SMEs missing out on cost-saving technology

28.09.09 SMEs missing out on cost-saving technology The demand for cost-saving IT solutions has never been greater as SME’s strive to drive down costs and increase efficiency within their organisations. Unbeknown to most however, the technology that they need already exists and has been used by large businesses for many years. Hampshire-based IT solutions specialists, Taylor Made Computer Solutions, has been demonstrating to local businesses this week how readily-available technology is. In partnership with global IT giant Cisco, they have been showcasing the benefits of ‘unified communications’ or more simply, how connecting phone, video and computer networks can eliminate costly inefficiencies. Jamie Rickards, Pre-Sales Manager for Cisco’s distributors explained: “We held a conference this year for 19,000 delegates without anyone having to leave their own computers. The cost savings on travel, accommodation, food and venue arrangements were staggering. SMEs can reap similar benefits, albeit on a smaller scale. Technology opens up a wealth of possibilities such as being able to instantly track personnel, tele-conferencing, and sharing data whilst in the field, abroad or working from home.” To bring such benefits alive, Cisco’s Learning Bus visited Taylor Made’s site at Cams Hall so that business owners and IT managers could see practical demonstrations of what is possible. Representatives from many Hampshire businesses attended the afternoon event, including the Portsmouth NHS Trust, Beaulieu Enterprises, Dartmouth General Contractors Ltd and Eastleigh logistics company, Import Services. Taylor Made Managing Director Nigel Taylor commented: “We are very aware by listening to our customers that SME’s are actively seeking this kind of communications technology. The problem is they don’t really know what they are looking for, or even whether the technology exists. We’ve been helping them to realise the potential of IT and what it can do for them.” -ENDS- Words – 293 Notes to editors Taylor Made Computer Solutions (TMCS) is an exciting and growing specialist computer solutions company based in Fareham, Hampshire, providing complete professional IT and Training solutions for businesses varying in size from small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), right through to multinational companies. In 2007, TMCS dealt with £6m of business from a range of clients. TMCS is geographically centred on the M27 corridor, creating close links to all areas of Hampshire, East Wiltshire and West Sussex. This focus enables TMCS to provide a fast, efficient and professional service to its customers, whilst creating the ideal working environment for its staff, who spend less time travelling and more time dealing with customers. The company has always prided itself on being truly customer-focused, which explains why the majority of the business gained is through personal and professional referral. This is coupled with a strong, company -wide commitment to the highest level of service through honesty, reliability and professionalism. This positive attitude has led to TMCS being accredited with three stars in the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ survey, placing it in the top 48 staff-friendly employers in the country, and earlier this year was Voted the 8th Best Company to Work For in the Sunday Times Top 100 list SME category. As a solutions provider, TMCS is very focused on the standard of its overall package, and firmly believes that a thorough and well planned IT strategy is vital for the development of a business. They get ‘under the skin’ of all their clients, undertaking a specially designed ABC programme to fully understand their needs, allowing TMCS to develop a strategic approach that will contribute to the long term growth of their client’s IT needs. The same standards have also been applied to Taylor Made Training Solutions (TMTS), a division of TMCS, formed to deliver training to the business community by using an approach which focuses on improving skills and knowledge for the individual in order to increase business benefit. TMTS shares the same passion for their clients, however small, initially carrying out a training audit of new clients, including staff and company needs, and producing a training-needs analysis which guides the client towards the goals of their Business Plan. This process enables TMTS to produce a bespoke course programme that works for the client, and which can be delivered at a time and place convenient to them. TMTS knows from their own experience that focusing on improving individual team IT skills and personal development increases business performance. It is this aim, to provide relevant and timely training that will enable its clients to do the same. www.tmcs.co.uk www.tmcstraining.co.uk For more information, please contact Colin Bridgman or Debbie Osborne at Logical Creative Marketing on 0845 345 6969. Alternatively email colin@lcm.co.uk or debbie@lcm.co.uk