Clear Thinking IT Solutions

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the COO of Wharton Business Consulting. We are a consulting firm and help business solve their most complex people problems.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

We initially engaged with Clear Thinking to provide us with an IT audit. We wanted a health check as to the status of our IT covering everything from file storage and sharing, security, phone systems, through to our information security compliance.

Following the audit, we engaged with Clear Thinking to provide us with a fully managed outsourced IT solution, including a Cyber Essentials certification

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was very simple, we wanted to trust that our IT was in safe hands. IT became a full time job and something we could not do in-house, so we wanted an expert and trusted partner to take this on for us and work with us in delivering solutions to suit our business.

There is always news of companies being hacked and data stolen, so cyber security was very high up on our agenda too.

SOLUTION

How did you select Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

Our company Managing Director, Natalie, met with Clear Thinking’s MD, Stuart, on a Goldman Sachs Business Course. IT was something we knew we needed to look at and that’s why Clear Thinking offered the IT Audit.

After a few conversations, and speaking to a number of their existing customers, we could see Clear Thinking would be well suited to work with us.

Describe the project in detail.

Clear Thinking have essentially become our fully outsourced IT partner. The package we selected covers pretty much everything we require on a day to day basis. We have unlimited remote IT Support and can call the service desk any time when issues occur.

What was the team composition?

Initially conversations were between Natalie and Stuart, and as the businesses have worked together for much longer we are familiar with most of the Clear Thinking team!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Peace of mind that our IT is in safe hands. IT is an ongoing and never ending job so to have Clear Thinking managing it is a burden lifted from the business which has meant we can focus on growing our business.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We are aware that a lot happens without us really seeing it on a day to day basis, such as the back ups, updates, and general proactive measures they take.

When we call in the phone is answered almost immediately, and they are responsive on emails so we have always found them to be efficient and helpful in our time working with them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They're professional and incredibly responsive, which gives me the confidence that our IT is in safe hands.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None - keen to just keep building on the relationship and further enhancing and expanding on our IT infrastructure.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Director an Insurance Broker specialising in commercial placements

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

As our business started to grow, we were looking to bring in reliable and proactive IT Support services. The core services we required were support (remote and onsite) and better cyber security. But we also wanted a company to be relied upon for anything IT related.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to build a long term relationship with a company we could trust for all our IT needs. We knew we needed secure and reliable IT systems to reduce risk and to protect customer data. On top of this we simply could not risk poor IT slowing us down and creating problems.

SOLUTION

How did you select Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

We knew of some other companies who worked with Clear Thinking and they were recommended to us. After initial conversations we could see there was a fit. They knew the challenges we faced as an organisation working within the insurance industry and the solutions the presented addressed our concerns. They came across very thorough and took a lot of pride in what they did which was a defining factor.

Describe the project in detail.

Clear Thinking have taken on the role of our own IT Team! We go to them for everything IT related. They provide us with IT support, server support/monitoring, cyber security services, hardware procurement, backups, and much more.

What was the team composition?

We now know most of the Clear Thinking team and are on first name terms. We are often in touch with the owner of Clear Thinking, Stuart, who we have come to know well. We also speak with the whole team there from their apprentices through to more senior engineers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We have worked closely with the team at Clear Thinking to amend our IT hardware and software from traditional desktops to laptops and associated VPN access. This project was phased and completed efficiently and coincidentally meant that when CV19 and the relevant restrictions were put upon us, we were instantly able to relocate everyone to work from home without incident

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Clear Thinking do a lot proactively, so we know they are in the background ensuring our IT is safe, secure and running efficiently. When we require additional services such as new hardware, a specific project, or some advice we always find them to be approachable and personable. They are fast to deal with any issues.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Clear Thinking IT have outperformed any of their competitors that we have dealt with previously across the board. What impresses me most about their overall services is their willingness to seek to fix all problems we have.

They are actively involved in discussing issues we are having with our broadband, directly with our provider. The same applies to our insurance software provider. It removes the requirement for any of my staff to work as a go-between.

Are there any areas for improvement?

No specific areas at this point in time however it is of course key that they continue to seek to be ahead of the curve in respect of both their service offering and product recommendations in what is an ever evolving marketplace.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Owner and Director of a successful events and networking business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

Clear Thinking are our one stop shop for all our IT needs. Clear Thinking have used our networking services for a number of years, and so I have built a good relationship with Stuart, Sam, Jo and the team.

What were your goals for this project?

I needed a straightforward IT support solution, with cyber security services, and someone to manage my software licensing.

SOLUTION

How did you select Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

I had already met the team at Clear Thinking and I also know a number of their existing customers who only had good things to say. They have a very good reputation and are an enjoyable team to work with. It was a no brainer!

Describe the project in detail.

The IT Support solution means if I have any IT problems or concerns, I can call the help desk team and the phone is picked up within 3 rings. They are on hand to help with anything IT related. Clear Thinking have also been there to help when I have had bigger IT projects that needed more bespoke consulting services. I also rely on Clear Thinking for all my cyber security and compliance requirements.

What was the team composition?

Stuart runs the business and is always on hand for queries and concerns I have. I’ve met several team members now and truly feel that they are part of my business. They have grown since we first worked with them but have retained a very personable approach to working which gives them their deserved 5* service reputation.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We rely on Clear Thinking for some of our most important business operations. Keeping our systems running 24/7, keeping us safe from cyber-crime, and managing our licensing is a huge burden lifted from me.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Its been great, they are responsive and attentive when we require support. As they provide us with ongoing services we don’t have many issues – they have built us a robust IT infrastructure that is reliable.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The people. We are a people driven business and so are they. Their staff are well trained and highly skilled, and you can tell they enjoy what they do. It makes a huge difference having a good relationship with your IT supplier!

Are there any areas for improvement?

With the services they have provided me with I would say there is nothing I could fault them for.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a director of an established group that provide security and fire safety services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

We wanted to partner with an experienced IT service provider that could take the stress of IT away from us. We required:

• Secure and compliant IT support
• Cyber Security services
• Back up and archiving of our company data and information
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan
• Hardware purchasing and set up

What were your goals for this project?

We understand how important IT is to our business and we knew we had to increase our cyber security and level of support. Our company had been targeted by cyber criminals in the past and we wanted to ensure we did our best to protect the business moving forward.

Our goals were firstly to find a trusted partner we can rely on – a company that we can turn to for all our technology and IT requirements. We also wanted upgrade our hardware and ensure our systems work efficiently. Overall, we wanted peace of mind that our IT infrastructure was as good as it could be and that we had a plan for when things

SOLUTION

How did you select Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

We had used previous suppliers before but had never felt fully content that they offered the right options. We had met some of the team at Clear Thinking and after some informal conversations felt confident that they could help us.

We set up a meeting with Jason and Sam to discuss our requirements in some depth. Their proposal was very thorough and detailed everything we had discussed, and we also liked the fact the pricing was all upfront and clear.

Describe the project in detail.

6. We had used previous suppliers before but had never felt fully content that they offered the right options. We had met some of the team at Clear Thinking and after some informal conversations felt confident that they could help us. We set up a meeting with Jason and Sam to discuss our requirements in some depth.

Their proposal was very thorough and detailed everything we had discussed, and we also liked the fact the pricing was all upfront and clear. 7. Describe the scope of their work in detail. We needed to upgrade our hardware because some of our computers and laptops were old.

We needed much more in the way of cyber security, and their support package included essentials such as email security, anti virus software, ensuring our systems were updated regularly, and many others. They also provided us with a vulnerability scan which helped us understand other areas of improvement in our security.

They have helped with a whole host of other services including Disaster Recovery and business continuity planning, which has been critical through the covid-19 pandemic.

What was the team composition?

We had met Jason and Sam from the early stages of our discussions and had also met the owner Stuart. Having worked with the business for over a year now we know many of technicians and helpdesk team and genuinely consider them an essential arm of our business.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our IT now just works much quicker and more efficiently than ever before. It’s also great knowing that they are proactively managing our cyber security – something that we know is so important.

The one area we can’t praise them enough for is the way they helped us through the pandemic. Clear Thinking took us through the remote working plan and had our guys up and working very quickly which resulted in minimum disruption to our business. We could also rely on them for any hardware and purchasing requirements.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The communication with Clear Thinking is very good. They are swift to respond and always offer an explanation when needed.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Helping us through the Covid-19 pandemic from an IT point of view has been essential to us. They were so proactive and organised. The business is just very well run and organised and it’s exactly what we need in our IT.

Are there any areas for improvement?

None come to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am an Accountant for a Bookkeeping, Payroll and Accountancy company based in Essex, Oscar Fairchild.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Clear Thinking?

As our business started to grow we needed to find a local company we could trust to provide us with IT solutions.

What were your goals for this project?

Our main goal was simply a robust and secure IT infrastructure we could rely on. We’re aware of the importance of cyber security and knew we needed experts to manage this for us for peace of mind. We also wanted to ensure our IT systems were reliable and up to date so we could all focus on our day jobs – we wanted a straightforward yet effective solution.

SOLUTION

How did you select Clear Thinking?

We had some mutual connections and got a long very well with the team at Clear Thinking from the first meetings. There were cheaper companies, but we felt the solution Clear Thinking put forward was by far the most comprehensive.

They covered every single detail and explained it to us – something some IT providers don’t do! They also only suggested solutions that worked for our business and we didn’t feel like we were being sold to.

Describe the project in detail.

Clear Thinking provide us with unlimited IT Support (remote and onsite). They also provide 24/7 server monitoring and manage/host our phone system. Previously we didn’t have a cyber security plan in place, so they have implemented a multi-layered cyber security strategy for us.

What was the team composition?

We initially spoke to Stuart who is the owner of the business and explained what the best solution would be for us, having already got to know our business. We’ve now met most of the Clear Thinking team (especially being a local business) we know most of the team on first name terms!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

In general, our IT runs much better than before. This has resulted in less downtime for the business and we find we have less of the smaller IT problems we used to have. A lot of what they do goes on behind the scenes, but it gives us great peace of mind to know we have the team at Clear Thinking monitoring and managing our IT.

Throughout the initial stages of the Coronavirus pandemic they helped us ensure everyone could work remotely, and without them we would have had a lot more work on our hands here!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We have always found Clear Thinking to be proactive and understanding – IT can be stressful, but we have had a productive relationship with them.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Mainly their expertise and knowledge on IT and cyber security. They can answer every question in detail and have a lot of real world experience to draw on here. The team are fantastic too from their new apprentices through to their leadership, nothing is too much.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They’re hard working and efficient – nothing comes to mind!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Bird Marketing are an award-winning digital agency based in Essex. We offer services across web design, SEO, PPC, e-commerce and web hosting. I am the Founder and Managing Director of Bird.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Clear Thinking?

We were looking for an accomplished IT service provider to partner with to manage our IT Support, Cyber Security, Compliance, and other IT-related services. We basically wanted a partner to rely on for all our IT needs.

Being in digital ourselves our services compliment each other very well and it has been a great business partnership since day 1.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goals were for stress-free IT with a single preferred supplier. Cybersecurity is a big concern and I wanted to ensure I was protecting the business, so I needed experts to oversee this.

As a business, we also need fast and efficient IT support to do our best work for clients. I also wanted a company to manage our overall IT strategy as we grow and felt the additional services Clear Thinking offer from a consultancy point of view would be beneficial.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

When selecting an IT partner there is a lot of choices. Clear Thinking was excellent to deal with in terms of responsiveness, expertise, tailoring a solution for us, and endeavoring to understand our business inside out. They also made sure costs were clear and upfront from the beginning with no hidden fees and in the past I’ve found this hard to come by.

They really went above and beyond to be a partner, not just a supplier. I also spoke to other clients they work with and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive.

Describe the project in detail.

Clear Thinking is essentially our own IT Team. They manage our full IT systems, our cybersecurity, license management, and third-party supplier management. They’re also always on hand to order new hardware including the setup and build of machines. They also provide us with Disaster Recovery as a Service.

What was the team composition?

We had initial meetings and discussions with the founder of the company, Stuart. We made sure we were aligned on the objectives of the business and clearly understood how Clear Thinking could help us, and ensure the right solution was put in place. Having now worked with the business for a long time we are on first name terms with the support desk and engineers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We work in a competitive and fast-moving sector so fast and efficient IT is essential and we haven’t been let down. They instill trust that our IT is being managed well and that we have robust cybersecurity in place. When problems have come up, they have been dealt with swiftly so there is minimal business impact.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

We work very well with Clear Thinking in general. Our meetings are always productive, and I find them to be very proactive to come to us with solutions before a problem has even come up. I’ve always found the support team to be quick to resolve any issues that do come up.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Clear Thinking is so proactive that we often don’t even notice what goes on in the background which means we have stress-free IT and can trust that what needs to be done is being done.

As a business owner, you rely on your partners to do a great job because you can’t do it all, and I trust Clear Thinking with one of my biggest concerns – IT and cybersecurity. We work very well together and due to the partnership approach, the whole experience has been a very smooth one.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I will really struggle to find flaws in Clear Thinking’s work. In my experience they have been fantastic!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of Likezero

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

SaaS software

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Clear Thinking IT Solutions to accomplish?

• Reduce costs
• Increase resilience
• Simplify recruitment

SOLUTION

How did you find Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

Referral

Why did you select Clear Thinking IT Solutions over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Clear Thinking IT Solutions were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Clearthinking onboard, monitor and manage all our laptops for proactive and reactive support

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

All our onboarding requests have been delivered within the SLAs They far exceed SLAS on response time and resolution times. We no longer need inhouse IT - so we've achieved the goal to simplify recruitment, reduce costs, provide resilience and build a foundation to scale.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They have adapted well to our unique needs and I really like the friendly, personal service they provide

What was your primary form of communication with Clear Thinking IT Solutions?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

People-centered business. They call you and get to the heart of the problem quickly! So refreshing in an age of annoying chatbots

Are there any areas for improvement or something Clear Thinking IT Solutions could have done differently?

We would like to extend the work we do with them to more proactive strategy and IT management