Nobody uses landline phones anymore. The number of households with a landline that can be used to make and receive calls fell to 73 percent in 2020, but very few people actually use those phones to make calls, preferring to use mobile phone technology. Despite this, landline business phones are still important in today’s modern technological working world. Here’s why.

Creates a Good First Impression 

Having a landline might not seem important, but it will actually help to create a good first impression on your customers and potential customers. This is because businesses that have landline phone numbers are perceived to be more established and reliable. A business with a landline phone isn’t going anywhere. This adds an air of legitimacy to your business. 

But in contrast, businesses that only list mobile phone numbers are perceived to be less credible. A lack of a landline phone number is often associated with not having business premises and can make customers doubt the credibility of your business. People will not work with businesses they don’t perceive to be credible, particularly if they are selling high-value products. Whilst customers might be prepared to take a chance on smaller transactions, they are much less likely to do so for a larger transaction. 

Promotes a Sustainable Work-Life Balance 

If you include your mobile phone number on your business card or make it public on any advertising or promotional materials then you run the risk of receiving calls at any time during the day or night. This means that you can’t switch off when the working day is done and that you risk dealing with work calls when you should be focusing on other important things, such as family time. You can’t filter which calls are important and which aren’t. 

Using a landline instead of a mobile phone will help you to create a barrier between your work and private life. When you leave the office, you leave your work calls behind you. You can deal with any calls you miss by installing an answering machine and returning any calls or messages the following morning. 

Allows You to Work More Efficiently

Landline phones can deal with high call volumes in a way that mobile phones simply can’t. You can use call waiting services, and service more than one customer enquiry at a time using the same phone. It also means that you won’t miss any important phone calls, even if you are on another line. 

From a practical point of view, landlines improve efficiency simply because they don’t have as many features as a mobile phone. You can’t be distracted by social media, messages from friends or apps and games when you use a landline phone meaning that you’ll get more work completed during the day. 

Never Miss Another Call 

Work landline phones can offer a reliable and dedicated means of communication, especially in areas with poor mobile network coverage. Think that a landline might be the right choice for you and your business? Easy Business IT can facilitate a virtual landline service that will offer you the best of both worlds. Using Microsoft Teams Phone, we can add a landline number to your Teams client, meaning you can access it on your PC or mobile phone. It's an easy and effective service for businesses of all sizes. Get in touch with us to get started.

There are an incredible 5.5 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK right now. These make up 99.9% of UK private sector businesses, and 5.47 million of these are classed as “small” businesses with less than 50 employees. 

Small businesses are the backbone of business in the UK. And so it is important that those businesses have the right IT support to enable them to service their clients and customers effectively. Easy Business IT is looking to the future of IT support for small businesses and is constantly looking at trends that may impact its industry. 

Here’s what you need to know about the future of small business IT support. 

Innovation and Evolution 

The future of IT solutions is poised for continuous innovation and evolution so there could be a shift towards more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and edge computing. 

We consider artificial intelligence to be a particularly valuable technological tool because we know that many small business owners value time-saving solutions particularly highly. Artificial intelligence can be used as a time-saving tool by helping to fill orders efficiently, streamline bookkeeping, interact with customers and manage staff, freeing up business owners to focus on higher-level elements of running their business. 

Machine learning can be leveraged by small businesses in a similar way. Machine learning (ML) is quickly becoming a mainstay of the enterprise business world and making effective use of this technology can be massively beneficial to small businesses. If you have a large dataset then machine learning can streamline high-touch functions and even automate content creation for your blog, social media channels, and website. 

Shaping the Future 

Other services such as cloud-based solutions, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity measures will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of IT solutions, enabling enhanced connectivity, data-driven decision-making, and robust security measures for businesses.

Small businesses are increasingly advised to host their software and desktop services through the cloud. The reason? Because this provides businesses with a high level of application accessibility and dynamic growth options without the very expensive costs of in-house hardware or software setups.

Security is a hugely important aspect of small business IT, particularly if you are running a business online. It’s integral that your clients and customers feel their data is secure when they are working with you, or they will take their business elsewhere. Working with an IT provider that is knowledgeable about cybersecurity is one of the most important things you can do to protect your online business. Ensuring you have robust security measures in place is important now, and will only become more important in the future. 

Conclusion 

Easy Business IT is constantly evaluating the latest small business IT trends and evolving the range of services that they offer to meet new business needs. Keeping up to date with the newest and most modern IT solutions plays an integral role in business success. 

Working with an IT company such as Easy Business IT will keep your business ahead of the curve and ensure that you maintain a competitive edge.

How often do you back up your business’ IT infrastructure? 

Some businesses back up their data monthly, weekly or daily. Some businesses even choose to back up their business IT infrastructure several times per day. You may not realise how important backing up your vital data is, but if disaster strikes then the frequency of your IT back ups will determine how much data and information you lose. 

The Importance of Regular IT Back Ups

IT infrastructure loss and breaches can occur due to system failures, and cyber threats. You can reduce the risk of suffering this by using IT security solutions, including security software, firewalls and other safety methods. However, the fact is that sometimes breaches can happen, and businesses of all sizes should be prepared. 39% of UK businesses reported suffering a cyber attack in 2022.

Without a proper back up system in place, your business could be at risk. It’s true that large businesses are the most high-profile victims of cyber-attacks. Many small businesses assume that they are “too small of a fish in the pond” to be targeted: but this assumption would be wrong. In fact, because they don’t have IT security systems in place that are as strong as their larger counterparts, small businesses are often an easier target. 

But regularly backing up your IT infrastructure can help you to minimise business downtime, protect critical information and ensure business continuity. 

How Often Should You Back Up Your IT Infrastructure?

The frequency of your IT back ups will differ from business to business. A good rule of thumb is that you should back up often enough that if the data you store online is lost, losing the amount of data since your last back up would not be unacceptable to the business. 

It is good practice to stick to a regular back up schedule. This will ensure that there are no significant breaks between back ups and will minimise the chances that you will skip or forget to back up your vital and valuable data. 

Saving You Time

In the event of a system failure, we know how essential regular IT back ups can be. But the fact is that many small businesses don’t back up their IT infrastructure on a daily or even weekly basis because they simply don’t have the staff or the time to do so. Small businesses are often time-poor and so they prioritise other aspects of their business practice, particularly customer-facing elements. This is understandable but can be catastrophic in the event of a system crash or failure. 

That’s where an IT solutions partner such as Easy Business IT can help. An IT solutions partner can implement regular backups on your behalf without any extra time and effort on your part. Businesses can mitigate the risks associated with potential data loss, restore operations swiftly, and maintain the trust of their customers and stakeholders—get in touch with us today by emailing [email protected]

Technology is at the heart of everything we do. Modern businesses depend on the use of technology to stay relevant in a crowded marketplace. According to Forbes, 71% of businesses have a website in 2023: it is considered a business essential.

Modern businesses need access to digital tools and resources. And to secure a competitive edge when utilising these tools, they should also have a dedicated IT partner. This is because for your business to excel at digital adoption, you need to do more than just build a website. And managing your digital needs can be complicated and time-consuming. 

When you work with a dedicated IT partner, you will have access to their specialist IT knowledge, the latest technological innovations, and industry best practices. Leaving you free to focus on business innovation, growing your business, and ensuring your business continues to thrive. These are just some of the services that a dedicated IT partner could provide: 

Access To Dedicated IT Support And Maintenance 

The digital landscape changes quickly. Just as your employees get used to one IT system, it’s time to introduce another. Learning to use and maintain new systems can be complicated and time-consuming, particularly if your employees aren’t experts in the IT field. 

Choosing an IT partner will give you access to dedicated support and maintenance for your existing systems. When it’s time to introduce a new system, they can advise you on the right system for you and install this. This will free up your employees' time to focus on developing and growing your business, giving you the competitive edge of having employees that are fully focused on the job at hand. 

Optimise IT Infrastructure 

Are your employees complaining that their computers are running slower than ever? Does your website need a boost, but you’re just not sure where to start? An IT partner can help you to optimise your IT infrastructure. They will be able to advise you on the systems that will work best for your specific business, upgrading and improving your infrastructure and its efficiency. 

We know that businesses with effective digital adoption are more likely to be successful, so this is a key step in helping your business to grow. 

Minimise Downtime And Improve Productivity 

IT infrastructure that is not properly maintained is more prone to problems and downtime as a result. Working with an IT partner will ensure that your IT systems are regularly maintained and that any downtime can be minimised. Some IT partners will install updates during evenings and weekends when your employees don’t need to use their computers, for example. 

This means that productivity is improved as employees are not waiting for IT updates to take place, or for problems to be resolved. And increased employee productivity is sure to give you a competitive advantage. 

There are so many benefits of working with a dedicated IT partner. In addition to the advantages outlined above, IT partners enable businesses to adapt to market trends and allocate resources efficiently. Why not get in touch to find out more about how working with an IT partner could help your business?

The world we live in has changed: offices no longer boast filing cabinets full of paperwork, and people don’t carry notebooks to meetings. That’s because IT has completely revolutionised the way we do business. It has also changed the way we communicate and the way we live. IT makes conducting business easier, but it can also make it more innovative too. Wondering how the power of IT can support business innovation? Here’s what you need to know:

Streamlining Processes

IT can support businesses to operate in a way that is more efficient and streamlined. Since its onset, technology has helped to increase the efficiency of systems, products and services. It helps track and streamline processes, maintain data flow and manage contacts and employee records. This increase in efficiency has enabled businesses to reduce their costs, increase their productivity and operation speeds, and ultimately grow and expand more rapidly than they might have otherwise been able to. 

Improving Productivity

Technology is now performing repetitive tasks that were once performed by people in the pre-IT world. Technology can automate the workflow of almost any function in a business, such as finance, marketing, operations, and workplace management. Those tedious tasks that employees used to dread can now be performed automatically instead. This leaves team members free to focus on innovation, working in areas where their skills are needed, and their talents can be harnessed. Productivity increases considerably in teams where routine tasks are automated. 

Technology also allows meetings to be streamlined and makes it easier than ever to enable strategic planning and time management. Employees no longer have to waste time organising their calendars for the week, for example, because they can now use online calendars and productivity apps to plan their week quickly and easily. 

Driving Creative Problem-Solving 

Innovators are experimenting with using virtual simulations to harness technology to foster creative problem-solving, but there are many ways in which technology can drive creative problem-solving, ensuring that business innovation is at the forefront of everything you do. 

You no longer need to be in the office to work on new projects. You can brainstorm on your smartphone, or create pitches on your laptop from the comfort of your own home. The power of IT means that you can work from wherever works best for you. And this means that ideas aren’t forgotten, and problems can be solved from anywhere. Innovation works best when people are free to express themselves and generate ideas at their own pace. That’s why the creative problem-solving afforded by modern technology is so important to promoting business innovation. 

Harnessing the power of IT in this way is just plain good for business. It enables businesses of all sizes to unlock new opportunities for growth, adapt to and meet changing market demands, and enter new sectors with ease. If you’re interested in using IT to support your business innovation then simply get in touch to get started. Contact us by email at [email protected].

Every small business needs a website. In most cases, your website is the first place that your customers or potential customers will interact with your small business.  

A good website will increase the credibility of your business, generate more revenue, and grow your business’s presence. That’s why approximately 71% of small businesses have a website, and why you could be missing out if you don’t. 

Whether you already have a successful business website, your website needs a revamp, or you need to create a website for your business from scratch, you will benefit from using the services of a web development partner. A good partner can enhance your business and help it to grow. Here’s everything you need to know: 

How a Website Development Partner Can Help You 

A website development partner can assist with so much more than you might think. As well as building your website, they can also deal with technical elements like arranging web hosting. What’s more, once your website is up and running, the continued support of a website development partner will quickly deal with issues such as site crashes, downtime and user experience errors.

The right website development partner will enhance your business and provide a vital service whenever you need it. 

It is possible to design and build your own website. But this is not recommended. If website development isn’t your area of expertise, then a self-built website is unlikely to look as professional as you would like. Also, 38% of consumers report that they will stop interacting with a poorly designed website.

What’s more, in most cases, building your own website will take longer and cost more. This is because an experienced website development partner will know how to build your website in the most efficient way, and stick to a budget whilst doing it! 

Up-to-date with Industry Trends

A reputable and experienced website development partner will keep up-to-date with industry trends, ensuring that they use the latest technological advances in their field. 

Your website development partner should also have the flexibility to implement changes as and when they are needed, ensuring that your business website performs optimally at all times. For example, your website branding and colour scheme should be consistent, and the right web development partner will be available to make changes or add branding and colour details whenever new content comes online. 

The right web development partner will also use their industry knowledge to not only improve the visual appeal of your project, but to ensure that your website is user-friendly and easy to navigate too. This is more important than you might think, because the easier it is for customers to navigate your website, the more likely it is that they will complete their user journey and make a purchase. 

The technology aspect of web development is incredibly challenging, and the part of a web development partner's job that is the most important, but simultaneously the most difficult for laymen to understand.

 In short, your small business needs a web development partner for the technical management, design, and fully-rounded development of your website. Your small business is guaranteed to be enhanced with their support. 

Do you want to work in a technical field where you can use your IT skills? Do you thrive in high-pressure situations and enjoy making strategic decisions on a daily basis? Then you could have what it takes to pursue a career as an IT security manager! An IT security manager is responsible for protecting the computer systems, networks and databases of an organisation or series of organisations. They will ensure that the businesses they work for are protected from cyber threats and security breaches.

Cyber crime is a real risk in the UK, as the UK had the highest number of cyber crime victims per million internet users at 4783 in 2022. By pursuing a career as an IT security manager, you can play an integral role in combatting this. Here’s a look at a day in the life of an IT security manager:

What Does an IT Security Manager Do on a Typical Day? 

When you work in IT security, no two days are ever exactly the same, because the cyber threats and risks that your business faces vary wildly from day to day. However, you can expect a typical day to look like this: 

• Your day will likely start with a team meeting and checking your emails, to ensure that no new risks or issues have arisen overnight. You will have meetings with the cyber security team and the company’s executive team, if not on a daily then on a weekly basis.
  
  
• You will then monitor the computer network of the businesses you are working with for any unusual activity or potential risks. Looking for weaknesses in security systems and areas where security breaches could take place will also form an integral part of your working day.
  
  
• As an IT security manager, your role will also involve training and supporting other members of your team, ensuring that they are all operating at the same high standard. This could include but is not limited to, explaining any risks posed as well as any security software programmes that you may introduce and ask your team to use going forward.
  
  
• Finally, it's crucial that you keep up to date with the latest news and trends within the cyber security sector, so your role will involve reading professional publications and attending conferences and training on the subject. This will ensure that you provide the best possible security care to your clients! 

Why is Cyber Security Important?

No matter how big or small your business is, investing in cyber security is one of the most important IT decisions that you can make. A single security breach could cost your business significantly thanks to financial losses, but it could also lose you the trust of your customers: and once trust is lost, it’s near-impossible to win it back. 

Want to find out more about how Easy Business IT could help you to take care of your cyber security? You can look at the pricing available on our website and we’re here and ready to help! You’ll find all our information on our contact page or you can email [email protected]

A Microsoft consulting IT partner is an IT support company that provides support with a broad portfolio of Microsoft products and solutions to businesses of all sizes and has been recognised by Microsoft for its skill within the arena. Microsoft 365 is used by over a million companies worldwide, with many businesses highly reliant on the tools and programmes that the suite offers. If your company is one of them then it’s important that you work with a recognised and registered Microsoft provider to update and maintain your systems, ensuring that your business is getting the most out of them. Here’s everything you need to know: 

Release the Full Potential of Your Software

Microsoft 365 offers so much more than a simple word processor. Working with a Microsoft partner will enable you to release the full potential of your software. Your IT expert will be able to support you with your planning, technical implementations and solution adoption. You’ll get better value from your Microsoft 365 software if you’re aware of everything it can do to support your business. 

Easy Business IT can provide an IT Consultant for your small business, and we also work with a host of other software specialists to meet your unique and specific business software needs. Working with an IT provider that is experienced in the software and systems that you use will be integral to ensuring that your IT systems run as smoothly as possible. 

Direct Access to Microsoft 

When you work with a Microsoft partner, one of the most significant benefits of this is that you’ll have instant access to Microsoft and their stakeholders. A Microsoft partner will regularly attend training and consultancy with Microsoft directly, making a bridge between Microsoft and their business customers, no matter what their size. By working closely with your software provider in this way, you’re more likely to achieve long-term success for your business. You’ll achieve your goals more easily when you have access to end-to-end direct guidance from an expert within the arena who knows what you want to deliver and is equally as committed to focusing on that delivery. 

Positive Cost Implications 

We understand that money doesn’t grow on trees when you’re a small business, and therefore it is extremely important that you get the most out of your IT investments. If you choose to invest in an IT support team then it needs to add tangible value to your business. The good news is that working with a Microsoft partner can actually help to save you money on your future tech-related expenses. Your IT expert will be able to ensure you get the most out of each service and solution you subscribe to, maintaining them so that they last as long as possible. 

Microsoft products are high-quality and built to last. A Microsoft partner will be able to capitalise on this. What’s more, your chosen IT professional will be able to assess the range of available Microsoft licensing models on your behalf and work with you to choose the one that will benefit you the most. The average UK startup spends £22,756 in their first year, so it’s important that your small business budget is spent well. Optimise your IT investment by using an expert that can help you to improve your productivity, reduce the amount you spend on additional IT software, and shut down any unused resources.

Want to find out more about working with a Microsoft Consulting IT partner? Why not get in touch with Easy Business IT? You can look at the pricing on the site, reach out, and get started! You’ll find all our information on our contact page or you can email [email protected]

A question that many small businesses will often ask is whether they need third-party IT support. Some business owners may see this as an unnecessary expense that they can’t really afford. But the reality is that, regardless of their size, it would be very difficult for any modern business to operate without a robust IT support service in place. Here are three reasons why IT support is critical for small businesses: 

To Protect Your IT Systems

One of the core reasons that all small businesses should have an IT support network in place is to ensure that they are safe and protected should anything go wrong. 97% of consumers search for local businesses online, and no matter what your business type, if your IT systems are down, then this will make it very difficult for your business to continue to function. Regardless of whether your business relies on telephone lines or digital services, system downtime would cost you money in the short term because you are unable to make sales, and it could also drive both new and existing customers away, which will have a negative financial impact in the long term. 

To Add Security 

All businesses, no matter what their size, are at risk of cyberattack. In fact, small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to these types of attacks, and IT support can help to keep your data as secure as possible. If your business falls victim to a cyberattack then this can have a severe and negative impact on your business productivity, financial access, and work schedules. Your IT systems will also be more vulnerable to viruses, malware, and other cyberattacks. The support of technical IT experts, such as the services offered by Easy Business IT, will help to keep your data and your network safe. We can take steps to protect your business from cyberattacks and implement data backup solutions to double the protection that your systems are offered. 

To Save You Time 

As a small business owner, you are often trying to be all things to everyone. You don’t have an in-house HR Manager, IT support network or customer service team: you are doing all of these jobs and taking care of the needs of your clients or customers at the same time. By utilising an IT support service, you can take the pressure of at least one of these roles from your shoulders. This will save you a considerable amount of time. Your technical IT experts can take care of protecting your online systems, maintaining your data and your network, and taking care of your other IT-based needs. This service doesn’t have to cost as much as you might think and means that you can spend the time you will save on something that will add much more value to your business. 

Outsourcing your IT support needs will help your business to run seamlessly. This will allow you to be there for your customers and ensure that you can give them quality data security, and fast response times when they need them. Contact us today at [email protected] to get started.

The assistance of an IT support team is essential for almost all business types. It is the IT department that will keep your website online, ensure that all IT systems are operating properly to keep the business running, and regularly update the software and hardware for your PCs, laptops, and other devices that you utilise for your business. It would be very difficult to run a successful business without some form of IT support: But should you opt for in-house or outsourced IT support? Here is a simple comparison between the two approaches: 

The Benefits of In-House IT Support

The most obvious benefit of opting for an in-house IT support system is that because your team is in-house, they are always available when you need a fast tech solution (although for many businesses, this is restricted to the confines of a 9-5 working day). Your in-house team will have a hands-on role in choosing your systems and solutions, meaning that they will be familiar with the equipment, and how to operate and maintain it. They will also provide a physical IT presence within your workplace. Finally, when you are hiring an in-house IT team or professional, you can choose an individual who will fit into your existing company culture: something that is particularly important to businesses that have a unique culture or business model that sits outside of the mainstream. 

The Benefits of Outsourced IT Support 

The most obvious benefit of opting for an outsourced IT solution is cost-based: Outsourcing your IT is much more affordable, as when you have an in-house team you will be solely responsible for their salary and benefits packages. You will also avoid the pressure and stress of having to hire and retain new members of staff. But this isn’t the only benefit of outsourcing your IT. Many people assume that outsourced IT support is a solely hands-off process, however, many outsourced IT services work on both an in-house and remote basis, meaning that you would have access to the best of both worlds. This can suit the changeable needs of small and medium businesses. What’s more, if you only have the budget to hire one in-house IT professional, you may find that an IT support company often has access to more staff and vastly more resources, giving you access to a larger pool of experts and expertise. Finally, outsourced IT support services tend to work on a proactive basis, looking for potential issues before they arise and resolving them before you even realise they are problems. The result is that your system is much less likely to experience any downtime that would negatively impact your business. 

Conclusion

Choosing between in-house IT support and outsourced IT support will depend on the unique needs of your company. For large businesses, the convenience of having an in-house IT support team is a considerable benefit, whilst for small and medium-sized businesses, the flexibility and affordability of an outsourced IT support team makes it a much better option. What is clear is that all businesses should have access to some kind of IT support and that you should take the time to decide and establish the model that is right for your business.