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Introduction

For SMEs and local organizations, IT plays a vital role in everyday work, future planning, and business growth. From staying connected with clients to protecting their business data, a good IT system helps the business to run smoothly and stay ahead from competitors. But when it’s time to outsource IT support, the most important question that comes in our mind is: Who should you choose? A nearby local partner or a large national company/ international firm providing IT support services? If you are looking for IT Support Services in the UK, this choice matters more than you might think. Each option comes with its own benefits, depending on how you want to grow your business, how quickly you need IT support and how customized you want the service to be.

What Are IT Support Services and What Do They Include?

IT support  is the team or service that does the following:

It’s just like a doctor for your computer and digital systems. When something goes wrong with your system, IT support comes in, fixes the issues and makes sure it doesn’t happen again. For businesses, IT support services in the UK help people to work faster, smoother and without any interruptions.

What Is the Difference Between Local and National IT Support?

Local IT Support Services:

Local IT support means the IT company is near your business area/ same region.  They can visit your office quickly, when there is an issue. You can have frequent interactions and also they understand local business needs and problems.

National IT Support Services:

National IT support means the IT company works across the country and supports many businesses in different locations. They mostly interact remotely through online meetings/chat or phone calls.

Advantages of Local IT Support Services

  1. Faster onsite response: When something goes wrong, a local IT team can reach your office quickly. Hence, there is no waiting time, and your issues are solved faster.
  2. Better working relationship: With local IT support, you often deal with the same people each time, and this builds trust, clear communication and long term partnership.
  3. Knowledge of local Infrastructure: Local IT providers understand the internet providers, power outrage issues and common tech challenges in your area. This helps them to solve problems faster and more effectively.
  4. Personalized support: Local teams usually offer customized solutions as per the clients need instead if one-size fits all services. They understand your business requirements and provide unique solutions accordingly.
  5. Easy communication : As the location is nearby, face-to-face meetings, discussions and urgent support becomes easier and comfortable.Hence, local IT support feels more personal, secured and reliable for  small and growing businesses.

Advantages of National IT Support Services

  1. Support across Multiple Locations: National IT providers can easily support businesses with multiple office locations in different cities, regions and all can be handled under one system.
  2. 24/7 monitoring: They provide 24/7 monitoring, which means your systems are being watched even after business hours.
  3. Larger Teams: IT team includes a wide range of experts and resources from – cybersecurity, cloud, networking all in one place.
  4. Standard Process and Advanced Tools: They follow clear procedures and use advanced tools, which helps in efficient and consistent work operations.
  5. Easy to Scale as you grow: If you want to expand your business, National IT Support can help without any alterations. 

How to Choose the Right IT Support Services for Your SME ?

Questions to Ask Before Choosing an IT Support Provider in the UK

  1. What is your Service Level Agreement (SLA)?
    – Ask them how quickly they promise to respond and fix issues. This helps you to know what IT support you will get when things go wrong.

      2. How do you keep our data safe?
          – Check if they follow all security standards and have certifications. This shows how serious they are in terms of cybersecurity.

      3. What are your response times?
          – Ask how fast they can respond to issues. Faster response time means less downtime for your business.

      4. Who will support our business?

          – Find out whether there will be a dedicated person/team in charge or a person of contact. This helps in clear communication.

       5. Do you have a local presence?

          – Ask if they can visit your office location when needed. Local IT support can be more quick and helpful when there is any emergency.

Why Choose Venom IT for IT Support Services in the UK?

Venom IT is  a trusted IT support service provider based in Manchester. It has been helping businesses to keep their tech running efficiently for the past 17 years. They offer reliable IT support services across UK businesses. From everyday IT related help and problem fixing to Cloud solutions, Data backup, Remote Virtual desktops, Cybersecurity services and IT consultancy, Venom IT has been the best provider. Our expert team works closely with you, so you get faster responses, 24/7 IT support that lets you focus on your business growth.

Conclusion

Choosing between local and national IT support services in the UK totally depends on your business needs. The right IT partner is the one that fits your size, budget, growth plan, and critical uptime for you. Make smart choices today, and your IT will support your business growth for tomorrow. If you’re looking for Managed IT support services in the UK, then Venom IT would be the right choice. To know more, click here.

References

International Organization for Standardization. (2018). ISO/IEC 20000-1: Information technology — Service management.
https://www.iso.org/standard/70636.html

National Cyber Security Centre. (2023). Small business guide: Cyber security.
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/small-business-guide

Information Commissioner’s Office. (2023). Guide to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).
https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/

ITIL Foundation. (2023). IT service management (ITSM) overview.
https://www.axelos.com/best-practice-solutions/itil

Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Managed services. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Managed_services

Venom IT has always been committed to provide the businesses with high-performance, secure, and industry-leading Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solutions. Today, we proudly make that quantum leap in an upgrade of our core infrastructure, bringing 6x speed, responsiveness, and reliability to your virtual desktops. These enhancements are designed to enable businesses with the same leading edge in technology employed by 500 Fortune companies and hyperscale cloud providers.

1. Next Generation CPU Power

We have improved our CPU Architecture with the latest generation of Enterprise-grade Processors. The above upgrade provides improved computational capabilities, enabling easier multitasking and overall performance enhancements. Your virtual desktop will be faster and smarter than ever whether you have got a big data set to work with, multitasking, or heavy applications.

2. NVMe Storage – The Gold Standard in Modern Computing

Storage is the pulse of the virtual world and we have made a big leap ahead with the migration from conventional storage drives to enterprise-grade NVMe storage. It is the same technology that powers the world’s fastest data centers.

Through the upgrade, you will get:

-Read/Write Speeds up to 6x Faster

-Substantially lower latency for data-intensive operations

-Increased IOPS for better responsiveness

 Accordingly, it would enable applications to open in an instance, loading files within a fraction of the time, as well as making daily functions operate at a faster rate. Those operations that took several minutes will merely be done within seconds.

3. Upgraded Network Switches for Best Connectivity

We have enhanced our network layer by upgrading the switches. This includes improved firmware, optimized patching, and pro-active post update monitoring. It also includes careful housekeeping inside the network especially within VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). This means cleaning old and unused configurations, fixing small issues that would slow down the network, organizing network traffic so it works smoothly.

How do these DaaS upgrades add value to your business?

These upgrades bring significant improvements in your daily business operations such as:

Means you will get more speed, high performance and more productivity with zero disruptions to your workflow.

Real Business Impact

Our early performance benchmarks have revealed some encouraging results. Applications are loading much quicker—on average, we’re seeing them open about 40–60% faster than before. Because everything responds more smoothly, teams are able to get through their daily tasks with less waiting and fewer interruptions.

Large data files, analytics tools, and complex app services are running with much better stability and performance. Overall, the response from teams has been very encouraging, with people reporting that things are working more efficiently and more enjoyable.

Our Commitment to Innovation with DaaS Upgrades

These upgrades reflect our ongoing promise to stay at the forefront of DaaS technology by improving performance, security and overall user experience.  At Venom IT, you are fueled with enterprise-grade systems designed for your future.

 

The UK has one of the highest rates of home and hybrid working in the world, making remote IT security a priority for businesses of all sizes.

In 2025, the average UK graduate spent 1.8 days a week working from home, second only to Canada (1.9 days) and 50% more than the global average of 1.2 days. (Source: Stanford)

Almost three quarters of IT professionals globally report that remote work has had a beneficial impact on the performance of their IT departments (Source: Statista). By adopting some simple remote worker best practices, you can ensure that you see the benefits too.

In this remote worker checklist, we have put together 25 steps to follow that cover the essentials of remote worker IT setup and security across the following areas:

  1. Secure access and 2FA
  2. Device setup and hosted desktops
  3. Internet connections and IP communications
  4. Cyber security training and reporting
  5. Data protection and GDPR
  6. IT support and remote monitoring

Complete our 25-step remote and hybrid security checklist, and you’ll be all set to see maximum efficiency and productivity from your home-based and hybrid employees, without putting sensitive business data at risk.

A. Secure access and 2FA/MFA

Access control and authentication are your first lines of defence when it comes to preventing connections to sensitive data by unauthorised individuals.

1. Use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

A VPN shields your connection against the wider internet. While 72% of UK professionals use a VPN on some of all of their devices, only 24% said that their employer requires this. (Source: Forbes)

2. Require 2FA (Two-factor authentication)

2FA adds a secondary authentication method, such as a one-time passcode or fingerprint/facial recognition, to the login process. Two thirds (67%) of UK consumers see this as a sign that you care about protecting personal data. (Source: Statista)

3. Consider MFA (Multi-factor authentication)

Even more security comes with a move to 3FA, 4FA or even 5FA. The market for MFA is growing 18% per year in the 2020s, with fastest growth in MFA-enabled password-less login. (Source: Allied Market Research)

4. Enforce access control

If you’re not confident enforcing access control, managed IT services can help. 18% of global businesses say identity and access management is a top 3 cyber security priority for their use of managed services. (Source: PwC)

5. Improve cyber security admin

This remote and hybrid security checklist should be your first step towards improving your cyber security admin overall. Just 6% of organisations feel confident about withstanding the full range of cyber attacks – with expert help, you can join them. (Source: PwC)

B. Device setup and hosted desktops

The devices your workers use can be a fundamental threat to remote IT security. Follow these remote worker best practices to reduce your risk from day one.

6. Require all devices to be encrypted

Mandatory data encryption is the hallmark of a comprehensive data protection policy. Among UK businesses with cyber security policies in place, 81% addressed the way data is stored and 80% controlled what employees are allowed to do on company IT devices. (Source: Statista)

7. Install security updates automatically

New threats emerge all the time. A policy to keep software updated can defend against novel cyber attacks. Nearly one in three (32%) UK businesses have a policy to apply software security patches within 14 days of availability. (Source: DSIT)

8. Consider secure remote data management

When buying software to store and access data remotely, prioritise security. Just 21% of UK businesses consider the security of new software “to a large extent” and 19% “to some extent”. Over a third (37%) just buy software from established companies – and 14% don’t factor cyber security into their software purchases at all. (Source: DSIT)

9. Keep comprehensive device logs

Automatic device logs should be a standard part of your remote worker IT setup, so you have a record of their activity for monitoring and compliance purposes. Yet less than half of UK businesses (45%) take action on logging and monitoring, compared with 90% of large UK firms. (Source: DSIT)

C. Internet connections and IP communications

The quality and reliability of internet connections is an often overlooked part of the remote worker checklist, yet it’s fundamental to enabling your employees to stay productive.

10. Adopt best practice communication platforms setup

IP PBX, also known as VoIP PBX, can allow remote workers to place telephone calls as if they were on-site. The National Cyber Security Centre advises encrypting these calls, restricting dialling patterns and keeping comprehensive logs of caller activity, as part of a long list of best practice for Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems. (Source: NCSC)

11. Make sure internet speeds are sufficient

The UK government says “decent broadband” is a download speed of at least 10 Mbps, enough to support HD video calls. 96% of rural properties have access to internet at these speeds. But only 56% can get 1 Gbps broadband, compared with 90% of urban households. (Source: Defra)

12. Establish secure file sharing protocols

One in eight (13%) British workers are now based exclusively at home, while a further 27% split their time between their home and workplace (Source: Statista). Secure file sharing allows them to collaborate on shared documents, a key aspect of remote IT security.

13. Provide remote access to admin and support

People who live in remote locations are more likely to work from home: 30% in urban areas, 34% in rural regions, and 43% in hamlets and isolated dwellings (Source: Defra). Adopting remote worker best practices should ensure that everyone has good access to IT support and admin.

D. Cyber security training and reporting

Two thirds of all fraud reported in the UK is now cyber fraud (Source: National Crime Agency). Proper training and reporting policies can protect your business against exposure to this risk.

14. Train all employees on cyber security basics

Don’t underestimate remote workers. Nearly two in five (39%) are early adopters of new innovations (Source: Statista). Cyber security training should cover the basics while accounting for all levels of existing tech knowledge and familiarity.

15. Protect against phishing and email scams

As of September 2025, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre had received over 46 million reports of phishing scams and had removed 232,000 scams from 415,000 URLs (Source: NCSC). Make phishing a main priority in your remote and hybrid security checklist.

16. Test employees on data handling basics

Fewer than a fifth (18%) of UK businesses test their employees on data security using methods like mock phishing exercises (Source: DSIT). Make sure you put your remote workers through their paces on a regular basis to see how they will respond to real-world phishing attempts.

17. Establish and enforce your reporting process

It’s essential to know when a breach occurs. Have a reporting policy in place and make sure you enforce it. Over three quarters (76%) of organisations inform senior management of detected data breaches, but less than half (47%) report breaches to their regulator when required to do so (Source: DSIT). Be sure to comply with your reporting requirements.

E. Data protection and GDPR

Data protection is a crucial component in any remote worker checklist. The number one cyber threat to the UK from serious and organised crime groups (SOC) is ransomware for financial gain. (Source: National Crime Agency)

18. All data hosted on secure servers

Access to secure servers puts data protection at the heart of remote worker IT setup. Secure cloud storage is one way to achieve this. Nearly one in three (32%) businesses globally rate cloud security in their top three reasons to use managed IT services, and 27% cite data protection and trust. (Source: PwC)

19. Sensitive info should be encrypted

Mandatory and automatic encryption of sensitive data can prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. Among UK businesses with cyber security policies in place, 81% address secure data storage. (Source: Statista)

20. Set up automatic remote backups

Cloud backups can make remote workers’ files accessible from anywhere, ideal for hybrid working and to keep data under centralised control. This is one of the most widely used technologies on our remote worker checklist, with 71% of businesses already backing up data to a secure cloud server. (Source: DSIT)

21. Keep comprehensive access logs

24/7 logs of user access and activity ensure that you know if remote workers log on to your network at any time, from any location. Yet only 30% of businesses currently monitor their users (Source: DSIT), with 70% potentially missing instances of malicious or unsecure activity.

22. Compliance agreements

The Data Use and Access Act 2025 adds to existing legislation including GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (Source: ICO). Remote IT security needs to be compliant with all of these regulations, making it essential to work with a trusted managed IT services provider.

F. IT support and remote monitoring

Round-the-clock IT support and remote monitoring allow you to double-check your remote and hybrid security checklist on a regular basis and take action on any weaknesses.

23. Set up secure remote access tools

Just three in ten (30%) businesses use tools to monitor cyber security threats and breaches (Source: DSIT). Installing software that allows secure access to private network data should be a standard step in your remote worker IT setup, to avoid unnecessary exposure to risks from the public internet.

24. Configure automatic alerts for risks and issues

Real-time automated alerts for cyber attacks and data breaches allow you to respond quickly and avoid more serious ongoing impacts. But less than a quarter (24%) of businesses spend significantly more on proactive monitoring than reacting to breaches (Source: PwC). By adopting a more proactive balance in your cyber security spending, you can gain valuable peace of mind.

25. Regular reviews from a trusted professional team

External expertise can help you keep on top of emerging risks and ensure that your systems stay secure as your remote workforce grows. More than six in ten (62%) UK companies have an external cyber security provider, but less than half (48%) of small businesses conduct cyber security risk assessments (Source: DSIT). Make sure you are one of the protected.

Get your remote worker cyber health check

Every step on our remote worker checklist is there to keep your valuable business data safe, to avoid leaking unencrypted files to the public internet, and to comply with data protection regulations – protecting your organisation from costly enforcement action.

Contact Venom IT today to schedule your cyber health check, where we can review your existing policies and recommend remote worker best practices to keep you and your workforce safe from cyber threats both now and in the future.

Disaster Recovery Plan

 

A professional disaster recovery plan provides a data safety net if things should go wrong. SMEs often underestimate the likelihood and impact of downtime on business, as a result of data loss or other IT system failures. Sudden power loss, server crashes or even cyber attacks can put a halt to business operations and have long lasting effects on your overall operation. Customers can lose trust, employees become frustrated and efficiency will drop. All this can be avoided with disaster recovery planning, tailored to the unique requirements of an SME. Our 101 guide to DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service) will explore options and solutions to keep your data and business safe.

 

What is Disaster Recovery Planning? 

A few examples of these IT disasters could be: 

 – Hardware failure (physical damage to the computer, server crash, manufacturing defects, or overheating) 

  – Cyberattacks (Ransomware, malware, data breach, hacking)

  – Natural Disasters (Floods, fire, earthquake) 

  – Human errors (accidental deletion of important files)

 

Key terms to know in Disaster Recovery Planning 

         Eg: “Our website must be up and running within 2 hours following the system crash.”

         Eg: “We can lose only up to 1 hour of sales data if the system “crashes.

 

Understanding DRaaS Approaches and Models

Organisations often implement disaster recovery plans based on their IT infrastructure, compliance needs, and budget. There are 4 main models which include On-premises, Off-site, Hybrid, and DRaaS.

On-Premises Disaster Recovery:

In this model, all data backup and recovery infrastructure is located in the organisation’s own internal data center. Important applications, servers, and data are duplicated in local hardware. If there is a failure, organisations can switch to those internal backups for recovery. This is best for large enterprises with strong IT teams for on-site data storage. 

Off-site Disaster Recovery:

In this model, all data backup or replicas of data are stored at a remote data center or a secondary location. Here, data is continuously backed up at another geographical location. If there is a failure at the primary site, then systems are restored from this remote site. This is best for organisations that have moderate cost control and are looking for geographical redundancy.

Hybrid Disaster Recovery:

This approach includes, combination of on-premises and public cloud resources. In this, critical workloads and data are replicated between private infrastructure (the company’s own data center) and public cloud, such as AWS or Azure. If the primary on-site fails due to a disaster, then the operations can be quickly shifted to a cloud environment.

DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service)

DRaaS is like renting a disaster recovery plan from the cloud. Instead of managing all servers, backups, and recovery systems yourself, a DRaaS provider like Venom IT will take care of everything directly. It acts as a cloud computing service model that allows SMEs ad larger companies to back up their data and IT infrastructure in a secure, 3rd party cloud computing environment.

 

How can IT Providers help build your Disaster Recovery Plan?

Many SMEs don’t have in-house IT expertise or even resources to build one from scratch. This is where disaster recovery specialists can step in, from building the infrastructure that keeps your data secure, to actioning and restoring following any issues. DRaaS planning specialists help in a number of ways:

       1. Evaluating Business Risks and Critical Systems- An DRaaS  provider first starts identifying the most critical systems,                    applications, servers, and data. They assess what downtime would cost your business and then define Disaster Time Recovery (RTO)  and Disaster Point Recovery (RPO). (See our guide to what these terms mean further up)

      2. Designing a custom-made Disaster Recovery Strategy- No two organizations are alike. A good IT provider will customize a Disaster recovery plan based on the organization’s business type, budget, and size. Hence, it can be on-premises, off-site, or even hybrid. They will choose the right model which will offer affordability and flexibility. Eg: For SMEs, DRaaS is the best option.

     3. Implementing Backup and Cloud Solutions – They set up automated backups, replication of data, and cloud storage, ensuring your data is safely copied to a secondary location. So, if your main system fails, your business will not be affected.

      4. Testing the Recovery Plan- A plan written on paper needs to be tested in the real world to check that it works properly. Your IT        provider will simulate disaster scenarios and check everything works. Whether backup gets stored, applications load, servers run            properly, and the team knows how to work. Regular testing helps in keeping updated with tech and business changes.

      5. 24/7 Customer Support and Monitoring –IT Disasters can occur at any time, even after business hours. IT providers like Venom  IT offer 24/7 monitoring and provide quick response, ensuring your system remains safe during downtime or a cyberattack.

      6. Ensuring Compliance and Security –Many industries have strict data protection and compliance standards. IT providers stick to  the right protocols in their disaster recovery plans, so your business stays out of legal trouble.

 

Our approach to Disaster Recovery Planning – 4 key steps

     1.  Consultation: To understand your requirements, current IT configuration, and problems, we will schedule a friendly and                      straightforward consultation meeting. 

     2. Tailored Proposal: With an understanding of what solution will work best, we will put together a proposal plan that fits your          business needs, which includes a technical audit. 

    3. Onboarding and Initial Setup: Once you’re ready, our tech team will move to implementing the recommended plan. They will do installation, manage full systems implementation, oversee data migration, and build integration with the cloud. 

    4. Continuous Support: With the above successfully completed, a dedicated and experienced  account manager will stay in touch as a point of contact, monitor performance, and make sure your new  system is always running at its best.

 

Professional Grade Data Recovery

Venom IT works with some of the leading DRaaS software systems to make sure your business works with complete protection and best performance. They include: 

 

Common Disaster Recovery Planning Pitfalls and how to avoid them

Even with the best intentions, a disaster recovery plan can fail if a few small things are neglected. This is why it’s imperative to use an expert IT provider such as Venom IT. These are some of the common mistakes businesses can make, and  how we can avoid them.

Many companies create a disaster recovery plan but fail to test it again and again. When an actual disaster strikes, they discover that half of the plan did not work as expected. 

How to avoid it: Schedule regular testing at least twice a year. Create different disaster scenarios as trials, so your team knows exactly what to do and can fill the gaps immediately.

If there is an old or incomplete backup, it won’t help much during a crisis. 

How to avoid it: Automate backups wherever possible and check that they are running successfully. Also, test restoring your data occasionally and make sure the backups are usable.

If all your data and systems are stored at one location, then you’re putting everything at risk. 

How to avoid it: Consider using cloud-based Disaster recovery, like DRaaS or hybrid systems. In this way, even if the main system fails, you can access your data easily.

We always focus on technical errors, but forget that even humans can make mistakes. Deleting files, clicking on misleading links, etc.

How to avoid it: Train your employees regularly on cybersecurity practices and also set up permission-based access to critical data.

When systems go down, there is a lot of confusion. Teams don’t understand what is happening, and even customers are left in the dark. 

How to avoid it: Define clear communication in your disaster recovery plan, which includes who should be informed and when. Also, keep all contact lists updated.

What comes next? 

Disaster recovery is ultimately all about keeping your company safe, secure, and prepared for a number of scenarios no SME wants to deal with. Venom IT is an award winning provider of disaster recovery planning,  and understand that SMEs may have limited funding and resources. In order to detect potential risks, pinpoint weak points in the current setup, and create a customized disaster recovery plan that meets your company’s demands, we are providing a FREE disaster recovery audit. 

Take the first step towards data safety and business continuity by scheduling your free disaster recovery audit with Venom IT right now.

Just imagine you are an accountant working late into the evening during tax season. You have dozens of client files open, deadlines to meet, and suddenly your system freezes. Then to add stress to the situation a virus alert pops up on your screen. This is a nightmare scenario that no accountant or finance company wants to deal with . When sensitive client data is on the line, even a small security breach can cause serious financial loss and reputational damage. Not to mention the disruption to your team scrambling to address the problem. 

To mitigate against these kinds of instances Hosted Desktop services come into play, providing reliable, secure, and 24/7 available access to your work environment, from anywhere, at any time.

 

What is a Hosted Desktop?

Think of a hosted desktop as your entire office computer, but instead of being physically in your office, it lives and runs on the internet (in the cloud). Instead of relying on one device, your desktop files, applications, and software are all stored in a secure UK data center. Log in from any internet-enabled device and work as if you are at your office desk.

For modern accountants and financial firms, this offers a major benefit. There’s certainly no need to carry confidential data on a USB stick, or risk losing files if your laptop fails. Everything is securely stored in the data center and managed by IT specialists.

 

Why Security Matters for Accountants

Accountants and finance firms deal with a high volume of highly confidential information. From tax returns to payroll data, your reputation depends on keeping that information secure. A single breach could cost far more than the price of any reputable IT service.

That is why hosted desktop services for Accountants and financial firms in Manchester place such a strong emphasis on security. Venom IT adds several layers of protection, so your client data is safe from any risks at each stage. Let’s look at what this includes.

 

Key Security Features with Venom IT Hosted Desktop Solutions

Our Hosted Desktop and Citrix services offer core security attributes for accountants and finance enterprises, which include the following:

 

Hosted desktops for Accountants and Finance firms make hybrid-working much simpler and safer in numerous ways, such as:

 

Why does Venom IT’s Hosted Desktop Services stand out from others in the Manchester IT Market?

Due to the integration of Sentinel One’s advanced threat protection and Duo 2-Factor Authentication, Venom IT provides a strong shield to your business against Cyber attacks. We provide 24/7 support whenever you need help. With ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018, as well as other Cyber Essentials certifications, Venom IT meets industry standards. Also, our transparent SLAs clearly guarantee uptime and efficient performance.

 

What to do next?

In the fast-paced world of finance, uninterrupted operations, strong data security, and seamless regulatory compliance are essential for accountants and financial professionals to carry out their tasks smoothly. With advanced AI tools, Venom IT ensures your firm is not only productive but also protected against cyberattacks.

For a smarter way of working, with improved digitized technological tools, our Venom IT’s Hosted Desktop services would be the best solution for your firm to reach new business heights.

To find out more about how we can help your finance team, simply get in touch with an expert here: https://www.venomit.com/contact-us/ 

Cyber security threats are a concern for businesses of all sizes. For SMEs, a serious data breach can be an existential threat. For large corporations, a cyber attack can cause costly disruption, business interruption and brand perception damage among customers. As cyber attacks become more complex, the importance of effective cyber security measures continues to grow across all sectors.

Statista Reports that the global cost of cybercrime reached $9.22 trillion in 2024 and is likely to rise by half to a worldwide total of $13.82 trillion by 2028. With this rising cost in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top cyber threats faced by businesses in the UK, along with the impact on cyber security for small businesses in the coming years.

1. AI-Powered Cyber Threats

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the biggest trends across the board. Unfortunately, that includes AI-powered cyber security threats AI-powered cybersecurity threats.

Using AI, cyber criminals can identify targets, create convincing phishing materials and impersonate real individuals’ tone of voice (and in some cases, their actual voice in AI-generated audio recordings). By removing the need for human involvement, AI allows cyber threats to be scaled up massively. The same scam call or email can be sent to a vast number of businesses in a short space of time, even being tailored to each recipient in a fraction of a second.

 

AI Cyber Security for Small Businesses

 

The UK government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 highlights that AI is a worry for businesses and non-profits alike. One IT manager from a medium-sized business told the survey: “I think it’s going to get more and more difficult with what’s out there with AI. I think there’s more for us to do to protect the end-user and educate them.” At the same time, behavioural AI is helping small businesses to fight back by spotting dangerous trends and anomalies in massive data sets, enabling a new generation of smarter cyber security solutions.

With the help of AI and good preparedness, recovery from cyber security breaches can be rapid too: 92% of businesses told the survey they restored operations within 24 hours and 77% said it took them “no time at all” to continue with their work.

 

2. Rise in Ransomware Attacks

 

Ransomware attacks occur when malicious software is installed on a company’s computer systems. This encrypts essential data and displays a message to instruct the company’s owner or IT manager to pay a ransom, often via cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 found a significant increase in ransomware attacks between 2024 and 2025, doubling from 1 in 200 businesses to affect 1 in 100 respondents in the second half of 2024.

Nearly 20,000 firms in the UK were impacted by ransomware during that time, indicating the importance of including ransomware preparedness in any cyber security risk assessment.

 

3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

 

Supply chain risks are nothing new, and the vast majority of UK businesses have been affected in recent years from disruption caused by Brexit, COVID-19, international tariffs and the war in Ukraine. But very few are factoring supply chain vulnerabilities into their planning to mitigate cyber security threats. Just one in seven (14%) said they check the risks arising from their immediate suppliers, and half that number are auditing their wider supply chain for cyber threats.

Continuity is one of the five Cs of cyber security, and supply chain vulnerabilities have a direct impact on business continuity for companies of all sizes. With so few firms already making this a priority, planning for supply chain cyber threats could be a good way for SMEs to gain a competitive advantage.

 

4. Advanced Phishing and Social Engineering

 

Phishing is closely linked with the rise of AI, which is making attacks more sophisticated. Large language models (LLMs) allow the creation of chatbots capable of holding natural-sounding conversations and gradually coaxing an unaware individual into committing a data breach. Nearly all businesses affected by cyber crime in the second half of 2024 experienced a phishing attack. The UK government’s survey revealed that 93% of businesses and 95% of charities that were victims of cyber crime in that time were targeted by phishing.

Almost half (45% of profit-making businesses and 46% of non-profits) said phishing was the ONLY type of attack they had experienced when falling victim to cyber attacks. Phishing attacks are considered the most disruptive type of cyber threats by nearly two thirds (65%) of businesses, reinforcing the need for SMEs to take phishing, impersonation and other cyber risks seriously.

 

5. Cloud Security Challenges

 

Increased use of cloud computing, remote working and sharing data with supply chain partners has all increased the challenge of maintaining cloud data security. Some progress has been made in this area, as the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 showed. Some of the main measures taken by businesses to improve their data security include:

 

But the survey also found that some additional methods to protect data security are only being adopted by a minority of businesses:

Businesses keen to improve can fight back against cloud security risks via Security as a Service (SECaaS), which in its own right is a cloud-based model to deliver subscription-based cyber security for small businesses.

6. Targeted Threats to Small Businesses

 

All of this is leading to specific cyber threats for small businesses, who may have less robust data security policies in place, or may lack the budget and expertise to improve cyber security in-house. The UK government survey noted this, saying that “among some of the smaller businesses interviewed, the responsibility of cyber security was being passed on to external contractors” and that this left some senior managers disengaged from the topic. It’s always a good idea to understand the preventative measures in cyber security taken by any outsourced provider, so you can reinforce them with better awareness among your workforce – especially in a climate of social engineering and targeted phishing attacks.

That’s why at Venom IT, we encourage you to ask questions about cyber security, and work closely with our clients to ensure that the measures we take on your behalf are clear and transparent.

Productivity is an overarching goal for businesses of all sectors and sizes, but especially those with a smaller team who may not have the resources to hire countless employees. So, how can you improve collaboration and communication while keeping costs to a minimum? 

One of the easiest ways to boost efficiency across the board is by investing in a productivity suite. MS365 is a fantastic choice for small businesses, and in this article, we’ll explain why. 

An intro to Microsoft 365 for small businesses 

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based productivity suite that offers tools like Teams, Excel, Word, SharePoint and more. This familiar software offers employees the flexibility to work from any device and location while ensuring the highest level of security. 

What does MS365 include?

Depending on the package you select, MS365 will include a varying range of features tailored to meet your bespoke needs. It’s designed to be scalable and flexible to the growing needs of your organisation, which makes MS365 ideal for a small business. 

Key features of Microsoft 365 

Some of the key features of Microsoft 365 include: 

 

Is it the same as Office 365?

No, Office 365 is a combination of cloud-based applications, whereas Microsoft 365 integrates the latter with Windows 10 (OS) and the Enterprise Mobility Suite. However, Office 365 has now been rebranded as Microsoft 365, and the same features are available with the basic subscription.   

Top 5 benefits of Microsoft 365 for small businesses

Organisations all around the world have chosen MS365 as their productivity software of choice. Here are five of the top benefits to consider: 

1 – Efficiency & Control

Above all, MS365 offers small businesses greater efficiency and control. Thanks to its wide range of productivity features, like calendars, email, and to-do lists; employees can perform their jobs with ease, stay organised, and remain on-task. Since Microsoft 365 is a centralised communication hub, your team will gain instant access to collaborative features that are designed to improve coordination and productivity. 

2 – Security & updates

Microsoft 365 is equipped with an array of built-in security features, like data encryption and two-factor authentication, which help organisations safeguard themselves from the risk of cybersecurity threats. Plus, all office applications are upgraded automatically which reduces the risk of experiencing software bugs and ensures your team always has access to the latest security updates. 

3 – Sharing & Access

One of the greatest selling points of Microsoft 365 for a small business is the sharing features of this cloud-based solution. With OneDrive and SharePoint, employees can seamlessly access and share documents from any device. This is a vital benefit for companies with a remote team or flexible work environment, as employees can have access to all their resources and tools despite being away from the office. 

4 – Price

Another benefit of MS365 is the monthly subscription fee. Small businesses can keep costs to a minimum since they only pay for what they need. The price will depend on the level of functionality and number of users required. Plus, if your business grows, you can easily add new members to your licence and upgrade to a higher tier of MS365. Given that Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based solution, you won’t have to worry about investing in additional hardware. 

5 – Support

Last but not least, MS365 helps small businesses better support their customers and employees. Moreover, organisations who subscribe to an MS365 support partner can take advantage of countless resources which help them get the best out of the software. With your subscription, you’ll gain access to training programs, community forums, 24/7 technical support, and extensive tutorials.

Which package is right for your business? 

Our customers often ask us, should SMEs use Microsoft 365? And, if so, which package is right for their business? In short, subscribing to MS365 can work wonders for a small business – you simply need to find a package that aligns with your organisation’s bespoke needs. 

The best part about it? Microsoft 365 is adaptable to the growing needs of your business. When you purchase MS365 from a managed IT Support provider, like Venom IT, you get additional technical support (at no extra cost). If you’d like to learn more about Microsoft 365 and how your small business could benefit, don’t hesitate to reach out.

As organisations increasingly embrace digital transformation, business leaders are constantly on the lookout for new ways to modernise their streams of communication and enhance efficiency. In this fast-paced landscape, the demand for versatile technology that can adapt and evolve is at its peak. 

Gone are the days in which companies need to install tedious and bulky landlines to get in contact with stakeholders. If employees are no longer tied down to a single location, neither should their forms of communication. That’s why VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phones are the latest industry trend. Here’s what you need to know: 

What is VoIP?

VoIP in 2024 is all about working smarter, not harder. This technology allows employees to make phone calls over the Internet rather than through traditional phone systems, such as a landline. 

Unlike a landline, which requires physical installation and use, VoIPs can be used from anywhere and at any time. Moreover, you can use VoIP devices for an array of functions, such as sending and receiving text messages, conducting conference calls, and even streaming video.  

Advanced VoIP systems offer companies a wealth of automated controls and productivity tools that cannot be achieved with traditional landlines. This includes features like call forwarding, call analytics, voicemail-to-email transcription, and auto-attendants. 

Thanks to the prevalence of high-speed broadband and greater software development, using the Internet to communicate with others has never been easier. With a rapid installation time, business VoIP phone systems are just a phone call away. 

Top 5 reasons to switch to VoIP

The VoIP benefits are widespread. It offers companies greater flexibility, lower costs, and enhanced security. If you still need more convincing, here are five reasons to switch over to VoIP in 2024. 

1 – ISDN switch off

One of the most compelling reasons to ditch the landlines and embrace VoIPs is the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) switch off. The ISDN switch off refers to the upcoming phase out of ISDN technology in favour of modern, broadband-powered alternatives.

By 2025, telecommunication companies will make the transition from legacy technologies towards fully digital networks. Therefore, companies looking to future-proof their business will benefit from embracing VoIP technology in 2024. 

2 – Difference vs landline

Landlines can only be used to make phone calls from a physical location whereas VoIPs can cater to a range of needs while providing greater flexibility. You can access your VoIP from virtually any location and any device, all you need is a stable Internet connection. This makes VoIPs the optimal choice for organisations that want to offer remote work or enhance business continuity. 

3 – Price

Keeping costs to a minimum is one of the easiest ways to boost revenue and bolster productivity. Making calls on a traditional landline can quickly add up, especially if you’re communicating abroad or adding multiple phone lines to account for a growing team. 

The cost of a digital VoIP provider may vary depending on various factors; however, many companies offer business-friendly plans. Plus, you won’t have to worry about additional expenses, such as maintenance or installation fees. 

4 – Installation

Installing VoIP telephony is as easy as it gets. There’s no need to waste time dealing with a technician or breaking into walls to run cables through your walls. All you need to do is plug your device into an ethernet cable and start enjoying the benefits instantaneously.

5 – Security

Ensuring the security and privacy of VoIP calls is vital. With the correct training, maintenance, and practices, VoIP systems can offer businesses a greater sense of security. Private conversations will remain confidential as these systems often use encryption to prevent unauthorised users from listening in. 

Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP services also include spam call filtering and blocking features, which safeguard employees against potential scams and unwanted solicitors. Not only does this enhance productivity, but it also improves security measures.

Thanks to its scalability, companies can easily add or remove users from accessing the VoIP without compromising the integrity or security of the system. Plus, employers can add another layer of security by offering advanced access control measures and implementing strong authentication methods.

 

Whether you’re a small business outfit, or larger corporation in need of digital transformation, Venom IT are here to help. Simply head over to our contact page to submit your interest, and an IT expert will be in touch to discuss your requirements.

The advantages of 3CX for business reach far beyond the ISDN switch-off, and as we move into an all-IP future of business telephony, let’s take a look at why 3CX is the perfect choice for SMEs and contact centres of all sizes.

In this guide we’ll run through some of the biggest benefits of 3CX for business, how to setup 3CX and why an MSP can be the best way to transition your existing telecoms system over to fully digital IP phone lines.

What is a 3CX system?

3CX is an IP-based business telephony system that gives SMEs a scalable, affordable way to manage voice, video and live chat calls.

As a simple but complete telecoms platform, businesses benefit from features including:

Because it is built using open standards, 3CX is widely compatible with hardware from other providers, including some of the most popular SIP trunks, VoIP gateways and IP phones.

Our top 5 advantages of using 3CX

The wide compatibility of 3CX with other open-standard telephony equipment is just one of the advantages of 3CX for business. Here are five more of the biggest benefits of 3CX.

1. Save money on telecoms costs

One of the biggest advantages of 3CX for SMEs is the ability to make significant cost savings on telecoms. Moving to 3CX delivers all the usual benefits of adopting VoIP telephony, but with even more features and capabilities.

Integrating video calls and web conferencing with your IP telephony gives you a single system to install, setup and maintain – either in the cloud, as a hosted service or running on your own hardware.

With the option to start calling without buying hardware VoIP phones, 3CX is an ideal way to move over to digital telephony in time for the ISDN switch-off.

2. Get an IP PBX for Windows

3CX systems run on Windows, the operating system used by most SMEs worldwide. This allows you to get an IP PBX for Windows with an interface that looks familiar and works the way you expect.

Integrate 3CX with Microsoft 365 applications for seamless calling in Microsoft Teams and easy setup for new users.

But you’re not tied to Windows desktop systems. With iOS and Android 3CX apps available, you can add support for your IP telecoms platform on the mobile devices you want to use.

3. Take your desk anywhere

3CX not only supports mobile devices – it can transfer your direct desk telephone number to your mobile device when you leave the office.

For employees who spend time in the field, this means that clients, customers and colleagues can always reach you on your direct line, no matter where you are.

And if you want to embrace flexible working, 3CX can support SMEs with a hybrid workforce, including fully home-based and part-time office-based staff.

4. Fully featured as standard

3CX brings an impressive list of features as standard, so SMEs don’t face extra costs for the functionality they need.

Some of the capabilities you get with 3CX phones include:

Intuitive software and a familiar Windows-based environment means that these features are easy to understand, helping business admins and new hires alike to start using 3CX immediately.

5. Integrate with everything

Open standards and versatile design mean your 3CX system can integrate with the software and telephones you already use.

3CX can be hosted, cloud-based or a private local installation. It supports VoIP, SIP trunks and PSTN telephones (ahead of the planned 2025 ISDN switch-off).

Extensions for Chromium-based internet browsers (e.g. Chrome and Edge) and Firefox enable one-click calling wherever a telephone number is listed on a website.

And if you have a CRM platform up and running, it should be a simple setup process to enable 3CX to work with it, so you can continue to interact with customers via your established procedures.

How can businesses get setup with 3CX

A correctly configured 3CX setup offers powerful security features for SMEs, with built-in tools that can be accessed via the intuitive online interface.

Implement SSL certificates, firewall access and comprehensive antivirus protection to further prevent potential attacks from breaking through your business’s telecoms perimeter.

Venom IT can help your business get setup with 3CX as an installed, cloud-hosted or fully managed VoIP solution, to suit your needs and capabilities.

To find out more, and to get 3CX up and running with total security, seamless integration and all your initial users onboarded, contact Venom IT today.

The CrowdStrike outage on Friday, July 19th, left many Windows users worldwide unable to access their machines, with knock-on effects on services ranging from healthcare, to aviation, to entire TV channels taken off-air.

Instead of a functioning computer, users were faced with the blue screen of death, or BSOD, a familiar sight to victims of cyber security attacks over the years.

While the incident has been widely reported as a Microsoft IT outage, it was specifically caused by a content configuration update published by CrowdStrike for their Falcon platform, which ironically is intended to protect businesses against malware and cyber attacks.

Due to a missed fault in the update, Falcon itself triggered the biggest cyber security outage 2024 has seen so far – so what exactly happened and what can businesses do to mitigate any risks in the future?

What is CrowdStrike?

CrowdStrike is a provider of cloud-native cyber security solutions including the AI-driven CrowdStrike Falcon platform.

The company dates back to February 2012 and launched its first threat intelligence module in July of that year. CrowdStrike Falcon was introduced in November 2016 as a replacement for the brand’s legacy antivirus software.

Despite the recent incident, overall for CrowdStrike cyber security 2024 has been a landmark year, with the company receiving multiple accolades:

 

Unfortunately, a rogue software update triggered the global Microsoft outage, which is likely to be how CrowdStrike’s 2024 is remembered in years to come.

Who exactly did the CrowdStrike outage affect?

The incident was on a massive scale. CrowdStrike’s customer base includes:

 

Microsoft estimated that 8.5 million Windows systems worldwide were affected – less than 1% of all machines, but still a significant number.

Is Microsoft still down?

Despite being triggered by a faulty cybersecurity update, the CrowdStrike outage was specific to Windows machines. As such, Microsoft responded as if the issue were a Microsoft IT outage, deploying hundreds of engineers to work around the clock on a solution.

This included collaborating with major stakeholders like AWS (Amazon Web Services) and GCP (Google Cloud Platform), as well as posting how-to guides and automated scripts for remediation of affected machines.

CrowdStrike also acted quickly to revert the problematic update, and there should be no further ill effects for Windows-based machines.

Where and when did the outage happen?

So, how did the biggest cyber security outage of 2024 begin? The incident can be traced back to 04:09 UTC on July 19th, when CrowdStrike released a Falcon sensor configuration update for Windows systems.

It’s now known that a bug in CrowdStrike’s Content Validator meant that the July 19th update passed a validation test despite containing “problematic content data” which in turn caused an out-of-bounds memory read, triggering the BSOD.

The relevant update was remediated by 05:27 UTC, just 78 minutes after it was issued, but the damage had already been done.

Was Microsoft hacked?

Although this incident was widely reported as a Microsoft IT outage, it was not caused by a cyber attack and was not directly caused by any problems or errors in Microsoft software.

Crucially, it was not triggered by third-party malware and was not a ransomware attack – it was simply a software bug that prevented affected machines from booting Windows successfully.

Ironically, CrowdStrike’s mitigation measures included adding the faulty update file to Falcon’s own “known-bad list” to prevent it from being executed again.

What about cyber security?

This incident highlights the importance of cyber security you can trust, combined with disaster recovery preparedness for all manner of digital business interruptions.

Venom IT’s best-practice cyber security solutions use a SECaaS (Security as a Service) model to give you the benefit of cloud-based outsourced cybersecurity protection with fluid scalability and military-grade defence.

We offer comprehensive cyber security risk assessments to highlight any potential weaknesses or causes for concern in your existing hardware, software and working practices, to close vulnerabilities that cyber terrorists and hackers might exploit.

And with our hosted DRaaS (Disaster Recovery as a Service) solutions, if your data is ever compromised for any reason, we can get you back on track using a full daily backup and/or an hourly snapshot of your entire server.

To find out more – and to protect your IT ecosystem against the dreaded BSOD – contact our team of IT experts today.

Migrating to Microsoft 365 is one of the best ways for businesses to improve communication and collaboration, and boost productivity and efficiency across all departments.

In this complete guide to migrate Office 365 step by step, we’ll take you through the initial value proposition and planning stage, right through to implementation.

By looking at some of the key features of Microsoft Office 365 for business, we’ll help you to see the positive impact this cloud productivity suite can have on your operations.

What is Microsoft 365 vs Office 365?

Microsoft 365 has become the go-to standard for cloud-based business productivity software. You may have heard it referred to by several different names:

 

In the past, Office 365 referred specifically to applications like Excel, PowerPoint and Word, while Microsoft 365 was broader and also included Windows.

This has been simplified so that everything is now covered under the Microsoft 365 banner – you can find out more about that here.

Why Migrate to Microsoft 365?

Migrating to Microsoft 365 offers some huge benefits for small to medium-sized businesses, including all the flexibility of cloud-based software and dedicated Office 365 managed services.

Just some reasons to migrate to Microsoft Office 365 for business include:

 

When you choose Venom IT to provide Microsoft Office 365 managed services, you benefit from additional help and support included in your subscription price, to avoid any extra third-party helpdesk costs.

Planning to Migrate

It’s a good idea to plan to migrate Office 365 step by step, so that you know what to do with your existing hardware, software and business data.

A gradual migration can give you time to learn about any differences in your most commonly used software, how to use new productivity features that are only available on the cloud, and to transition one part of your business at a time.

This is also the time to assess the condition of your servers, workstations, and the speed of your network connection, in case anything is due for an update to make best use of the cloud.

Venom IT can help from the planning stage through to a full upgrade of your business computing infrastructure (if one is needed).

Find out more about migrating to Microsoft 365 as part of migrating an existing cloud solution to Microsoft Azure.

Migration and Transition

A detailed written plan to migrate Office 365 step by step will help to make sure that nothing is missed.

Some elements to incorporate into your Microsoft 365 migration plan include:

 

Venom IT’s MS Office 365 managed services will take care of the migration, so that nothing critical is missed – allowing you to focus on transitioning employees over to capitalise on the productivity potential of your new cloud-based software.

A Smooth Post-Migration

The advantages of Microsoft Office 365 for business don’t end when the initial migration is over. The powerful suite of cloud-based enterprise tools will continue to unlock new ways to collaborate and protect mission-critical data.

Initial post-migration checks should validate any data including emails, contact books and calendars, to make certain that everything is in place.

Then comes the technical side of updating DNS records and re-routing emails through Office 365, allowing your employees to access their inboxes via any secure, authorised connection.

You can also (when it’s time) retire your old hardware if it’s no longer needed, removing inefficient servers from your network to save on business energy costs and reduce maintenance demand.

Review of Success

It’s always a good idea to review the level of success of any business investment, and your migration to MS 365 is no exception.

Take note of any strategies that worked particularly well and any lessons learned for the future – we’re sure our support with Office 365 will not only deliver a smooth migration, but also offer transferable insight that can be applied in other areas of your business.

 

Find Out More

The full scope of Microsoft 365 is vast, and there are tools and processes to migrate data from a wide range of sources into a collaboration-friendly, secure and reliable cloud platform with all the programs your employees know and trust.

If you would like to find out more about migrating to Office 365 step by step – and how Venom IT’s Office 365 migration support can ensure seamless delivery of every stage in that process – contact us today.

We live in a world where every business uses IT to some extent. The hardware and software we use on a daily basis can be crucial to keeping the lights on and the doors open.

IT consulting services do just that, by anticipating possible problems with your IT systems and reacting to any incidents that occur, whether your business is global, national or local.

This can keep your systems agile during times of rapid change, allow you to embrace new technologies, and protect you against cyber security breaches and costly fines for data loss.

Employee training is another of the most important IT services for small businesses, as properly trained staff are more likely to get the best from the technology they use, without breaking it or unwittingly installing a virus.

So, what is an IT consultant, and do you need one? In this guide we’ll look in more detail at the answers to those questions, to help you decide.

What is an IT consultancy service?

An IT consultancy service gives you somewhere to turn when you’re planning new installations and upgrades, expansions, or just troubleshooting an IT outage on your network.

You don’t have to have a lot of computers to benefit from an IT consultant. You might run a small business with just a handful of devices (e.g. smartphones, laptops, internet, printer, EPOS till and card reader).

Remember, IT also includes the software you use. From your operating system and word processor, through to your accounts software, keeping programs fully updated gives you access to the latest features and blocks any newly discovered security vulnerabilities.

Most small businesses do not have the resources for an in-house IT team on the off-chance that something comes up. That’s where outsourced and managed IT consultants come in.

What services do IT consultants offer?

Let’s return to the original question: What is an IT consultant?

For small businesses, IT consultants can provide expertise that isn’t available in-house. That might be as part of IT procurement processes, or as a 24/7 emergency response if something breaks.

The role is essentially the same for larger clients, even up to multinational enterprises. But the complexity and the size of the IT budget is much higher, and there may be even more pressure to proactively prevent cyber security breaches.

Regardless of the size of your business, the best IT consultants will take your circumstances into account, and provide the right advice for you – giving you systems that work, adapt to changing business conditions, and maximise your productivity over time.

Types of IT consultancy services

You may find it easier to think of IT consultancy as a package of IT support services. This package can be tailored to your needs, and may include:

On-site support

Good IT consultancy services are more than just a helpline. You should be able to get an engineer on-site when you need one, to see first-hand what your systems are doing.

IT problem management

In the event of a problem or outage, your IT consultant should take charge of the incident, restoring systems to full working order quickly and effectively.

Specialist IT support

You may need bespoke IT support services, perhaps due to the complexity or size of your business, or because you operate in a niche market. The best IT consultants see this not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to tailor your managed IT services and give you exactly what you need.

Ongoing collaboration

Long-term collaboration can allow your IT consultancy to function almost as an in-house department. This ability to understand your IT systems can allow them to spot common problems and take action to mitigate them, saving you money and downtime.

Is an IT consultant right for my business?

You might still be wondering if IT consulting services are right for you. Let’s think about it in terms of the size of your business.

SME

For SMEs it’s not about scale, but significance. If you only have one till or computer and it breaks, you could be forced to close your doors until you can get it repaired.

Having a reliable 24/7 IT consultancy just a phone call away can often get you back up and running faster, as well as giving you access to expert advice to get the best out of your limited IT budget when buying new devices and software.

National

National brands can benefit from using a single IT consultancy with the capacity to cover your entire network. Venom IT are based in Manchester, giving us great transport links with Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, London and other cities up and down the UK.

You want to know that wherever a problem occurs, your IT consultancy can respond. With round-the-clock callouts and a workforce of trusted engineers, we’ve got you covered.

Multinational

The largest and most complex IT networks often suffer from bandwidth and security problems. You want data to flow quickly in and out of your network, without putting you at risk of breaches and cyber theft.

We have the expertise to protect you against such threats, as well as to advise on the most efficient use of large IT budgets when procuring bulk hardware and enterprise software licences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the FAQs we receive most often about our IT consulting services for SMEs, national and multinational clients.

What is the difference between IT support and IT consulting?

There is a lot of overlap between these two terms, and different IT service providers may define them differently. In general, IT support is often more of a helpdesk service, whereas IT consulting is more in-depth and strategic, especially when planning future installations. A good IT support provider will be able to offer both.

How much does an IT consultancy typically cost?

IT consultancy costs vary widely depending on what you need. For obvious reasons, a multinational corporation will likely spend much more on IT consultancy than an SME with just a few computers to maintain. Book an initial no-obligation consultation for a bespoke quote based on the terms and scale of your contract.

Are IT consultancies suitable for long-term projects?

Yes! Long-term collaboration can allow IT consultancies to deliver even more tailored insight and strategy. If you are planning a growth project, or just looking for ongoing maintenance and upgrades to your existing IT infrastructure, Venom IT can provide the expertise you need both now and going forward.