By Dave Robson
First-class service and security as standard – that’s what IT specialist Circle Cloud has pledged to keep giving an Aycliffe Business Park client.
Stockton-based Circle Cloud may be 15 miles from the park but for the past year, it has looked after the IT and phone requirements of BTS Facades and Fabrications.
And for both parties, that 15-mile distance isn’t an issue because robust systems are in place and even if something needs attention, most things can be quickly resolved remotely.
Founded in 2013, Microsoft Cloud expert Circle Cloud specialises in cyber security focussed IT support for SMEs.
From its base in Stockton’s Fusion Hive – coincidentally, a building BTS installed the window pods on – Circle Cloud works with medium to large SMEs to provide general IT support, a comprehensive cyber security programme and excellent customer service.
For BTS, Circle Cloud manages its IT and security needs, and recently installed a Microsoft Teams-based phone system.
The Aycliffe firm benefits from the quarterly account management reviews, as they make space to allow everything is working as it should be.
And that arrangement, says BTS MD Phil Atkinson, is perfect for his firm, which now employs around 50 people and is turning over nearly £10m a year.
Phil explained how his business teamed up with Circle Cloud after a referral from Nicky Jolley of HR2day.
Having dabbled with employing someone to look after their IT, they instead opted to outsource and use Circle Cloud – and, says Phil, it’s proved the right decision.
He told Aycliffe Business: “Nicky recommended the guys, they came over and we were impressed straight away.
“We asked some questions about service level agreements, we talked about how quick response times were going to be and we had a little trial as well.
“I’m old school and if I can’t get the screen to work, I want someone from IT to help me quickly – and that’s what we get.
“We’re a busy and growing company – if we take someone in, I know for a fact these guys will set them up, sort their hardware, give them an email address so when they start at their desk on the Monday, they will have all the kit, ready to start their jobs.
“This also goes into other areas of the business where we have specialist softwares such as the barrier system, or someone who can come in and help with development work.
“I have already recommended them on Linkedin several times. I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t have confidence in them.”
Phil’s wife Marcia, the company’s finance director, agrees. She said: “I don’t want to have to take a ticket and wait for someone to ring me back.
“They resolve any issue without taking ages and really know what they’re talking about, too.”
Circle Cloud technical director Tom Roberton, who co-founded the business with commercial director Michael Povey, says it’s all about getting the basics right.
“We want businesses with under 100 employees to recognise Circle Cloud as the company that has packages specifically designed for organisations of this size.
“We solve two core issues for these companies, we fix their issues quickly and we have a standardised cyber security offering that requires no decision making or knowledge from the customer.”
Sales and marketing director Andy Ballantyne said customers like BTS are a perfect ‘fit’ for Circle Cloud.
He added: “BTS are investors in quality – you can see from their building. So as part of that commitment to investment in quality and improvement, we were brought in because we offer a dedicated service to SMEs, focusing on cyber security and service quality.”
And with eight employees at Circle Cloud and ambitions to grow, it’s hoped more business park clients could follow.
Andy added: “BTS is a big brand in the area and the perfect customer for us in terms of medium-large business. It’s just the right profile in terms of what we offer.”
Visit circlecloud.co.uk
Pictured above: Circle Cloud sales and marketing director Andrew Ballantyne (left) and technical director Tom Roberton (right) with BTS Facades and Fabrications directors Phil and Marcia Atkinson.