Big Interview

Labyrinth Technology plots path to a successful future

“It has been an interesting year,” muses David Henderson-Begg as he reflects on the most unusual twelve months in recent history. It certainly has been. While many previously robust businesses have ceased trading, David’s company, Labyrinth Technology, has navigated successfully through the last year, expertly meeting the various challenges that have been put in its way.

“We grew our core business by 20% last year,” says David, who established the firm 20 years ago after spotting a market gap for an IT supplier that offered an exemplary customer and after-sales service. “We were quiet during the first lockdown and a couple of hospitality clients had to stand us down because they weren’t trading for large parts of the year, but overall we managed to grow our existing client base and won a major client just before the current lockdown. “Even during our quiet period we remained really proactive, keeping in touch with clients to see how we could support them and stepping up our marketing drive with a new website and a strong presence on social media. “We saw an increase in demand for services such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) but we didn’t really see a major switch to home-working because we already had systems in place for many of our clients so they could work remotely.” Not that David believes that the office market is dead; far from it. “You can’t start from the premise that everyone wants to work from home,” he says. “A lot of people need social interaction and a physical space where they can meet from time to time. Getting rid of the office building might have a short-term cost benefit but two or three years down the line companies will realise that productivity has nosedived. A hybrid model, with some remote working and some interaction in a physical office or meeting space, is likely to be the way forward.” As if to underline the point, Labyrinth Technology recently moved into new premises in Lombard Street, London, but its workforce is geared up to work remotely when required. Adapting to change has been the cornerstone of the company’s success to date, as has a keen focus on providing value-for-money IT services. These attributes have enabled David and his team of staff to build a portfolio of business clients ranging from solicitors working from home to a City of London livery firm and a major hair, beauty and cosmetics distributor. David’s insistence that the principles of honesty and transparency are upheld by every employee at all stages of client contact is a key reason why Labyrinth’s growth has been swifter than many of its competitors. Going forward, Labyrinth will continue to pursue an aggressive sales and marketing strategy – a new e-commerce platform is in the process of being launched – and support its clients’ expansion plans by providing IT services to suit their needs. David says: “Security remains a key challenge for a lot of firms. Unless they have an in-house IT expert on hand to give advice, they may not be aware of the various security weaknesses in their IT systems. There are so many threats and counters to those threats that it’s almost impossible to keep abreast of them. “We provide a range of products and services that can make IT systems more secure. This is vital to prevent data from being compromised or stolen. Protecting your business against constantly emerging cyber threats is an ongoing task, not just a one-off project. Research shows that 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses. “Regardless of your size, what sector you’re in or how sensitive your data is, the cost and disruption from a data breach, ransomware attack or other malicious activity could be substantial to your organisation. “We’re optimistic about the future. We know that there’s a growing need for IT services and we also know that some people aren’t happy with their current provider. This will provide further opportunities for us as we look to strengthen our position in the marketplace.”

“Protecting your business against constantly emerging cyber threats is an ongoing task, not just a one-off project. Research shows that 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses.”

The Inside Story David Henderson-Begg

u Favourite food?

I generally eat everything and love trying new things as

I’m a bit of a foodie! Comfort food would be a good steak. u Favourite tipple?

Red wine is my kryptonite! I also enjoy a good French

Bordeaux (with the aforementioned steak!) u Favourite holiday?

I discovered a love of cruising nearly ten years ago and have been on at least one cruise every year since. Being able to dip in and out of different cultures at the ports allows you to pick destinations that you’d like to explore in more depth in the future. u How do you spend your downtime?

I own two businesses and two houses, which doesn’t leave an awful lot of spare time! My ideal night out is a quiet evening in a good restaurant with good conversation. I have a love of all things tech so like to keep up and play with the latest gadgets. u What are your key strengths as a manager?

I listen to all opinions and viewpoints before making a decision. It’s so important to give staff a voice. u And your limitations?

My management style can be a bit military – perhaps influenced by my time in the police force. u Best thing about doing business in the borough?

Walking along the Thames Path in the summer, being a part of the events that take place around City Hall, and sampling the great places to eat and drink in Borough Market and

London Bridge. u Famous person you’d most like to dine with?

The Queen. Her experiences throughout her life and her dedication to her country are breath-taking. u Most interesting fact about yourself?

I was a professional treble soloist when I was a child.