18iT Presents

In this new podcast series I talk with Ian Groves of Start Tech. We talk about what is happening in Ian's MSP and find out a bit more about him and how he has set up his MSP, moving over the years to where they are now today. Maybe there are some soundbites that you can take into your MSP business. Get involved and be part of the story and community.

In our opening podcast, Paul Croker of 18iT talks across the world to Ricky Frey of Dropsuite. Fear not, this is a different approach to a vendor podcast. Paul asks Ricky how Dropsuite helps solves actual problems for MSPs and businesses.  This is a relaxed chat, where the listener can pick up some tips and tricks. We also talk about our drinks and Ricky tells us which track he wants to be added to our Spotify playlist. We also need to mention our awesome sponsor for this series - Fresh Productions - https://freshproductions.co.uk/  'Fresh is a full-service event & creative agency specialising in the Tech Channel. They’re an extension of your team and know the channel, which helps massively with communication and delivering the best result. They create great experiences through technology, creativity and passion, that's why they exist.' We hope you enjoy our opening episode. In 2 weeks' time, we drop the opening episode of the Business Insights podcast so tune in for that one too.

Be part of the story, join us for our first meet-up of 2024 Join the CompTIA Community at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester for a full day of content and educational sessions designed to help you grow and improve your business. MSPs can book sessions in our Genius Café to get tailored 1:1 business advice from several leading industry experts, and everyone is invited to network over drinks and dinner in the evening. Meeting Date & Time:Tuesday, 5 March 20249.30am – 5pm   Meeting12:15pm -1:45pm   Lunch12:45pm-1:45pm   Genius Cafe5.30pm – 9pm   Networking drinks and dinner Location:The Lowry Hotel50 Dearmans PlaceChapel WharfSalford, ManchesterM3 5LH

So in this episode of the Business Insights Podcast we talk on a number of topics, from Swimming Pool Attendants to Sales Directors to Floppy disk drives. Paul Lloyd talks to us in his straight forward manner showing us how he does it "my way" We cover, Helping organisations that aren't performing or are struggling with sales and business development Hear how Paul has created a sales manager as a service for MSPs and vendors. Hear how Paul is helping Vendors sell, showing them what its like from the end user perspective as opposed to channel sales. Conferences and networking are great ways to help you locate and strike up a conversation with possible leads. Moving away from being transactional with your sales, look to add value in other ways. See how to broaden the conversations with possible clients. We want the end client to outsource their IT to us, so why don't we look to outsource our challenges, Sales, Book Keeping, accounting.

Do you know enough about GDPR for your business? In this episode of the Business Insights Podcast, I have an open and relaxed chat with business owner Chris Burn about the elephant in the room topic of GDPR. Chris shares some insights to get us thinking about this often dry topic which is often misunderstood or grazed over altogether. So grab a cup of tea or coffee, sit back and listen to this 20-minute session which will, I'm sure spark some questions from you the listener. Find out what music track Chris added to our #Spotify Playlist as well 18iT Presents - Business Insights Podcast Playlist

Wouldn't it be cool to "flex" up our IT team at the drop of a hat and get hold of technical people when we need them? That wish has been answered by Kelvin and the team over at Supportwave. They have a different approach to helping the modern-day MSP meet the ever-changing demands of clients. Kelvin joins Paul on this episode and talks about how Supportwave has been set up by Techs for the techs. Kelvin told us how one client needed 2 tech people in London for 9 am the following day and their solution allowed the MSP to meet this challenge head-on. - Bingo! Even allowing your own IT tech to earn you money when it's quiet in your MSP. Keep your techs in your MSP but have them working on exciting new projects - Staff retention sorted! This is just to start, listen to see which track Kelvin adds to our Spotify playlist - > Click here Any questions please do reach out to us and we can put you in contact with Kelvin.

👩‍⚖️📜 Ready for Legal Insights Like Never Before? Tune In! 📜👨‍⚖️ 🌟 Imagine having someone who's not just a legal expert but a guide through the labyrinth of commercial agreements. Someone who knows the legal world inside out and is always there for you! 🌟 💼 Are you wondering how to navigate the intricate landscape of managing risks in commercial agreements? Look no further! 🤝 🌐 Meet Anne, your go-to expert! She's not your typical lawyer or business law person. Anne is your secret weapon, equipped with the wisdom of IT laws and the art of crafting agreements that make sense. 💡💻 💼 Whether it's supplier agreements, no matter the size of the order, Anne is your go-to for creating meaningful documents. 💡 What's even more exciting is that Anne is redefining the game. She's taking IT agreements to a whole new level, almost like providing legal agreements as a service, with a healthy dose of support to ensure your peace of mind. 🌐🚀 🚀 Specific service agreements are the name of the game. They're your key to reducing risks and ensuring your business stays on the right track. 📈 🔍 But here's a tip from Anne: Always watch the small print in agreements. It's the details that can make or break your deals! 👀 🤔 Speaking of details, there's an intriguing question from none other than John Fisher. What is it, you ask? Tune in to our discussion to uncover John's brilliant question and Anne's illuminating answer. You won't want to miss it! 🧐🤓 📋 And of course, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of structuring agreements. Do we name products or keep them generic? Anne's insights will have you rethinking your approach to agreements! 🤯📝 Join us for a legal adventure like never before, where Anne takes you on a journey through the world of contracts, legal strategy, and risk management. Your business deserves the best, and Anne's here to deliver just that! 🌐📊 Tune in, stay informed, and let's make legal discussions exciting! 🌟💼 #LegalMastery #BusinessInsights #Paulknows #18itknows #AnneKnowsBest

🌟 Mark Shelford, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army, who once served on the fiery sands of the Gulf War during Desert Storm. 🌐 He is not just any leader; he is the current Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset. But that's not all, he's also the National Lead for economic crime, including the treacherous world of cyber fraud. 💼💻 🔑 Here's a sneak peek into some of the points we talk about in this podcast. 1. Understanding People: At the heart of their strategy lies a deep understanding of people. Knowing the community they serve, empathizing with their struggles, and addressing their concerns is the first step towards building a safer Avon and Somerset. 2. Setting Priorities: They recognize that every challenge can't be tackled simultaneously. Prioritisation is the name of the game. By setting clear priorities, they aim to allocate resources effectively and make every action count. 3. Leadership and Tough Calls: Being a leader isn't just about making popular decisions. Sometimes, it's about making the tough calls, the ones that safeguard our community even when they may not be easy. 4. Motivating People: Motivation isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. Understanding how to inspire and motivate a diverse force is paramount to success. They're determined to bring out the best in their team. 5. Playing to Strengths: Recognising individuals' unique strengths and utilising those strengths to their advantage. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and Avon and Somerset, aim to make every connection unbreakable. 6. Collaboration: Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much. Collaboration with other agencies, organizations, and the community is vital to creating a united front against crime. So, grab a tea, a coffee or some drink and enjoy listening to this latest podcast. Find out what track Mark also adds to our Spotify playlist which accompanies this podcast. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6KqF0P83bP3suSwU68izPT?si=eefcb472458841c6

🌐 Join me today as I talk with John Harvey of the Samphire Club for a journey all about building genuine relationships, not just selling and sales. 🤝 Networking is like tending to an allotment; daily care in weeding, watering, and nurturing pays off with a bountiful harvest. 🌱🌾 It's not about what others can do for you, but what you can do for them. 🤗 Be a stellar listener, stay curious about people and their stories, and watch the magic unfold. ✨ Shoutouts to Amanda Galleher, the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay, and Rory Hayes for their contributions. 📣 We're diving into the pressing challenges businesses face today, from employment issues to rising costs of living and materials. 💼💰 Discover the evolving landscape of pubs and the hospitality sector. 🍻 Make customer experience your priority, because the small details can create a world of difference. 🌟 And the burning question of the day: What track will John add to our playlist? Tune in to find out! 🎶🔊 #SamphireClub #Networking #Relationships #BusinessChallenges

In this edition of the Business Insights Podcast, I chatted with the Co-founder and CEO of Performanta Guy Golan. If are interested, or curious about getting culture right, and automation in your business. You need to listen to this podcast. We break away from the traditional talk of Cyber Security and discuss topics such as What is the meaning behind the company name? What is the purple flag? Learing culture, and multicultural organisation - we are constantly learning and growing. Working with large and smaller organisations across the world. Interesting company structure around a "buddy system" Please do let us know what you think we are keen to hear from you.

🌟 Embracing Growth while Preserving Company Values and Culture 🌟 As our company embarks on an exciting journey of expansion, we hold true to the essence of what makes us who we are. 🚀 Keeping our cherished values and vibrant culture alive as we grow is our guiding star. 💼 🔍 Beyond the Resume: The Power of Interviewing the "Whole Person" 🔍 We are seeking exceptional talent, we understand the importance of delving deeper. We believe that every individual brings a unique tapestry of experiences and qualities. 🌈 Interviewing the "whole person" is our way of unlocking untapped potential. 🗂️ Crafting the Path: Unveiling the Recruitment Process, One Post-it at a Time 🗂️ Behind the scenes, a symphony of ideas and steps come together. Our recruitment process takes shape through countless post-it notes meticulously mapping each stage. 📝 Each step is designed with the candidate's journey in mind. 🛤️ Walking in Their Shoes: Constructing the Process from Candidates' Eyes 🛤️ The heart of our process is empathy. We believe in walking in the shoes of our candidates, and designing an experience that resonates. 🚶‍♀️ Every touchpoint reflects their perspective. 🔄 Mastering the Journey: Navigating the End-to-End Process 🔄 To deliver excellence, we master every aspect of the journey. From the initial hello to the final decision, we're immersed in the end-to-end process. 🗺️ 🎯 Art of Communication: The Craftsmanship Behind Thoughtful Advertisements 🎯 Our advertisements aren't just words; they're carefully crafted invitations. 📣 We beckon the curious, the passionate, and the driven to embark on a shared voyage. 🤝 Nurturing Bonds: Forging Strong Relationships throughout the Odyssey 🤝 More than candidates, they become companions on our odyssey. 🌠 Building relationships, fostering connections, and nurturing potential is at the core of our approach. 💡 Beyond Skills: Unearthing Curiosity and Values Fit 💡 Skills can be honed, but curiosity and values are the foundation. We seek individuals whose thirst for learning enriches our ecosystem. 🧠 🔑 Unlocking Stories: Our Quest for Meaningful Narratives 🔑 In our conversations, stories unfold. We ask questions that unveil not only experiences but the essence of the individual. 📖 Where does your love for Tech stem from? How and where do you learn? 📜 Embracing Narratives: Encouraging Candidates to Share Their Journeys 📜 Our interviews aren't interrogations; they're a chance to narrate. We encourage candidates to share their tales of triumph, challenges, and growth. 🌱 🌟 Cherishing Every Interaction: Valuing Both Paths Taken and Not 🌟 For us, every interaction holds meaning. Just as we celebrate the paths we walk together, we also honour the journeys that part ways. 👋 Treating all with respect and warmth. These comments have come from our Tech Tribe meet-up meetings in Bristol, so please attend them to tap into vital topics like this. We are sponsored by Inbay as we mention in the podcast. Please do reach out to Liam and the team https://www.inbay.co.uk/ Please do Like, comment and share. We love being engaged with our listeners and hearing your thoughts and comments. Our Spotify Playlist for this podcast is - > 18iT Presents - Business Insights Podcast Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6KqF0P83bP3suSwU68izPT?si=fd1a858a268a455c

18iT Presents -The Vendor Blender Podcast Series. Document systems are not the same, listen to Paul Croker have a catch up with Nicky Metcalf-Dennis around how they solve the document management challenges that business face today. Maybe you, or your client still have a manual process to dealing with documents, workflows and sign offs. What are you waiting for? Lets get them onto a secure and modern way to work. Allow remote teams to work seamlessly, free up people's time to deliver real value added tasks. How do we listen to it? Follow your link of choice below to listen now, don't forget to follow/subscribe to keep up with the latest podcasts. #Apple ⚡ https://lnkd.in/dMAinXDe #Spotify ⚡ https://lnkd.in/djQ6xxMC #PodcastsOnAmazonMusic ⚡ https://lnkd.in/dsr-yfdX Big thanks to our sponsor for this series Ben Harding and his team Fresh Productions Our Spotify playlist to check out is here 🎸 https://lnkd.in/dCzkCbSD #podcast #vendorblender #18itpresents #18itknows #paulknows

In this edition, we listen to the one and only Jake Moore on his very different approach to talking about Cyber Security. You may have seen or heard Jake Moore on TV. He has appeared on BBC, ITV, and Sky and has been in the papers with the Independent and The Telegraph where he has spoken and given his thoughts on several topics in the cyber field. Jake has worked for the Dorset police force for 14 years, investigating computer crime in the digital forensics unit and Cyber Crime Team. Jake has a catalogue of stories including murder investigations going wrong, the perils of breaking encryption, hilarious social engineering and even gaining entry to company networks ethically and easily. Penetration testing with the police was a fantastic way of getting the message across to businesses who simply had their heads firmly in the sand and I am happy to share many of these in public talks or webinars. We talked about some of the following points A very different approach to IT cyber security. How to hire a Hitman on the dark web. Game changer sessions that engage people. Allow them to take away 1 thing to be more secure. Tell a story. Jake wanted to create his own stories, through his own escapades hacking businesses with their permission of course! He tells people when things go wrong as well. All too often people don’t understand the impact until they have experienced a cyber incident. Jake is able to give his listeners this experience without the real-life pain and challenges and stress that comes from a cyber incident. Enjoyable cyber sessions – who would have thought that is even possible? Find out what the “Pass the Wife test” is! Creating a world where people are thinking about their actions and what they are doing in the digital and online world Government protection - > Online Safety Bill New set of laws to make the UK a safer place to go on the internet. Parents don’t understand the loss of data, and the types of data that are being picked up and tracked by these digital companies. How can we manage this? ChatGPT - We can't get away from the AI debate at the moment Big thank you to our sponsor - Inbay https://www.inbay.co.uk/ Provide a wide range of cool services to the MSP, these include NOC, Dedicated Techs, RMM audits, Project services, Deep Dive assessment And good old service desk. So if you want to know more or talk with the great folks at Inbay please take a look at the website and they will be able to help you.

In this episode of the Business Leaders Podcast, we talk with Dan Scott from Connectwise IT Nation. Overview of this series The Business Insights podcast is here to give you information on topical points to help shape business decisions. We talk with key leaders in various roles and sectors. As we pick their brains on what is happening inside their worlds, the conversations they are having. This tends to be a non-technical discussion - however, this episode is slightly different. Have a listen, and I'm sure you will pick up some useful business insights from Dan. Here are some details about the man that is Dan Scott. IT Nation Community director at Connectwise, allowing Dan to lead the peer groups, user groups and assisting with the conferences Find out what Dan has gotten up to over the years, from being the in-house tech guy for a business, then joined an MSP landscape. Working for 2 different MSPs for over 13 years. This places Dan in a cool place of "understanding" the MSP challenges.   Listen and pick up some key information.   > Tea, We talk about keeping cups of tea simple. > We touch on the following technical points. Exchange Servers 5.5 -> 2003, 2007 Size limits on SBS (Small Business Server), Open SMTP Relays! ChatGPT Why we feel the community is important > What out what challenges Dan is hearing from the people he is talking with > MSPs no longer just provide IT, they are providing business solutions, > IT Nation share ideas and thoughts, Dan is also a member of CompTIA and other communities as well. > Why reinvent the wheel each time? > Supporting each other, challenging each other, and being inclusive. Developing each other professionally and personally. > We also find out what music track Dan adds to our Spotify playlist   We also touch on the following in our chat. > Here are some of the great communities that get a mention - The Tech Tribe, CompTIA, IT Nation. > Nigel Moore mentioned as the founder of awesome The Tech Tribe community > Bob Berg gets a mention as well as the author of "Go-Giver" book > What is the right mindset for these community groups? > Inbay help support the MSP in resolving challenges with a wide range of cool services to the MSP, these include NOC, Dedicated Techs, RMM audits, Website reviews, Project services, Deep Dive assessment good old service desk. Dan talks a lot of sense around a number of deep topics and we get an insight into them. Got a question? Reach out and ask us, we are here to help.

Today we release our latest episode of the Vendor Blender Podcast. Our guest for this was Paul Fuge of Pia We have recorded this for MSPs and those working in the Tech sector to help you understand what Pia is and how it works, wetting your tastebuds by explaining how it can solve some of the pain points of a busy service desk.   We talk about Automation Freeing up Tech staff from standard boring IT tasks Chatbots and AI (it's all the rage right?!) ROI through staff costs and links with their time Coffee (rather than tea this time) and soft drinks MSP budgets Internal improvements for the MSP We also hear what Paul adds to our Spotify playlist which accompanies this Podcast - check out the link below for this as well How do we listen to it? Follow your link of choice below to listen now, don't forget to follow/subscribe to keep up with the latest podcasts.   #Apple ⚡ https://lnkd.in/dMAinXDe   #Spotify ⚡ https://lnkd.in/djQ6xxMC   #PodcastsOnAmazonMusic ⚡ https://lnkd.in/dsr-yfdX   Big thanks to our sponsor for this series Ben Harding and his team Fresh Productions, who offer an impressive service around video production and event filming for in-person events, virtual and hybrid, Live streaming, Awards presentations even sourcing a venue! They also have a number of other offerings that cover digital and creative aspects, So look at what they do and how they do it, via their website Fresh Productions Our Spotify playlist to check out is here 🎸 https://lnkd.in/dCzkCbSD #podcast #vendorblender #18itpresents #18itknows #paulknows

Hello! In this extra edition of our beloved Vendor Blender podcast series. I have a brilliant chat with the very approachable, Angus Shaw of value-adding cybersecurity distributor -Brigantia. In our 20-minute chat, we covered a range of exciting topics including, Hidden gems in the offerings Adding value to support the MSPs Having experts on tap within Brigantia who know the offerings inside out Relationships are essential to Angus and the team Coffee, Water, coffee Machines Weddings! In-person events which are free to attend Our phone should not ring more than twice before it is answered, test it out! Find out all this and a lot from, including which music track Angus has added to our Spotify playlist that accompanies this podcast Playlist link click HERE Events from Brigantia 8th June - Keeper event at CCT Venues, Two East Poultry Avenue, Farringdon, London, EC1A 9PT 12th October - Partner event in Canary Wharf, London E14 5AB There are many more check them out directly on this Events link HERE

In this edition of the Business Insights podcast, Paul has a released chat with Nett Lynch of VC3. Nett, like Paul, has a vast amount of knowledge of the vCIO and VCISO. We listen to what challenges Nett is seeing from the US to see if there is any alignment, or where things are different. Listen and pick up some key information. Nett has a deep technical background in the tech stack but also leads conversations with businesses in a language they understand. We covered a wide range of topics, including, Our connection via CompTIA and we are both members of the CompTIA ISAO Gateway computers - with the cow print logo, where it all started for Nett Free email accounts Vs company-branded accounts Email servers, AD, Server 2003, Helping business owners overcome challenges Helping people and doing IT is a good alignment Building a technology roadmap to help businesses ROI vs Risk mitigation We also asked Nett which music track she wanted to add to our accompanying Spotify playlist. Have a listen and follow the link below https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6KqF0P83bP3suSwU68izPT?si=e59e1204fc6c4dd5 We aim to spark some curious thoughts around our podcasts, so please do like, share and let us know your thoughts on this podcast session. As always, a big thank you to our sponsor of this podcast Inbay - > https://www.inbay.co.uk/ Who are Inbay, and what do they do? Inbay Provides high-quality white lbale 24/7 network operations Centers (NOC) and service desk capabilities to MSPs and IT Service providers, enabling them to extend the services they offer

In this episode Paul Croker of 18iT talks to Benedict Jones the CEO of Traced. Traced is an MTD - Mobile Threat Defence solution for mobile phones and tablets. Addressing the very real issue around protecting data on mobile endpoints. It deals with BYOD and aligns directly with the UK government-backed security scheme - Cyber Essentials. Drop in and listen as Paul and Benedict discuss how Traced solves actual challenges for clients. We also find out what Benedict likes to drink and which track he added to our expanding Spotify playlist which accompanies the Vendor Blender Podcast. This is a relaxed conversation for around 30 minutes, designed to get you thinking and spark some questions that you can reach out to us and ask. As always we add in our blend of "doing IT differently" we talk about what we are drinking and Deryck also tell us his track for the Vendor Blender Spotify playlist. - > Vendor Blender Spotify Playlist - https://lnkd.in/dCzkCbSD We also need to mention our awesome sponsor for this series - Fresh Productions - https://freshproductions.co.uk/ 'Fresh is a full-service event & creative agency specialising in the Tech Channel. They’re an extension of your team and know the channel, which helps massively with communication and delivering the best result. They create great experiences through technology, creativity and passion, that's why they exist.'

In this episode Paul Croker of 18iT talks with publisher and global social marketing expert Timothy Hughes of DLA Ignite. Paul taps into Timothy's deep experience around all things social selling /marketing. This is not a standard podcast, but an informal chat where great content is exchanged. We aim to spark a curious element from within to explore marketing and selling from a social point of view, rather than the traditional transactional approach from years gone by. The world has changed, people connect and transact in a different way. This is just the start. Timothy is a recognised author of Social Selling book, now in it's 2nd edition. Timothy background includes, Electric and Electronic Engineering from Coventry University, a member of the IoD, working with Oracle, and experience as a NED. We also talk about tea, Tannin, as well.. It's not just business. We also talk about budgets, Marketing, employment, shifting from analogue to digital platforms and the impacts here. Paul also asked Timothy what music track would he add to our Business Insight Spotify Playlist, check that out below. Spotify Playlist for Business Insights https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6KqF0P83bP3suSwU68izPT?si=fd1a858a268a455c

In this episode Paul Croker of 18iT talks across the world to Deryck Mitchelson of Check Point Drop in and listen as Paul and Deryck discuss how Check Point solves actual challenges for clients. We also find out that Check Point is a lot more than just firewalls. This is a relaxed conversation for around 26 minutes, designed to get you thinking and spark some questions that you can reach out to us and ask. As always we add in our blend of "doing IT differently" we talk about what we are drinking and Deryck also tell us his track for the Vendor Blender Spotify playlist. - > Vendor Blender Spotify Playlist - https://lnkd.in/dCzkCbSD  We also need to mention our awesome sponsor for this series - Fresh Productions - https://freshproductions.co.uk/  'Fresh is a full-service event & creative agency specialising in the Tech Channel. They’re an extension of your team and know the channel, which helps massively with communication and delivering the best result. They create great experiences through technology, creativity and passion, that's why they exist.'