ITRemedies

06/08/2025

Last month I had the pleasure of enjoying a fantastic summer holiday in Gran Canaria. Great hotel, superb food, and incredible weather—a perfect getaway!

The return journey, however, was a different story: a 10-hour airport delay due to our inbound flight diverting to Bilbao. Communication from the airline was virtually non-existent, forcing passengers to repeatedly exit security to seek updates, resulting in frustration and confusion. It seemed the only consistency was inconsistency!

But amidst this chaos, something positive emerged—I received an urgent email from a client requiring immediate assistance. Thankfully, with roaming data available, I tethered my laptop to my phone, connected securely, and swiftly resolved the client’s issue. (If only I could have returned to England as quickly!)

This experience served as an important reminder:

✅ When working remotely, especially abroad:

Always tether via your mobile device if roaming and sufficient data is available.

If using free or guest Wi-Fi, invest in a reputable VPN client (e.g., NordVPN or ExpressVPN).

Ensure your VPN auto-connects on device startup to maintain secure and safe communications.

Keep your data secure—don’t let your connectivity become as chaotic as my return flight!

Safe travels and happy holidays! 🌍✈️

01/08/2025

🔨 Why UK Construction Firms Are Adopting Microsoft Intune for MDM 🏗️

On-site downtime costs thousands daily. Every device holds vital data. Here’s why Intune is fast becoming the go-to MDM solution in UK construction:

1. Fast, Centralised Rollout
Deploy rugged tablets, phones & PCs pre-configured and policy-secure—no more USBs in muddy laydowns or site-by-site imaging.

2. Built-In Access Control
Custom policies ensure only compliant, encrypted devices access critical files. Non-compliant? Auto-quarantined. Done.

3. Always Audit-Ready
Intune logs everything—from safety checks to GDPR—perfect for insurers, tenders, and supply chain oversight.

✅ What You Get with Intune

🔹 Minimal Downtime
Remote patching and diagnostics keep plans live, crews working, and callouts rare.

🔹 Lower IT Mileage
Fix issues remotely. Save fuel, time, and budget.

🔹 Stronger Data Security
Lost kit? Wipe it remotely and keep client data safe with encryption & policy enforcement.

🔒 Cyber Essentials-Ready. CS&R-Ready.
From access control to malware defence, Intune helps tick every compliance box—plus it’s built for the Cyber Security & Resilience Bill’s stricter breach reporting and resilience demands.

31/07/2025

🖥️ When it comes to your IT infrastructure, you have three main options: a Managed Service Provider (MSP), an IT support company (break-fix), or an internal IT department. Which one aligns best with your culture, drives innovation and keeps costs under control? Here’s a quick rundown—backed by the latest data.

📊 Adoption
Almost 90% of SMBs currently use or are considering an MSP for some or all of their IT needs.

🧩 Cultural Fit
MSP: Brings cross-industry expertise and best practices but can feel like an external extension.

IT Support: Adapts to your culture project-by-project yet often lacks deep strategic alignment.

Internal IT: Fully embedded in your company DNA; strong advocacy for stakeholders but can become insular.

🚀 Innovation & Agility
MSP: 53% of MSPs see significant AI opportunities and have invested in automating ticketing, patch management and cybersecurity operations to boost efficiency.

IT Support: Primarily reactive; innovation is limited to vendor-provided tools and standard upgrades.

Internal IT: Can pilot bespoke solutions when time allows; however,

02/07/2025

I’ve noticed something curious since we launched Gourmet Beatz (our food truck with live DJ): talking about food and music lights people up in a way that talking about IT rarely does.

When I mention Gourmet Beatz, faces brighten, people immediately ask about dates, availability and who else might love our concept. They’re already planning private parties, anniversaries—even corporate events—on the spot.

Then I switch gears: “So, let’s talk about your next IT project…” and the energy shifts. Conversations about cost-savings, efficiency and cloud deployments often stretch out over months—sometimes years — to fully materialise into meaningful actions or referrals.

Now, I love technology as much as I love a perfectly mixed beat or a mouth-watering sandwich or loaded fries, and I’m fascinated by the psychology behind it:

🔹Food: It’s fundamental—everyone eats, and food evokes emotion.
🔹Music: It carries memory, mood and a personal connection.
🔹Technology: Equally transformative but still seen as “dry” or “complicated.”

So, here’s where I’d love your insight: How do we make IT conversations as contagious and immediate as chats about food and music?

🔹What storytelling techniques break through the “tech is boring” barrier?
🔹How do you spark enthusiasm for efficiency and innovation in that first 30 seconds?
🔹Finally, any examples where you’ve flipped a “meh, IT” reaction into genuine excitement?

Drop your thoughts (and war stories!) below. Let’s cook up some fresh ideas on how to sprinkle a little Gourmet Beatz magic into our tech talks.

27/06/2025

Turning my attention to WiFi for a moment. 
How many times do you get asked “can x connect to the WiFi” or “what’s the WiFi password so we can get x from y company connected” or maybe you don’t get asked because someone knows the WiFi password then adds a device to your network or gives it to the person to enter. 
However, I’m sure you are at ease with this as you’ve got the person to sign your IoT and standard internet usage policy and their device is free of all malicious software, malware, viruses, worms etc….. 
Oh you haven’t? 
But you are ok with it because you know these people and its fine because you trust them… 
Really?
These people/devices probably have unrestricted access now to your network and the devices connected to it. If you or someone in your business or home has a disagreement with the person, they still have the ability to connect to your network. 
There are some very large red flags here!!
That’s why as a minimum you should have a Guest wifi network that is segregated from your main network by something called a VLAN at least, most routers allow this to be setup. This will allow you to provide access for visitors (home or work) whilst protecting the inner sanctum of your network and if there is a disagreement, simply change the guest wifi network password. Going a step further you can provide a guest wifi landing page where you would authorise the person to connect with a time limited password.
If this has caused you to think; what do we have in place? Or how do we set that up? Or that’s interesting tell me more. Then feel free to DM me to see how we can help remove these red flags and get your Guests the access they need without opening up your whole network to them.

24/06/2025

Thrilled to share the success of the recent Ascot Summer Party we supported for Right Contract Services Ltd. and Pure Construction Logistics!

We were asked to develop a live leaderboard solution for display on a large screen during the charity event, and I’m delighted to report that everything went extremely well:

🔹 Over 200 guests attended, with 130 entrants in the Ascot charity sweepstake

🔹 The leaderboard performed flawlessly, drawing interest from attendees who asked how to replicate a similar setup at their own events

🔹 As ever, our focus on leveraging technology to drive engagement paid off, enhancing the event experience on the day

Beyond the tech, the event achieved a fantastic charitable outcome: it raised £4,500 for the “5656” challenge to support CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). If you’d like to learn more about the inspiring 5656 campaign and its mission to prevent su***de, please read here: https://lnkd.in/eMD4jy6y

At IT Remedies, we’re passionate about delivering solutions that go beyond standard IT and consulting services. Whether it’s automation and efficiency projects for business growth or innovative technical setups to elevate events, our goal is always to create measurable impact and memorable experiences.

Congratulations to Right Contract Services Ltd. and Pure Construction Logistics on a very successful event and thank you for trusting us with this project. If you’re planning an event or looking to explore how technology can enhance your business processes or customer experience, let’s connect!

#5656

19/06/2025

Is your IT provider ready for regulation?

The landscape for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT services in the UK is shifting significantly. As digital threats grow increasingly sophisticated, more sectors are becoming regulated and requiring accredited IT security certifications such as Cyber Essentials and ISO 27001.

The upcoming Cyber Security & Resilience (CS&R) Bill, announced in 2024 and expected to become law by 2026, will significantly expand regulations, introducing enhanced incident-reporting requirements, mandatory security certifications, and rigorous supply-chain auditing. MSPs and data centres will need to notify regulators and clients of cybersecurity incidents within strict timelines and integrate cybersecurity mandates directly into contracts.

Additionally, new sustainability reporting requirements aligned with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) mean that larger UK businesses will require robust IT systems capable of capturing ESG data, further emphasising the critical role MSPs will play.

At IT Remedies, we’re proactively accredited and positioned to help your business navigate these regulatory shifts, ensuring your operations remain secure, compliant, and resilient.

Is your business prepared?

10/06/2025

Forget the UEFA Nations League final – the real action was at the IT Remedies 20th Anniversary Charity Football Match!

On Saturday, 7th June, IT Remedies celebrated two fantastic decades in business with a thrilling charity football match at BHHHC in Cow Roast, Tring. Despite the unpredictable weather, spirits remained high as Cyber City FC (Grey tops) faced off against AI United FC (Red tops) in two exciting 30-minute halves—since the legs couldn’t quite manage a full 90 anymore!

The excitement began early with my son Charlie opening the scoring for Cyber City. The match was capped off by a decisive penalty taken by me (AI United), awarded after a foul by the opposing goalie—straight into the back of the net! A memorable day indeed, with AI United narrowly clinching victory, 5-4.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making the event a huge success:

Lee Robbinson– Manager
Richard Keil – Player Manager
Oliver Keil– Referee
Neil Bradshaw and Rowland Slinn – Linesmen
KCS Electrical – Generator hire
Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempsted Hockey Club – Fantastic hospitality and venue
Siân Darvill at COLLIE PRINT LIMITED – For the amazing responsivness in sourcing and printing of the football tops, balloons, and napkins
Gourmet Beatz - Delicious food and drinks
Hazlemere Commercial | Aluminium Fenestration – Generous raffle gift
All the players and supporters that braved the elements to make it such a great day!

Congratulations to our raffle winners:
🎁 Laptop – Sarah Gagan
🎁 Smeg Wok – Natalie Spicer
🎁 FitBit – Rowland Slinn
🎁 Multi-Shop Voucher – Callum Brades
🎁 Champagne – Rowland Slinn

Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised an incredible £580 for the wonderful St Francis Hospice to help towards with their end of life care and family support services in the community, with 100% of entry fees and raffle proceeds going directly to the charity.

It was also the perfect occasion for the soft launch of my exciting new venture, Gourmet Beatz—a unique food truck and DJ fusion event company. Stay tuned for more!

09/06/2025

07/06/2025

Ahead of the match today!

We are ready ❤️✨

06/06/2025

One of the great things about working in the technology sector is the opportunity to collaborate with diverse businesses and engage with the people who drive these companies daily. Technology often forms the core of operations, either as a tool that supports the business or as the main product itself. This allows us at IT Remedies to delve deep with owners, executives, and management teams, truly understanding their purpose, challenges, and aspirations.

Frequently, we encounter businesses that have adopted technology organically, often driven by immediate, isolated requirements. However, this approach can lead to fragmented systems that do not integrate well, causing operational inefficiencies, manual errors, and increased costs over time.

At IT Remedies, we address these challenges by conducting comprehensive reviews to gather and understand your unique requirements. We then identify and recommend integrated, compatible systems, platforms, and services tailored to your needs. Our experienced team manages the entire implementation process, ensuring a seamless rollout and minimal disruption with ongoing support.

Engaging with us early in your technology journey ensures quicker, more efficient solutions, aligning perfectly with your business goals from day one.

05/06/2025

Oh wow another sneak peak of the ITRemedies branding ahead of the match on Saturday!

💪🏼🙌🏼