The re-naming is backed by the launch of a cyber-security service aimed at SMEs and a strong commitment to upskill staff. Tailor Made Technologies’ sales director Tom Houston outlines key changes that set the well-established business on a new course.
As the world moves on from the coronavirus pandemic, Tailor Made Technologies is keeping one step ahead for its customers. “The new post-pandemic world, with increased remote and flexible working, is exposing unprepared SMEs to rapidly evolving risks. Cyber criminals and hackers are rubbing their hands, looking for weaknesses to exploit.” For many SMEs, the type of cyber security services available to larger, enterprise-sized companies are usually beyond their budgets. “We have worked with industry leaders to create a portfolio of products priced specifically for the SME market,” said Houston. “Our comprehensive package of services gives our customers an insurance policy for their IT estate.”
Strong take-up for SME service
Houston says Tailor Made has always been regarded as a ‘safe pair of hands’, offering a range of on-site and hosted services, as well as a virtual private cloud. “We aim to be the number one player in delivering remote cloud solutions to a predominantly SME market. Tak
eup for our cyber-security service has been huge,” he said. “No one else is currently offering this level of protection to small and medium businesses.”
As well as the broadening its services, the Whiteley-headquartered company has rebranded. In 2018, Peach Technologies and Taylor Made Computer Solutions merged to create one of the south’s largest managed service providers, with a team of over 180 people. The new name retains the legacy of the brand and adapts it to ‘Tailor’ to show how the company works individually with customers to develop bespoke solutions, rather than taking a one size-fits-all approach. Tailor Made has invested significantly in its future and operations are led by Kevin James, who joined as chief operating officer in January last year and launched the company’s cybersecurity division. Cyber-security manager Christian Cartwright joined in September 2020. “We scoured the country to find the best technicians and experts in their fields,” said Houston.
Process-driven improvements
The company has also been reaccredited for ISO 9001 (for quality management) and ISO 27001 (for information security management systems). “ISO re-accreditation enabled us to improve processes, so they are relevant for our new working world. As a result, we are delivering a first-class service to customers, from carrying out service calls to devising project methodologies,” said Houston. “Gaining re-accreditation took a huge effort but we passed with flying colours, which is a real testament to our team.”
Taking a ‘practice what we preach’ approach, Tailor Made has also retrained everyone on its service offerings, not just technicians, so they can talk authoritatively about them with customers. Re-training is proving to be an effective loyalty incentive for staff. “It is very difficult to keep good people in the IT sector, so the ones you have you want to invest in to get the best from them and to keep them,” said Houston.
New customer portal brings services together
Another innovation from the company is an online customer portal that speeds up and simplifies the way customers interact with Tailor Made. “The portal is a complete repository of everything needed to service customer accounts,” Houston explained.
“Customers can raise tickets, track progress on updates, place orders, add users and read our guides.” Streamlining the business has transformed service levels. “They are the best they have ever been and feedback from customers has been fantastic,” he noted.
Moving ahead in a positive mood
“We are hungry and in growth mode,” concluded Houston. “We have a fabulous brand and strong identity in the SME market. Our team is developing new technologies and winning new customers. We’re very optimistic about the future.”
Tom Houston, Sales Director
