Most people think AI in Excel is about formulas and number crunching.
But it’s starting to learn the way your business works.
That could mean less time fixing spreadsheets and more time using the information inside them…
Cyber security is entering an interesting new phase.
AI is starting to look for weaknesses before attackers can exploit them.
It sounds impressive… and it is.
But there’s an important reason businesses still can’t afford to ignore the basics…
Have you noticed how many websites, emails, and social posts are starting to sound the same?
Professional, polished… and completely forgettable.
As AI is used more, the businesses that stand out are the ones that still sound human…
AI may not be the biggest risk in your business.
It might be the fact that nobody’s talking about it.
A lot of business owners are surprised when they discover how quickly new tools find their way into everyday work.
And the risks that come with them…
AI was supposed to make work simpler.
But in some businesses, people are spending more time stitching systems together than using them.
The strange part is, it can still feel productive while it’s happening…
It’s amazing how much time disappears into tiny little delays during the day.
Waiting for folders to open… switching between apps… clicking something twice because Windows didn’t respond the first time.
Microsoft seems to have finally realised those small frustrations are more important than flashy features…
How much of your team’s day disappears into answering the same phone questions time and again?
There’s a new wave of technology starting to change that.
Some businesses are saving serious time with it already…
It might sound like good news when cyber criminals turn on each other.
But it doesn’t make things safer.
Some are offering to “help” victims caught in the middle, which sounds tempting until you think about it properly…
Copilot Wave 3 has landed and it’s a step up from what we’ve seen before.
There’s something new happening in how AI fits into your day-to-day work.
It’s useful.
But it also changes how things get done behind the scenes…
Most people don’t think twice about CAPTCHAs.
And that’s being exploited.
There’s a new twist on something you see every day. It’s catching people out in a way that only shows up later…
By the end of the week, most teams are a little more tired and a little quicker to hit send.
When AI tools are involved, that can become a problem.
The output often looks finished even when it still needs a proper check.
So, should you ban AI on Fridays…?
Most people install updates without a second thought.
And that’s what attackers rely on.
There’s a new scam that looks so convincing, even experienced users are getting caught out.
Once you click, it’s already too late…
AI is starting to do more than just help your team.
It’s making decisions and taking actions on your behalf.
Everything runs and work gets done faster.
But if something doesn’t look right, could you explain why?
Ever feel like Windows 11 is getting in the way?
Or not as smooth as it should be?
Small frustrations eat up more time than you might think.
But Microsoft’s bringing in a shift that focuses less on new features and more on fixing those everyday frustrations…
If an AI tool in your business did something it shouldn’t, how quickly could you step in and shut it down?
Most businesses are moving fast with AI.
Very few have thought about what happens when it goes wrong…
Still storing files on office computers or a local server?
That setup might be holding your business back.
The cloud makes everything simpler. Secure access from anywhere, automatic backups, and far fewer IT headaches.
But which type of cloud is right for you? This is what you need to consider…
Is your business still wasting hours hunting for files?
Messy folders. Endless email chains. Lost versions.
It’s slowing you down more than you realise.
Here’s how SharePoint can turn that chaos into one secure, central hub for your documents and boost your team’s productivity…
Upgraded to Windows 11? Smart move.
Windows 11 is faster, cleaner, and built to help your business thrive. Oh, and security? That’s running quietly in the background, keeping you safe.
But where do you start with it all?
Here’s what’s changed. And how to help your team get the most from it…
Still using Microsoft Teams just for calls and chat?
You’re missing out. It’s so much more than a messaging tool.
In our latest video, we show you how to get the most from Teams. From real-time collaboration to keeping your projects organised, it could seriously boost your business’s productivity…
Still relying on your memory (or sticky notes) for business passwords?
That’s risky. Weak or reused passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to break in.
There’s a better way.
Our latest video reveals a tool that’s a must-have for every business. And how it keeps your team secure without making their lives harder.
Watch it now…
Still treating IT like a fire extinguisher?
Only calling for help when something breaks?
That “break/fix” approach could be costing your business more than you realise. In downtime, wasted money, and missed growth.
Our latest video shows you there’s a better way…
Believe it or not, a great cyber security strategy doesn’t just focus on how to avoid cyber attacks – it also tells you what to do if your business IS targeted.
Because honestly, it’s impossible to have completely watertight systems if you and your team want your tech to be useable.
So, if your network was compromised, what would you do?
Not sure?
Our latest video has the answers…
Imagine having an assistant that organised your inbox, summarised meetings and documents, or even analysed business data without complaining.
Now imagine you didn’t even have to pay this assistant.
Too good to be true, right?
Wrong.
This is exactly what Microsoft Copilot can do for your business. And with Wave 2, there’s even more it can do.
Our latest video tells you how Microsoft Copilot can save you time and boost productivity. Watch it here.
Should you encourage your team to use personal phones, laptops and tablets for work? It can be helpful for productivity and motivation. BUT only if you do it the right way.
That means making sure you have the right rules and protections in place to keep your data and your business safe and secure.
Watch our latest video for all the dos and don’ts of a Bring Your Own Device policy.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard comes with all the tools you need for a growing business, right?
Well, not necessarily.
You see, as your business grows, so do the risks. Your priority should be keeping your business protected from challenges like cyber attacks and data loss.
Our latest video explains why upgrading to Microsoft 365 Business Premium could be a good business investment.
This October we say goodbye to Windows 10.
Microsoft is ending free support. And, if you’re still using it, that will have an impact on your business.
How can you keep your data secure and your business running smoothly?
Our latest video lays out your options, and what you need to start thinking about now.
PCs taking too long to wake up?
Internet taking more coffee breaks than you do?
It might be time to upgrade your hardware.
But with so much choice, where do you start? How do you know what the right equipment is for your business?
Our latest video explains everything you need to think about, from your team to the future, before you invest.
You know it’s time to upgrade your business phone system when you start to hear your staff complaining about it.
Dropped calls, long wait times, and difficulty reaching the right person is frustrating for you… and worse for your customers.
But there is a better solution.
Our latest video explains what Cloud Telephony and VoIP phone systems are, how they can benefit your business, and helps you decide which one is the right choice.
You may think of your email signature as a digital business card.
It lets people know the different ways they can contact you. It might also strengthen your business branding.
But have you ever stopped to think how all that information can be used for bad?
Cyber criminals can use your email signature to pretend to be you and trick others out of data or money. Likewise, you may be fooled by a genuine-looking email signature that’s not the real deal.
Our latest video explains how to make sure your email signature doesn’t put your business – or others – at risk.
Cyber criminals target all businesses all the time.
That means you and your team will be better protected if you make security a whole business concern, and not just an “IT thing”.
Every single person in your business should understand the risks, and importantly, how to avoid them.
Our latest video explains how to make that happen and keep your business data safe. Watch it here.
You log on to your computer and find… nothing. No customer data, no project files, no financial information. It’s all gone.
That’s a terrifying thought for any business, and it’s more common than you’d believe.
To stop a situation like this destroying your business, you need a reliable safety net. Our latest video explains how to protect your data with backups.
Windows 10 reaches its end of life next year.
That means no more updates, not only for new tools and features, but for the security improvements that keep your data safe.
If you’re still using Windows 10 in your business, it’s time to start planning. You have four options. Our latest video explains each one and the things you’ll need to consider.
And how you respond to one can be the difference between it being an inconvenience and a complete nightmare.
What’s important is to think about all of this BEFORE you become victim to an attack (sadly, it’s likely to be a case of when and not if).
By following a few simple steps you can be confident you’ll not only recover from an attack quickly, but you’ll minimise the damage and cost too.
Learn about the 5 most important steps to take in our latest video.
Here’s a shocking fact: 90% of cyber attacks start with a simple email.
And guess who uses email every single day? EVERYONE… including you and all your team.
Which means every time you open an inbox your business is at risk. So, 20 or 30 times a day, right?
But there are smart things you can do to tighten up your email security and avoid becoming a cyber criminal’s next victim. We discuss them in our latest video.
Your business couldn’t function without its technology, right?
And from time to time, things go wrong.
If these are the only times you speak to your IT support provider, it’s very likely you’re wasting a lot of time and money. Plus creating yourself a ton of stress.
It might feel like you’re saving money when you only pay for something broken that needs attention (this is known as break/fix).
But most businesses agree it’s better to be in a contracted IT support relationship. This has no unexpected costs and a ton of other benefits.
Such as proactive monitoring that spots problems before they affect you… our latest video tells you more.
When you’re sailing along smoothly in business it really does feel like you’re living the dream.
But what happens when things get a little choppy?
Are you able to spot potential issues and stop them in their tracks? Or do you wait for the storm and then remember your umbrella?
When it comes to your business’s technology, you should be able to spot a digital storm a mile off. And if you can’t, it’s time to make a change.
Our latest video explains it all.
When you’re running a successful business, you just can’t do everything yourself.
You need to protect your time to focus on the bigger picture: Growing the business. Which means the things that you and only you can do.
Your IT is one of those things you need to trust someone else with. Once you do, there will be countless benefits to you, your team, and your business.
Our latest video tells you why.
We’re weeks away from the new year. And this is a great time to start thinking about what needs to get better in 2024.
We believe there’ll be a big rise in cyber crime, with a surge in ransomware, attacks on phones, and more phishing scams. And that’s not all.
Forewarned is forearmed. If you know what to expect, you can proactively protect your data.
Our latest video has the details.
Working from home comes with lots of benefits; a better work/life balance, no commute, and a much more relaxed dress code. But there can be serious drawbacks too if you’re not taking home office security seriously. Cyber criminals are aware that many businesses neglect security for remote workers, so they become a prime target for cyber attacks. How can you keep your team’s home offices safer? Our latest video tells you everything.
Business is hard enough without having to put up with slow internet. You deserve better and so does your team. Here are 5 quick ways to make your Wi-Fi faster
Zoom is a very common tool – and sometimes you’ll need to update it, or download it for a new device. But can you be 100% sure you’re downloading the real thing… or is it fake software, designed to steal your data? New research has found fake Zoom download sites designed to tempt you into installing ‘info stealing’ malware (malicious software). But it’s easy to protect your business when you know what to look for
There’s been a major new survey by Microsoft. Researchers surveyed 20,000 people working for businesses in 11 different countries. And it discovered 4 in 5 bosses believe their people are less productive away from the office. But here’s the rub… their staff feel completely the opposite. They believe they get more done working from home. What’s the situation in your business?
Password managers are amazing pieces of software. They make it easy for you and your staff to stick to password best practice, while saving you time. Everyone wins. Here are three things you must look for when choosing a password manager for your business.
No-one wants the stress of the head in the hands moment. You know… that moment when you realise there’s a BIG problem in your business and it’s going to take days to solve it. A cyber security breach would definitely count as one of those moments. A new report has looked at businesses that were hacked. It has discovered that 41% of them were breached in the same way. Find out what that was and how to protect your business
As USB has improved over the years, its meant you going out and buying new cables. Added up across your whole business that can be expensive. Good news. USB data transfer speeds will soon double… but on existing cables (so long as they’re not too old). Here’s how this will benefit your business
Cyber criminals are using a retro scam to steal your business’s payment details. It’s very convincing. And I can see how someone busy at work would fall for it. Here’s what you need to warn your staff about
Phishing is where someone sends you a fake email pretending to be someone else. They’re hoping you’ll click a bad link or download a dangerous attachment. Our latest video looks at how you can protect your business from this dangerous crime.
How many browser extensions do you use? 2? 5? More? Extensions can be really useful. They can make you more productive and save you time. But some won’t. They’re malicious by design. Millions of people have been attacked over the past couple of years with unwanted advertising and malware. I wonder if anyone in your business is already using a malicious browser extension? Here’s what to do about it
Imagine a future with no passwords. Nothing to remember. Nothing to be stolen or hacked. To login to something on your computer, you just unlock your phone. It’s exciting. And that future is rolling out this autumn
If you’ve ever run across the office to grab a confidential document off the printer, you’ll love a Windows 11 feature that’s being added to Windows 10. It removes much of the stress from printing. Here’s what it is, and when you’ll get it
Cyber criminals have a new psychological weapon to steal your login details. It’s scary and effective because it pretends to be urgent. This is what you and your team need to know
Have you looked into how well remote working is benefitting your business? While we’ve seen a productivity boost and a happier workforce, is that enough to outweigh the additional cost and increased security risks? Here are the things you need to consider
Video calls have quickly become a critical communication tool. Yet too many people have a poor video call setup, with bad camera angles, poor lighting and unprofessional sound. Our new video shows you how to improve these three areas.
Your staff work remotely sometimes, right? A new survey has found that half of all businesses are at increased risk of cyber-attack because of their remote employees. Here’s what to do, quickly
Your staff care about your business’s cyber security – but not all employees think the same. In fact, half are using software that’s been banned by their IT department according to a new survey. The answer is to talk to your team and get engagement on the software you choose. Here’s what we recommend
Can you see a future where AI is empowering your business? That might already be happening now, depending on the software you use. We’re at a stage where AI is being used to achieve powerful things. Microsoft has just announced its retiring and reworking some of its AI tools, as they don’t meet new standards it has adopted. How could your business be empowered by AI?
Most people who rely on it love Teams. There’s no disputing that. But it can be frustrating. Such as the way it opens automatically when you start up your Windows 11 computer. It’s really simple to change that behaviour. Our new video shows you how.
Did you know that some of the applications on your laptop might be accessing your webcam and microphone without your knowledge? Yes, that would worry me too. Privacy is important. Fortunately, Microsoft’s testing a new feature in Windows 11 to give you back control over your privacy. Here’s the new feature and how it works
Spam email is a pain. It’s endless and a real distraction. But it’s more than that. It’s taking up hours of our time. And when you run a business, you know that time is money. Time wasted on filtering out spam email means less time spent on the things that really matter. Here’s how many hours you’re losing to it every year
How many notifications do you reckon you get every day? I bet its hundreds. Messages, emails, alerts and pop-ups on websites. If you get too many pop-ups, it has a name – ‘notification spam’. And I have good news. Because Google’s going to do something about it
It’s hard to keep up with all the cyber security warnings. Yet they are really important. Last year, ransomware attacks alone affected 73% of UK businesses. So I’m making it easy for you today. These are the 3 most common cyber security mistakes made by businesses
Hybrid working is here to stay, and so are video calls. Do you want to give your home or office video call setup an upgrade? So you look and sound better? Here are three easy video call upgrades
You know what a ransomware attack is, right? Cyber criminals access your data and encrypt it so you can’t access it. Then they demand a ransom fee to get it back. A shocking 97% of business leaders who’ve already been hit by ransomware say they would pay up if it happened again – despite expert advice to the contrary. Why? They understand what a nightmare it is. The only way to protect is to prepare. Here’s how
Imagine hours to get on with your most important tasks, without any interruptions from your team. It’s the dream isn’t it? A major update to Windows 11 will help you work with zero distractions. Our new video shows you how.
Could it be true? Could the password be near the end of its life? It’s possible, yes. Because Microsoft, Apple and Google have teamed up to kill it. Here’s what they want to replace passwords with
What’s the one business tool you’d be most upset to lose? For many businesses that would be Teams. 270 million people use it every month. And that’s because Microsoft keeps adding new features that collaboration easier, and everyone more productive. There are some great new features coming in the next few weeks. Here are three we’re looking forward to.
How many different applications do you have to log into each workday? 5? 10? Maybe more? So how do you make sure the passwords you’re using for each account are long, strong – and importantly – unique? It’s a challenge. Microsoft Edge is soon launching a new and improved password management feature to help you keep track. BUT… our advice is not to use it.
Every business we support that relies on Teams agrees it’s an incredible tool for communication and collaboration. We’re full of clever tricks you can do with Teams. Here are three you might not have seen before.
Prices are shooting up everywhere right now. Yet businesses will spend more on their technology this year than ever before. Globally, IT spend is up to £3.3 trillion this year. Business owners and managers like you are investing in technology to stay ahead. Here’s what they’re spending it on
Have you ever done this? As the boss you’re working in the evening, sending out late night emails to the team. You expect them to read and reply in the morning. But five minutes after you send them, the replies come flooding in. On first impression, you think what a great, hard-working team you have. But when you think about it more deeply, you may realise that your people are feeling the pressure to be available and respond to emails immediately. Even at 10pm. And this can be really detrimental, for your team and for your business.
Look at your browser. How many tabs do you have open? Go on, count them. 10… 20…50… MORE??? We’re all guilty of letting our open tabs get out of hand now and then. One minute you’re looking for information on a single web page, and the next thing you know, you’ve got another dozen pages open. Too many open tabs can quickly become overwhelming. Especially when you’re trying to work out which page was relevant to which project. Fortunately, if you use Microsoft’s Edge browser, there’s a really great solution coming.
Guidance has been issued to all businesses to follow in order to stay protected from cyber-attacks. It’s down to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. It’s believed other countries could become a target of increased cyber-attacks due to the sanctions placed on Russia. So, it’s vital that you act now to protect your business.
Over the past couple of years we’ve all benefited from so many new productivity tools. It’s been great. But if your core problem is just getting organised, there’s nothing better than a list. Especially Microsoft’s List tool. Watch our latest video to see how it integrates with other apps you use, such as Teams.
If one of your remote team spilt a drink on their work-issued laptop, do you think they’d confess? A recent report has revealed that instead of reporting damage, a third of remote workers would simply start using their personal device instead. But this can make your business’s data vulnerable at cyber criminals. It’s important you create a culture where your team report damage to their work devices quickly, and never use personal devices that haven’t been checked by your IT partner.
If you have a contact form on your business’s website, you’ll be used to getting emails with a subject line like that. And while some of them might be a waste of your time, have you ever considered that not all requests for your product or service are genuine? There’s a new technique that cyber criminals are employing to launch ransomware attacks. And you need to be aware of it.
Most of us click links in emails without ever wondering if the emails are real, or have been sent by cyber criminals pretending to be someone else (such as your bank). These fake messages are known as phishing emails. They look real, but their actual purpose is to steal your data and login details. New research has shown the financial brand most likely to be impersonated by criminals. Chances are you have an account with this company.
There’s been a warning from the National Cyber Security Centre. It’s urging UK businesses to bolster cyber security measures. Why? Because Russia has a history of launching cyber-attacks. And may hit back against global action. Businesses of all size are at risk, so it’s vital you take action to protect yours now.
Teams. What an application. There’s so much in there already, it’s hard to believe Microsoft can keep improving it month after month. But they’ve done it again… Next month, Teams is being integrated with another platform, to help your people communicate even better.
A huge number of Windows devices aren’t up-to-date. Your business might have some, even if you’re regularly running security updates. Are you missing this vital step?
Some of your team REALLY want to continue working from home and they’re prepared to sacrifice a lot to do it, according to a new report. But is your business ready for permanent remote workers?
With our clients we work on all aspects of their technology, especially making sure they have a suitable technology strategy. We’re also there for them when things go wrong. And that’s about having a highly responsive helpdesk. When you’re looking for a new IT support provider, there are two tests you must apply to their helpdesk. Our new video tells you what they are.
Bring Stranger Things to your workplace with the new walkie talkie feature in Microsoft Teams. Speak to the entire team at the push of a button. Here’s how
There’s a cyber-crime called phishing. It’s a major pain. Criminals send emails pretending to be someone they’re not, hoping one of your people will click a link and accidentally give them access to your data. Do you think your team would spot a phishing email? Here’s an easy way to check.
If your team is based in lots of different locations, managing projects effectively can be a headache. Not if you’re using Microsoft Planner. It’s a powerful tool, and integrates perfectly with the Microsoft 365 apps you already love. Let’s explore many of the benefits.
Pulling together your budgets for next year? While it might be hard to know how much your business will spend on software – especially as your needs change throughout the year – you can accurately budget for your hardware for the year. Just ask yourself these 5 key questions.
Have a guess how many passwords the average person needs to remember… It’s an astonishing EIGHTY passwords! It’s just not realistic asking someone to remember that many, is it? That’s why we recommend you use a password manager. Our new video explains what that is, and what the risks are.
If you switched on one of your business’s computers today, and saw a red screen saying it had been infected with ransomware… would you know what to do? Many business owners and managers wouldn’t. Which is scary, as the odds of being breached are going up every week. Here’s what we suggest.
We’re all busy, with packed calendars. Which sometimes makes it difficult to find a good time to talk to each other. Enter Microsoft Bookings. It’s designed to find gaps that suit you and the person you want to meet with. And make sure everyone gets reminders about the call or meeting. Plus it’s fully integrated with your Outlook. Here’s how it works.
Imagine if your staff got an email they genuinely thought was from you. Asking them to pay an urgent bill for a new supplier they’d not heard of before. Is there any risk they could pay it? Because actually that email wasn’t sent by you. It’s a specific kind of cyber-crime called whaling, where criminals impersonate the boss. Here’s what you need to know about it.
If a lot of your work involves managing projects, there’s lots of software you can use to help you. In today’s video, we recommend some software that integrates well with the other 365 applications you already use.
Technology’s reached a point where it’s critical to virtually all businesses… but is constantly under attack. How long could your business survive without any internet access, or even your data? A day? A week? Would you still have a business in a month? In our new video we explore how easily “business as usual” can be disrupted, and why you need to be fully prepared with a business continuity plan.
If you’re looking for a customised way to collaborate and share information within your business, maybe SharePoint is the answer. Our new video shows you some of exciting things you can do with it.
Have you heard of spoofed Wi-Fi? If you ever connect to public Wi-Fi in a coffee shop or restaurant, you should be terrified of it. Our new video tells you what you need to know.
Half the challenge of being productive is knowing what you need to do, by when. There’s a very powerful task manager that works with other Microsoft 365 applications. Here’s the lowdown on it.
There’s a tool inside Microsoft 365 which allows you to get a lot more out of data sitting inside your business. It’s not Excel – it’s more powerful than that. But it’s still user friendly. We reveal all in our brand new video.
They don’t always make the news; but cyber-attacks are a huge and ongoing risk for all businesses. Even small businesses are at risk. Because hackers use clever automated tools that hunt out any opportunity for them, anywhere. In our new video, we tell you about one of the biggest causes of data security breaches… and how to protect your business.
Wouldn’t it be great if you had a dashboard with information about your team’s work patterns? So you could help them collaborate more. And make sure they were disconnecting from work to take proper time off. This dashboard exists. And it’s within Microsoft 365. Our new video has the details.
This makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? Yet many people stick with the same short password across multiple apps and websites as they can’t remember a long one. Here’s the easy way to help your staff use unique, uncrackable passwords and never forget them.
It’s way too easy to be tricked by an online scam these days. What would happen if a member of your team realized they had accidentally clicked a bad link? Our new video explores how the company culture you create affects your data security.
