Corporate Profiles

Chris Tyler, CEO of Syscomm.

A Coventry IT firm has been supporting its clients through the pandemic after seeing Covid-19 create new opportunities for cybercriminals.

Syscomm, a family firm established in 1984, has been delivering strategic IT solutions for more than 35 years, with an ethos of operating at the forefront of technology and IT methodology.

As a Managed IT Services provider with an array of clients across the UK, Syscomm witnessed a distinct shift in the cyberthreat landscape over the past year, as ransomware became the most significant cybersecurity threat faced by organisations.

Covid-19 forced organisations to rapidly change how they operate, which created new opportunities for cybercriminals.

Syscomm’s CEO Chris Tyler said: “What we at Syscomm experienced is that few business functions shifted priorities so quickly when the Covid-19 crisis struck as corporate cybersecurity operations.

“As legions of employees suddenly found themselves in a work-fromhome model, many of our clients pivoted from working on routine tasks to establishing secure connections for their newly-formed remote workforces.

“And now many of these clients continue to bolster their network infrastructure and security as the new models of working are embedded into their business.

“As society’s dependence on technology increases and cyberthreats evolve, the approach to security also needs to change. To succeed in today’s digital world, cybersecurity needs to be embedded in everything that a business does.”

Over the past year, many of Syscomm’s clients have sped up their cloud journey, spurred on in part because cloud security also means better business outcomes, in terms of speed, scalability, and costs.

Darren Bindert, Marketing Manager for Syscomm, added: "Cloud security may seem a well-worn topic, but as the technology and the use-cases evolve, so do the considerations for securing networks and data.

“Businesses have realised that there is a ‘false security’ in keeping their operations confined to the four walls of an in-house datacentre. And now almost every business, from small to large, relies at least in part on the Cloud to support their IT infrastructure.

“Any form of reliance on traditional security methods has become instantly outdated in 2021. They not only put businesses at a disadvantage, particularly when looking to manage a new remote workforce, but they also make companies a bigger target for today’s sophisticated ransomware threats.”

During the last year, Syscomm has been working in partnership with CyberClan to offer best in class network architecture, maintenance and support.

This has been supplemented by CyberClan’s follow-the-sun security analytics services to provide holistic infrastructure aligned to technical and security best practice as well as CyberClan’s Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Security Event Monitoring (SIEM) services.

Syscomm’s managed cyber defence solution gives businesses forensic level, data-driven protection against emerging cyberattacks and enhanced visibility into potential incidents.

It offers a 24/7 service to ensure that business operations remain resilient, striving to help customers increase productivity, improve work efficiency, and see a return on their valuable investment.

Syscomm helps businesses across various industries to plan, integrate, manage, maintain and sustain a robust and secure IT infrastructure while focussing on helping them enhance business value through IT.

Further information about Syscomm can be found at http://www.syscomm.co.uk

IT firm sees Covid-19 trigger cybercrime pandemic

“Businesses have realised that there is a ‘false security’ in keeping their operations confined to the four walls of an in-house datacentre. And now almost every business, from small to large, relies at least in part on the Cloud to support their IT infrastructure."

Rugby security firm set to expand

A security firm in Rugby is launching a brand-new arm of the business to provide storage solutions for its clients’ most valuable possessions.

StoneWall Security is set to launch Stonewall Vaults, a safety deposit box service that will provide customers with a secure method of storage away from their homes.

The business, based at Mitchell Court, is due to open on August 20 and will house 1,800 secure boxes which can store anything from valuables and keepsakes to important documents.

With years of experience in providing security services to businesses and homes across the country, the business will also provide additional services such as security escorting to offer extra peace of mind while transporting valuables.

Clients are also offered complete confidentiality, and secure viewing rooms will be available so that the contents of safety deposit boxes can be viewed in privacy.

StoneWall Security, which is based at Aspects House in Somers Road, was established by Clare Randall and her husband, Martin, in 2008.

It has 50 members of staff and works with clients across the region to provide security services for businesses and events.

These range from static manned guarding services, key holding and alarm response to mobile patrols and the provision of highly-trained and experienced door supervisors and security officers.

The expansion of the business came when Clare noticed a gap in the market for a safety deposit box service in the area.

She said: “We are extremely excited to launch Stonewall Vaults which compliments the services we offer at StoneWall Security perfectly.

“Covid has seen us experience a quieter period, but we saw this as an opportunity to develop the business further and it’s excellent to see our plans come to fruition.

“At one time people used to use banks to store their valuables, but we are currently seeing more and more branches not only closing their vaults but shutting down completely.

“This, combined with the fact that criminals are becoming more sophisticated, means that there is an increasing need for secure storage solutions.

“Our vast experience in the security industry means that we are wellplaced to provide a first-class storage solution for valuables.

“We offer a flexible service which can be tailored to suit the needs of our clients, and also offer additional security measures such as escorting should it be required.

“We aim to provide clients with complete peace of mind by offering the best possible solution for anyone looking for a secure place to store their possessions.

“We aim to provide clients with complete peace of mind by offering the best possible solution for anyone looking for a secure place to store their possessions."

Stonewall Vaults is set to open at Mitchell Court, in Rugby, with work currently underway to transform the building.

“Anyone who would like to find out more is asked to get in touch to speak to one of our expert advisors.”

Further information about Stonewall Vaults can be found by visiting https:// www.stonewallvaults.co.uk while more information about StoneWall Security can be found at https:// www.stonewallsecurity.co.uk/

Multi-million pound refurbishment for Warwickshire hotel

A Warwickshire hotel and spa is providing guests with a luxurious staycation steeped in history following a £5.6 million refurbishment.

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is based at the heart of rural Warwickshire, nestled in 11 acres of countryside and just three miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Following an extensive £5.6 million refurbishment during 2020, guests can expect newly-refurbished bedrooms complete with rich, warm designs, upgraded guest spaces and a stunning restaurant featuring original 16th century oak panelling.

Many of the bedrooms have been expertly upgraded with sumptuous new furnishings including four poster beds, period fireplaces and contemporary fabrics, ensuring a charming blend of traditional and modern.

Communal spaces have also been enhanced with a new look, still in keeping with the former 16th century Elizabethan home’s historic charm.

The incredible transformation includes the grand welcoming reception area, Great Hall and gallery as well as the Stuart Restaurant where guests can indulge in everything from themed afternoon teas to exclusive gastronomic delights with locally-sourced produce.

Plush, velvet furniture has been added throughout the property, whilst artwork by Pratiksha Tayal brings a contemporary twist to the traditional paintings that previously adorned the walls, creating a timeless luxury haven for all guests to enjoy.

A variety of conference spaces have also been refreshed, and an ambient library adorned with a ceiling of floating books provides a light-filled area for relaxation or inspiration, said to be where William Shakespeare wrote his famous comedy ‘As You Like It’.

The venue also includes a newlyrenovated spa where guests can take a dip in the pool followed by a steam and a sauna, or make use of the secluded yoga hut and fantastic gym facilities, and its wedding venue has also been refurbished, making it the perfect place to experience the unforgettable first moments as newlyweds.

Billesley Manor is a unique 125-year-old property which boasts charming grounds, complete with an 11th century church and a listed, ornate topiary garden.

Listed in the 1086 Domesday book commissioned by William the Conqueror, the Billesley Estate has an expansive history dating back to 705 AD.

William Shakespeare also allegedly married Anne Hathaway in the All Saints Church next to the hotel, and whose granddaughter followed suit by getting wed in the very same place.

Stephen Fearnley FIH, General Manager of Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, said: “It’s been incredibly exciting to see the renovations of Billesley Manor unfold.

“Following an extensive £5.6 million refurbishment we are delighted to be able to provide guests with an even more enjoyable experience.

Expansion for digital design company

A Coventry-based digital design company has expanded to cater for growing demand as an increasing number of businesses look to create apps to improve processes.

Image+ Limited, based at Electric Wharf, has taken on four new members of staff in its App division of the company ‘Apps Plus’.

The team in Coventry has welcomed Vikki Walsh as Marketing Manager and Richard Clements as Head App Developer, while App Developer Harry Messenger and Apprentice Tom Unsworth have joined the new Apps Plus Manchester office as the company not only looks to grow its client base in the north, but truly embrace remote working to ensure it has the very best talent on board.

Apps Plus is a digital product agency which crafts and manufactures all projects in-house, creating bespoke apps to meet the requirements of each individual client.

Apps can not only enable businesses to connect with consumers, something which Apps Plus has seen a huge boost in as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also digitalise and simplify processes to save time and ensure that data is accessible to those authorised to access it.

The company has worked with clients ranging from SMEs to multinational companies based across the UK, including those in the automotive, travel, hospitality, leisure, property, development, charity and entertainment industries.

Its latest project is the launch of its very own smartphone app ‘Under Construction’ which really raises the bar in terms of ensuring site safety and allows construction companies to easily manage and track all their compliance and safety data in one place.

The app enables construction managers to spot potential problems much faster thereby reducing the level of risk - which is absolutely vital in the construction industry - as well as streamlining project management.

Updates on progress at the site can be seen in real-time and notifications can be sent to users alerting them to any upcoming issues, such as safety certificate expiration dates. Documents can also be shared with a firm’s principal contractor at any time.

Under Construction was refined by Apps Plus after Birmingham-based construction firm Gridlocked – which specialises in installing ceiling and partition systems in a wide variety of buildings - used the app for several months, and is now available for the wider market to download and use.

Apps Plus is a division of Image+ which offers a wide range of services including website design and development, digital marketing, branding and the design of promotional material.

Alan Hartin, managing director of Image+ Limited, said: “We are seeing an increasing number of businesses utilising apps. This could be to connect to consumers for processes such as mobile ordering, or for internal purposes such as digitalising paper processes or streamlining and simplifying lengthy processes which use other software.

“Previously only niche or very forward-thinking businesses could see the potential of apps, but this is changing and now some businesses are viewing apps as being just as important as their websites.

“And it’s not just large businesses which are taking advantage of the apps

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa is welcoming guests following a £5.6 million refurbishment.

“From the gorgeous grounds and unique topiary garden to the upgraded bedrooms and renovated spa, guests won't be disappointed.

“Billesley is a charming 16th century country hotel and it was important for guests to experience this history while adding a contemporary twist, which we've balanced perfectly.”

Further details about Billesley Manor and booking information can be found at https://www.billesleymanor.com/

“Following an extensive £5.6 million refurbishment we are delighted to be able to provide guests with an even more enjoyable experience."

space – we are currently working with businesses of all sizes across a wide range of industries.

“One of the exciting projects we have recently completed is our Under Construction app.

“We saw a gap in the market for an app to support the construction industry, and Under Construction will be unique for each company that uses it.

“We would encourage any construction firms looking to increase their efficiency to get in touch.”

More about Image+ is available at https://www.image-plus.co.uk/ while further details about App Plus can be found at https://www.apps-plus.co.uk/

“Previously only niche or very forward-thinking businesses could see the potential of apps, but this is changing and now some businesses are viewing apps as being just as important as their websites."