality and unrivalled effectiveness of both these products themselves and the business’ wider mission. As the company’s own Laura Osborne puts it, “Reverse Life isn’t just about providing products; it’s about enhancing lives, promoting wellbeing, and protecting our planet.” By focusing on carbon neutral deliveries, as well as ensuring that its bottles, caps, and cardboard packaging are all recyclable at home, Reverse Life stands as a beacon of sustainable practice in a business environment where this is not always the case. “We source our marine collagen from sustainably farmed freshwater fish and employ a cradle-to-gate process to substantially reduce our carbon footprint”, adds Laura, which further solidifies the company’s dedication to operating ethically across the health and beauty sector. In a just world, these elements alone would be enough to position Reverse Life as an industry leader, but in a diverse and competitive landscape such as this, it takes much more than great products and textbook morals to get ahead. Reverse Life is well aware of this, and thus prioritises forming robust connections with its clients to drive traffic to its website, a feat which is being celebrated for this award. Multiple touchpoints are used to see that this is the case, from the company’s remarkable customer service team to sending personalised emails. Moreover, initiatives such as the company’s VIP Facebook group see its clients brought together, inspiring a sense of community in the process. A safe and accepting space, this online platform sees clients share their experiences with the products and deepen their connection with the brand. Then, for the younger demographic, Reverse Life utilises the likes of Instagram and TikTok, running live sessions that afford real-time value and unique insight for existing and prospective customers alike. This all contributes to a business environment that is equal parts creative and results-focused, a fitting metaphor for the wider brand itself. “We spend a lot of time analysing our customer data and their journey to ensure we maximise not only our results, but their experience of dealing with us”, says Co-Founder Chris Neibel. This understanding is essential when it comes to nurturing lasting success and driving website traffic, and with AI only broadening these possibilities, Reverse Life has been quick to embrace it so as to stay ahead of the curve. Aside from this, hitting such high numbers on its website is something that can be directly attributed to the company’s robust IT systems, including a CRM programme that has proven instrumental in it both realising its vision and experiencing subsequent growth. Leveraging these online capabilities further, Reverse Life has even allowed for a number of new purchasing methods, including a subscription model, which sees customers able to control the frequency of their orders and better manage their spending. Finally, with a number of new products, retail partnerships, and global expansion plans in the pipeline over the next few years, the future is promising for this holistic wellness company. Having come an incredibly long way since setting up shop in the most difficult of circumstances, Reverse Life’s success is a testament to both the power of its exceptional collagen products and a strong understanding and leveraging of IT solutions. For this winning combination, it is more than deserving of this award. Contact: Laura Osborne Company: Reverse Life Web Address: https://reverselife.co.uk
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Operating out of its own branded call centre with its own staff, NFS answers customer calls 24/7, pinpointing the location of the breakdown or support requirements and providing the best solution required of them, so that they can arrange help from their nearest supply partner as soon as possible for breakdowns or as planned for other needs. Efficiency and safety are both equally important for NFS, with these invariably serving as its dual foundation. Striking the balance between these two areas is no easy task, but NFS’ track record indicates that it is more than capable of doing so. This feeds into the company’s overarching vision, which sees it committed to ensuring that a company’s fleet of vehicles, regardless of its size or the type of vehicles that comprise it, can operate effectively and with minimal downtime. Since NFS boasts such valued customers as Royal Mail, Parcelforce, Kwik Fit, Dawson Group Vans, and even the Crown Commercial Service, this vision is much more than just a fantasy, it is meticulously being worked towards on a daily basis, something the above firms would surely corroborate. NFS’ undying efficiency can be seen in the fact that in 2022 alone, it, along with its network of trusted suppliers from across the UK and Ireland, completed just shy of 67,000 requests. In 2023, this grew to just shy of 88,000, and 2024 estimated to run out with the same. Whatever these numbers may be, the fact that the average attendance time after a call is only 76 minutes is incredibly impressive given the company’s national coverage. Aside from its 24/7 fully in-house UK call centre discussed above, another element that distinguishes the company, particularly from an IT standpoint, is its robust in-house management reporting system. By producing a standard set of reporting and with specific reporting available on request, NFS is able to offer a significant reduction in the operating costs of clients’ fleets, taking all of their requirements into consideration and producing management information (MI) reports that are of unparalleled quality and usefulness. This is the same system that also allows the team to swiftly detect exactly where a caller is located when they phone up, and cross reference this location with that of one of their 2,000+ suppliers. Information that is collected on the back of any request is collated seamlessly into this groundbreaking operating system, which then automatically produces an invoice for the customer in a previously agreed format, as well as sending a job completion authorisation to the supplier, complete with the same prices listed on the customer invoice. The perks of using NFS’ intelligent management system do not end there, as along with everything discussed above, the system also generates bespoke reports and templates which are fully customisable by the client, with these spanning information about the vehicles themselves and how they work. This is not to mention the capabilities of this software to bring up all of the data the company has been entrusted with on request, from the images of whatever led to the call to the service providers’ details, making this process audit friendly. NFS is continuing to break down barriers and pioneer in this space, as seen in the likes of its breakdown booking iPhone and Android mobile app, the first of its kind from an independent fleet support provider. Through this app, its customers no longer even need to call, and can log a request easier than ever. The same can also be said for NFS’ daily checker app, which sees all paper vehicle checks and reports replaced with an equally useful app that both saves paper and makes filing reports easier than ever. These examples illustrate exactly why we have chosen to celebrate Nationwide Fleet Services Ltd with this award, championing both its technological innovation and its unwavering commitment to the fleets of its customers. Contact: Nick Diment Company: Nationwide Fleet Services Ltd Web Address: https://www.nationwidefleetservices.co.uk Nationwide Fleet Services Ltd (NFS) takes immense pride in its status as the UK’s premier private provider of fleet maintenance and support services, with its speciality lying in tyres for vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Over the course of its journey so far, the company has assembled a network of more than 2,000 independent suppliers that spans the UK and Ireland, more than living up to its name. The technology used across its operation has proven a pivotal piece of the puzzle, and we explore this below. Most Innovative Fleet Maintenance Tech Company 2024
SME News - IT Awards 2024/ 10 Managed IT Service Provider of the Year 2024 – South East England Trinity Managed Services is the leading provider of managed IT services for businesses across the UK. With an average first response time of under 5-minute and a passion for problem solving, the company promises to assist clients in building a better business through educating them on effectively utilising their tools to maximise their company’s value and optimise their results. As the business is named in the IT Awards 2024, we speak with Dan Stringer, Managing Director at Trinity Managed Services. Located in Saffron Walden, Trinity Managed Services is a company working to empower business owners to take control of their IT systems to drive growth and expansion. Trinity Managed Services offers scalable services to an array of clients, ranging from small businesses to large enterprises across various industries, providing specialist services that are transferrable between sectors. Leveraging the latest IT technologies, Trinity Managed Services lends aid to clients through enhancing employee productivity, conducting thorough cybersecurity assessments, and consolidating IT systems, infrastructure, and software. Offering such an encompassing service ensures that clients feel secure and prepared for any future challenges, knowing that they can utilise the expert frameworks laid down by Trinity Managed Services. “At Trinity Managed Services, our unique selling point lies in our ability to seamlessly integrate with our client’s operations by becoming their IT department,” Dan tells us. “With a dedicated team of 15 UK-based engineers, we provide personalised, reliable, and proactive IT support tailored to each client’s specific needs. This deep integration allows us to understand and address our client’s unique challenges and goals, ensuring that their IT infrastructure is a support function and driver of business growth and success.” The seasoned expertise which lies within Trinity Managed Services’ team ensures that a mass of unique perspectives can be applied to any number of scenarios, meaning problem solving can be at its best with Trinity Managed Services. The core pillars of the company revolve around innovation, excellence, customer-focused dedication, collaboration, passion, the recognition of its team members’ achievements, and more. Dan shares, “At Trinity, our collaborative team culture, commitment to continuous learning, and proactive approach enable us to achieve our goals and deliver exceptional IT support to our clients. By fostering a supportive and innovative work environment, we ensure our internal culture thrives as we grow. As we expand our team, we will continue prioritising candidates who share our values and are dedicated to driving our clients' success.” Trinity Managed Services understands that the IT industry can be overwhelming for businesses, especially when considering the rapid rate of technological evolution. The company has made a commitment to helping clients navigate this complex landscape, through seamlessly integrating within the client’s IT department, consolidation and optimisation of IT systems, providing proactive support, clear communication, and equipping its client’s personnel with the required skillsets through tailored training programmes. What is more, the company actively monitors trends and developments to ensure that its clients are continually benefiting from the latest advancements. “We are committed to staying ahead of industry trends and capitalising on developments in cybersecurity, cloud computing, automation, remote work solutions, and data analytics,” says Dan. “This commitment to continuous improvement and innovation positions our clients for sustained success in an increasingly complex IT landscape.” Driven by growth and continuous improvement, Trinity Managed Services places an emphasis on building strategic partnerships, learning to agilely adapt, and encouraging innovation within the team. Numerous projects, products, and services are currently in the works, all aimed towards enhancing and improving the practices of its clients. Most recently, Trinity Managed Services is thrilled to announce the rollout of its new enhanced security system, Trinity Enhanced Security Services, or Tess. This system will leverage the latest advancements in cybersecurity software to provide comprehensive protection across its client’s entire organisations. Through this innovative solution, the company aims to significantly enhance threat detection, response capabilities, and overall security posture to ensure that clients remain protected against evolving cyber threats. The company will also be launching comprehensive cybersecurity training programmes, simulations, and workshops for its clients. Trinity Managed Services recognises the importance of human factors when managing cybersecurity and aims to equip employees of client businesses with the skillsets to identify and respond to any potential security threats. Additionally, Trinity Managed Services is developing specialised IT solutions that are tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries, addressing specific challenges and opportunities within different sectors to ensure that clients receive only the most relevant and practical support services. Furthermore, the company is currently rolling out new predictive maintenance strategies that further minimise downtime and improve system reliability through using advanced analytics to predict and address potential issues before they impact business operations. “The rest of 2024 is poised to be a transformative period for Trinity Managed Services,” Dan predicts. “With the rollout of Tess and the expansion of our IT support services, we are well-positioned to build upon our current success. Our plans for geographic expansion, strategic partnerships, and introducing new products and services will further solidify our position as a leading managed services provider, driving growth and innovation for both our clients and ourselves.” Contact: Dan Stringer Company: Trinity Managed Services Web Address: https://www.trinityms.co.uk
Panamoure Group LLP proudly serves as a partner for business and technological change for private equity houses, their portfolio, and enterprises with ambition on an international scale. Headquartered in Kent, England, this company’s speciality lies in its unique brand of business know-how and technical expertise, which it affords to businesses investing in change. The insight that is provided is also an invaluable asset for clients when it comes to tackling complex projects and delivering programmes. Best Business IT Transformation & Value Creation Consultancy 2024 At its core, Panamoure aids its clients in the complicated process of identifying and implementing the right technology for their needs, an offering that sees businesses empowered to cut their costs, increase their revenue, work smarter instead of harder, and ultimately make better, more informed decisions across the board. To do this, the company employs a comprehensive suite of services that spans strategic consulting, delivery, and operational support, all underpinned by its signature, encompassing approach. When it comes to strategic consulting, Panamoure leverages its deep technological capabilities and proficiency to help client businesses both unlock and maximise their competitive advantage. Its services in this area include IT due diligence, creating and nurturing a digital strategy, optimising the money spent on IT across a business, and assisting at every stage of a client’s cloud journey, from migration to architecture and everything in between, all with equal distinction and proven value-added capabilities. Regarding delivery-based services, Panamoure deploys a series of full-service business and technology solutions, including automation, systems implementation, data and analytics, and digital transformation, the latter of which serves as one of the business’ standout services. From affording their clients unique insights and planning support to providing them with a host of diagnostic tools, the team here help to create a robust digital transformation roadmap and then put it into action, guaranteeing great results. Finally, concerning operations, Panamoure offers its industry-leading knowledge and smart support on tap, insight that impactfully lends itself to the likes of solution development, system support, and CTO (chief technology officer) as a service. This final offering is particularly noteworthy given that a business’ CTO usually handles not only the other areas mentioned in this section but also much more, meaning that taking advantage of this specific service can provide a business with added value to no end, with benefits felt immediately. With such a wide range of expertly delivered services and solutions in tow, it is no surprise that Panamoure’s experience across a diverse range of industries has proven instrumental in securing lasting success and a stellar reputation as its comprehensive services have. From private equity and insurance to healthcare, logistics, retail, and public services – Panamoure has a track record of driving long-term change, something that can largely be attributed to its signature approach touched on above. Panamoure’s distinctive operating model, combined with its extensive offshore capabilities, sees change ushered in and an industry disrupted. Its team are comprised of the very best talent on a global scale, and the truly independent nature of the firm means that it can advise every client in a bespoke fashion and source the right technology for their needs. Since everybody is pulling their weight and working towards one common goal, clients are afforded peace of mind that their best interests are being catered to holistically. The mastery embodied by the team at Panamoure can be seen in the array of case studies lining its website, the majority of which focus on private equity firms, the company’s definitive area of expertise. One of the most recent projects undertaken saw the team partner with a FTSE 250 company. A 50+ year-old business with over 4,000 employees and a client base spanning the UK, Europe, and North America, it was vital to get things right first time. Many of the business systems were struggling post-implementation, and its finance systems team had been spread thin supporting day-to-day activities whilst trying to improve the system. To remedy this issue, Panamoure provided a managed service and expert team including both technical and functional consultants, who supported the business in a number of areas. Effectiveness and efficiency were soon increased, with backlog reduced significantly and the business processes supported, all for 60% less than it would cost to hire general contractors. This is just one example of the unrivalled skill and expertise that Panamoure Group utilises on a daily basis, traits that make it more than deserving of being recognised as the Best Business IT Transformation & Value Creation Consultancy 2024. Contact: Graham Burchell Company: Panamoure Group LLP Web Address: https://panamoure.com
SME News - IT Awards 2024/ 12 Data Visualisation: A Game Changer for Small Business Strategy Small businesses must leverage every strategic tool to maintain competitiveness in a data-dominated business landscape. Data visualisation offers a lifeline for overwhelmed business owners drowning in data and acts as a beacon, guiding more informed decision-making and strategic planning. This article explores how effectively presenting data can revolutionise small businesses’ operations and thrive. Gaining Insight with Graphical Clarity One of the primary benefits of data visualisation is the immediate clarity it provides. By transforming complex datasets into graphical formats like charts and graphs, it becomes much simpler to perceive patterns, trends, and outliers. This quick comprehension enables prompt and accurate decisions without sifting through intimidating columns of numbers. Enhanced Decision-Making Through Deeper Insights Visual tools illuminate aspects of your operations that may go unnoticed in traditional analysis methods. For instance, a wellconstructed bar chart can illustrate sales trends over time, highlighting which products are your best performers and which may require re-evaluation or discontinuation. These insights allow you to allocate resources more efficiently and hone your business strategies. Use Machine Learning for Greater Benefits Many of the advantages your business gains from data visualisation can be further extended with the help of machine learning. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, you can uncover deeper insights, predict trends, and make more informed decisions. However, to achieve the best results, it’s crucial to ensure that your data has been thoroughly cleaned and massaged. Clean, well-prepared data allows machine learning models to operate more accurately and effectively, maximizing the potential benefits of both data visualisation and advanced analytics. Forecasting Trends to Stay Ahead Forecasting is critical in business planning. Data visualisation enhances this aspect by visually representing historical data trends, enabling you to project future patterns and prepare accordingly. Whether adjusting supply chains or planning promotional activities, these predictive visuals help you anticipate market dynamics and stay one step ahead. Quick Identification of Operational Bottlenecks Identifying bottlenecks in your operations can significantly enhance efficiency. Visual data representations such as flowcharts or process diagrams make it easier to spot delays or inefficiencies at a glance. By mapping out processes, you can visually identify where resources are being misused or where procedures can be streamlined. Addressing these issues promptly can lead to smoother operations and improved business performance. Real-Time Monitoring for Immediate Response The capability to monitor business metrics in real-time transforms how you manage daily operations. Live data visualisations on dashboards provide ongoing insights into critical areas of your business, from sales figures to customer engagement metrics. Reacting swiftly to market changes or operational challenges can significantly enhance your strategic decisions. Real-time monitoring, therefore, plays a vital role in optimizing business outcomes. Streamlined Communication Across Platforms When you use data visualisations, you ensure complex information is more digestible and engaging for all stakeholders. Charts, graphs, and other visual aids can help bridge communication gaps between different departments or with external stakeholders by providing a clear and shared understanding of data. These tools make it easier to convey strategic insights and drive alignment across the organisation. Visual representations can also facilitate quicker decision-making, enhancing responsiveness and efficiency. Final Thoughts Integrating data visualisation into your business practices offers more than just aesthetic appeal—it is a strategic imperative. By enhancing data comprehension, providing deeper insights, and enabling real-time monitoring, data visualisation tools empower small businesses to make smarter decisions faster. As the digital economy evolves, small businesses that adopt and adapt to these visual tools will find themselves better equipped to navigate the complexities of modern business environments. Embrace these technologies to not only survive but thrive in the competitive market landscape.
The primary cybersecurity threats faced by SMEs One of the reasons that managing cybersecurity can be so difficult for SMEs is that attacks can take a variety of different forms, and risks can come from a number of different places. While most companies are aware of the most common cyber threats – phishing, malware, ransomware, spoofing, insider threats, and even code injection – new forms of attack are being developed every day. And employee behaviour and company policies can make their admittance so much easier. In 2023, 86% of web application attacks arose from compromised login details and poor password protection. Some of this will be due to inadequate training as well as individual laxity. But other problems are derived from changing working habits – while bring-your-owndevice policies are considered to be more cost effective for a business, and work from home has become standard policy, they both expose businesses to risk through the use of unsecured networks. And then there’s the issue of third-party legacy access to external SaaS platforms, which is surprisingly overlooked by many businesses even though it can lead to a range of potential problems, including espionage and reputational damage. Why most businesses overlook the risk of legacy access In contemporary business, there are a number of operations that are outsourced . Marketing, social media management, IT management, sometimes customer service and administrative tasks – and all of these require third-party access permissions. While access to inhouse systems will typically be tightly managed, it’s the SaaS and social platforms and external channels that tend to be overlooked. Partly because they are not viewed as core operational infrastructure, but also partly because it can be challenging to keep track of who has access to what and when, especially as most social channels force people to use their personal profiles to access ad accounts and pages rather than IT controlled systems and password vaults. So, when an employee leaves or an external agency reaches the end of its contract, there’s no simple way to rescind their access – or even to monitor who is accessing these thirdparty platforms. And this raises a range of significant problems. The risk of legacy account access What happens when a disgruntled ex-employee or a terminated agency realises that they still have access to your business’ social media accounts? In most cases, nothing. But increasingly, access has the ability to be weaponised. Several high-profile cases have hit the headlines in the last few years, from the leaking of Twitter’s source code by a fired employee after Elon Musk took over, to the X-rated namecalling on Burger King’s Twitter account. While these events left room for recovery, for many, the reputational damage can be devastating. There’s also room for sabotage, with those with account management access potentially blocking genuine users from the account, the theft of scheduled content – including the leaking of offers to competitors – and the misappropriation of funds. Social media advertising budgets can be enormous. But when you allow the wrong people to have continued access to your account, you can risk the account being drained. How can businesses address the most common cybersecurity threats? In most cases, enhanced cybersecurity comes down to four things: Training – If your employees know what to do, how to recognise potential threats, the right protocols to follow, then cybersecurity risks are dramatically cut. Secure networks – When you have strong network security – firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, access controls, and user authentication – in place, it makes it harder for unauthorised people to gain access. This can prevent data breaches, malware, and other cyber threats. Multi-factor authentication – Passwords are easily lost and stolen. Having multi-factor authentication in place means that there’s always a second or third layer of protection for sensitive accounts. Controlled access permissions – Marketing channel access permissions are often overlooked because there are so many different platforms, variables, and login types involved. Working with a platform that can provide a clear overview to all of your access permissions and a single point of access to all of your external and SaaS platforms enables simple management. When a cybersecurity event occurs, it raises masses of questions for a business. Who is to blame? Who should be held accountable? And how can the problem be both fixed and prevented from happening again? In all of these cases, prevention is always better than cure, and it’s time for small businesses to really scrutinise their cybersecurity practices. Cybersecurity has become paramount to businesses of all sizes, but SMEs frequently lack the tools and resources to manage the ongoing threat. And with the number of cyber-attacks increasing – 1,351 incidents, affecting 2,241,916,765 breached records, were detected in 2023 – it’s more important than ever for small and mediumsized businesses to access the protection they need. So, what are the core areas that SMEs should be focusing on to help protect their businesses? How Can SMEs Mitigate the Cybersecurity Risks Associated With Their Business?
SME IT Awards 2024/ 14 Use IoT to Centralize Customer Insights The Internet is a well-known concept that you must be familiar with, but what about the Internet of Things (IoT)? It's not a brand new technology, but it recently started flourishing thanks to its numerous use cases. One of the most useful applications of IoT is customer analytics because you can use it to gather and centralize consumer insights. Leveraging IoT, businesses can track consumer behavior, preferences, and needs with higher precision than ever before, and as a result, to create better customer experiences and strategies. In other words, they can use IoT data to serve their customers better. Our goal is to explain how IoT works and how to use it to improve customer analytics. Let's take a look! IoT: How Does It Work? Perhaps it sounds unusual, but IoT is a relatively simple concept. It describes the network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. That basically means that IoT is a network of devices that can communicate with each other. It's a four-step structure that includes: • Devices with sensors: These sensors gather data from the surrounding environment. • Connectivity: Devices now transmit the data to a central location. • Data processing: The data is processed and analysed in the central analytics system. • User interface: Finally, end users obtain relevant data through the interface. The insights are used to improve customer experiences or create new strategies. IoT devices can be anything from cars and wearable devices to buildings and industrial machinery. The whole system has become possible due to a couple of important technological advances - the miniaturization of sensors and electronics and the development of low-power wireless communication. According to Statista, the projected IoT spending worldwide will reach more than $1.387 bn by 2024. That's possible due to the improbable growth of the IoT industry - there are already more than 15 billion active IoT devices globally. More importantly, data collected from IoT devices is expected to reach 79 ZB in the next three years. It's a staggering figure that reveals the potential of IoT in the field of customer analytics. It is here that data analytics companies play a pivotal role. How to Centralize User Insights with IoT? Now that you know how IoT works, it's time to learn how to use it for customer analytics. The process is not much different from other types of data collection - you need to gather, process, and analyze data. However, there are some important things to keep in mind. When it comes to data gathering, you have two options. The first one is to purchase data from third-party providers. The second option is to collect data yourself with the help of IoT devices. They can be placed in strategic locations, such as retail stores, office buildings, or public transportation - it depends on the type of business you're running. IoT devices track consumer behavior and preferences and send data to the central analytics system. The data processing stage is important because you need to clean and organize the data. This is done with the help of special software that
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