Michael Main

Something I've been pondering for a number of years and finally got irritated enough to post... How have IT suppliers, especially SAAS providers, managed to remove the concept of a resolution time from their service contracts? Clients pay them to deliver a service and yet, retain all the risk for the supplier not delivering, even when suffering significant service impact. The only material element that is offered is what they pass off directly down to the Cloud suppliers, Availability, retaining no risk themselves for the pain that they can inflict through bad management of services delivered by them. Surely it is within the supplier's gift to restore services to the last known working configuration within a decent timeframe so clients can manage the expectations of their customers? I get, with shared code bases, that actual fixes can be difficult to estimate and guarantee, but restoration should be manageable and actually represent a supplier's confidence in the ability to deliver its services to its clients. Time to push back against this?

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In the software development process, cloud infrastructure is a vital piece of the architecture but something that’s frequently treated as a secondary consideration, often created manually and very rarely documented. This can leave you in real trouble if for any reason you need to rebuild or duplicate your infrastructure. At Honest Burgers Ltd we’ve recently completed the task of scripting our Microsoft #Azure infrastructure using #Bicep, a domain specific language which has allowed us to automate the deployment process and makes future changes simple and fully trackable through version control. The whole process was a lot more straightforward than I initially expected and is something I would strongly recommend for anyone who builds cloud hosted systems. https://lnkd.in/exVKZ2Yy

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365 finance appoints new CEO as it targets further growth... Read More: https://lnkd.in/eUqSYmit 365 finance Warren Abbey Andrew Raphaely Martin Kennington Simon Boylan Hannah Hunt Kavina Surenthiran #BusinessNews #Growth #Finance #CEO #Appointments #UK   ·  

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Here we go... European Microsoft Fabric Community Conference kicks off with an Tutorial day. For me that means a dive in to the unicorn #microsoftfabric with the aim to see if it can replace our DWH that.is killing my budget.. #FabConEurope #microsoft #dwh #data #BC #businesscentral

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Client: We feel we're paying too much for our IT support and would like to understand if we could reduce costs while maintaining the service that users need. Us: We suggest breaking that down into three key questions: Q1 – Are there potential cost saving opportunities by changing End User Support suppliers? 🆚 Q2 – Are there opportunities to reduce cost by reducing End User Support resources (while maintaining current Service Levels)? 🤝 Q3 – Are there opportunities to reduce cost or improve the service in other ways (e.g. automation, addressing root cause, etc)? ⬅ The answer to each of the above may differ. For example, a recent client had, No, Yes, Yes We use our industry knowledge and accelerator blueprints to quickly and effectively analyse our clients' current position, compare against benchmarks, provide answers, and present clear costed recommendations to realise any additional benefits identified. Mason Advisory Limited #ServiceManagement #CX #UX #CostSavings #Balance

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HOW AN IT MANAGED SERVICES PROVIDER FOUND UK COMMISSION BASED SALE SAGENTS Accrue Tek wanted UK sales agents to sell their managed IT services and cloud based Warehouse Management Solution. They chose the Premium Service to find agents from Salesagents.uk and received 11 applications from agents in the first 19 days. THE PREMIUM SERVICE TO FIND AGENTS INCLUDES: ·      A full page advert of the sales opportunity written by our copywriters. ·      Head-Hunters making searches and calls to find suitable agents. ·      A paid, targeted online advertising campaign. ·      The sales opportunity shared to 1,000s of followers via our online presence. ·      The campaign team discuss the opportunity with agents in closed groups. ·      The opportunity is included in the sales agent newsletter. Plus, many other features and resources inside the client’s personal account area. WHAT MAKES A GOOD SALES OPPORTUNITY FOR AGENTS The Accrue Tek sales opportunity clearly presented their opportunity so agents know exactly what they will be selling and who the target market is. They are offering an attractive commission rate of 30% and recurring commission. The service offered by Accrue Tek has many unique sales points and innovative options for sales agents to present to potential customers and that customer will want. You can see the advert we created for Accrue Tek which was at the heart of the search and promotion campaign at: https://lnkd.in/eH632cUH THE RESULT When you combine a good sales opportunity an attractive reward package with the search and promotion features of the Premium service, you get applications from sales agents that fit the required profile. #salesrecuitment #salesgrowth #salesagents ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SALES AGENTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS? If you’re looking for field or telesales agents, appointment setters or introducers, or considering selling your products or services through agents, see our services at: https://lnkd.in/e99M7Bd Or feel free to message me to arrange a chat. ‘There are currently over 800 companies using our services to find sales agents.’ 

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Adopt vs Adapt. Birmingham City Council seems to be being used as an example to highlight the importance of "adopting" Oracle's out of the box solution(s) rather than "adapting" and attempting to customise. Business Change is often an overlooked element in transformation programmes. However, it is an essential component to ensuring a successful implementation, post go-live, and user adoption. As one of my consultancy clients highlighted "Oracle implementations are not purely IT Transformations, but Business Transformation too". Hays' Oracle Recruitment Practice is working with several business post go-live to maximise the value they can receive from their Oracle system. If you are business looking to implement/implementing Oracle, or have already implemented and want to optimise your system, reach out. We can supply excellent, proven resources that will ensure a strong ROI on your Oracle investment. https://lnkd.in/gtZC4Qfw

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The day has come – 7 years in retail, 34 years in IT – it’s time to retire! Monday 3rd December 1990 – I arrived at Microsoft Sandyford Main building to start working as a test engineer on Excel 3.0. Monday December 16th 2024 is my last day at Microsoft. I retire on my own terms, the time is right. In those 34 years, there was a short period away from Microsoft; to spend time with my two kids under 18 months at the time, but it all seems to roll into one. I never regretted that time out. What is my takeaway from my working career? The wonderful people I’ve met from many different countries, some of whom I hope will remain as friends. The technology is the side dish. If everyone worked with many international peers, maybe we would have less wars. People just want a happy life; we deserve better from our leaders. Remember dogmas are human inventions. Opportunities arrived in many ways and a T.S Eliot quote comes to mind “only those who risk going too far, can possibly find how far they can go”. I will not become a sedentary retiree but for me full working days are behind me. Consider 20 years is only 1000 weekends, but it is 7000 days! I hope I get that many and then some! Advice to those in early career - don’t sweat the small stuff, stay true to your values, believe in yourself (especially females) and dream big. Think positive, seek out mentors and be happy. Give a little back of your experience to those less fortunate. Keep that positive mindset, don’t trip yourself up at step one. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish!

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In case you missed it… The IR35 shift has officially taken effect as of April 5th. For businesses utilising contingent labor in the UK, staying informed is crucial. The implementation of the 'IR35 offset' brings about significant changes: 1️⃣The risk associated with employing Ltd company contractors has decreased by 75%, making it a less daunting option. 2️⃣Engaging contractors 'inside IR35' will now come with a higher cost compared to low-risk outside IR35 assignments. 3️⃣Expect a surge in outside IR35 assignments. 4️⃣ Sourcing top-tier contractors for inside IR35 roles will become increasingly challenging, or it may require heavier financial investments. These developments are promising substantial cost savings and improved resource accessibility. This serves as a catalyst for HR, Tax, Legal, and Procurement departments to reassess and refine their policies regarding ltd company contractors. My advice would be embrace the change, enjoy the benefits, and gain that competitive edge. Feel free to reach out to me via email for any questions you may have: [email protected] #IR35 #SignificantChanges

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Time for an IT Provider Review? 📉 UK businesses feel the pinch; many are overpaying for underwhelming IT support. When was the last time you reviewed your provider? ❓ Are they proactive or just firefighting issues? ❓ Are you getting real value for your money? ❓ Could a fresh approach save you time, money, and hassle? 💬 At Hybridge Solutions, we pride ourselves on flexible, cost-effective IT services. Let’s explore how we can help you do more for less in 2025. #ITSupport #BusinessSavings #SMEUK #HybridgeSolutions

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WEBINAR: IR35 Explained Join us for our first IR35/Off-payroll working webinar of the year! Whether you're a contractor, hiring manager, or business owner, this webinar will help you understand the key aspects of the legislation so you can navigate IR35 confidently and ensure compliance. The session, led by CEO Dave Chaplin will cover: 1. The history and terminology of IR35 2. Responsibilities and key exemptions 3. Operating Off-payroll 4. Status determinations and reasonable care 5. Best practice It will conclude with a Q&A session where you can ask specific IR35 related questions. Book your free place now: https://buff.ly/3M6Y0nn #IR35webinar #webinar #IR35 #IR35compliance #compliance #tax #HR #HRNews

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Where have all the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) gone? Increasingly we seem to face the challenge of finding someone truly knowledgeable in their area of the business. This seems to affect almost every function within the enterprise to one degree or another. This can make IT projects really challenging from scoping through delivery and even into testing as no-one seems to be clear on what they want or how it should work. A reminder - IT don't use the system to do your job, you do. If you have highly experienced and motivated support functions in the business then this slack may be picked up by them, but often at cost of frustrated and overworked teams who are unfairly expected to know how to do everyone's job across the organisation or mop up after them. This doesn't seem to be limited to challenging IT though - interactions with almost anyone on a technical level be they employees, customers, or vendors, seems to be getting harder. When I look at data around NZ's productivity it suggests there's a link. I'm not sure what's driving this. Is it... ·       The tyranny of a relatively small population in NZ so we don't have the truly skilled people to fill the roles? ·       The jack-of-all-trades, number-8-wire Kiwi mentality that means we have too many hats to wear, spread ourselves too thin, and never become an expert? ·       A lack of motivation (of any sort) to develop and progress in a career and become an expert? ·       A 'dumbing down' of processes and systems that means no-one needs to bother learning how things work? (looking at you too, AI) ·       A poor qualifications framework and a slightly flawed immigration policy that is not actually delivering the skilled resource we need? ·       A lack of investment in our people in terms of training and career development, so we never create experts? Perhaps it’s all of them. Either way, fault doesn't lie completely with the employee but there is certainly some personal responsibility involved. I was always taught to do the best job I could and keep learning. Has that disappeared now? Don't get me wrong, there are always pockets within businesses (or even entire businesses) that are full of SMEs and operate quite efficiently. However, there are plenty that a full of unmotivated, bureaucratic jobsworths filling a role but adding no value (and not just government departments). Its concerning as we move into an era that will supposedly be based around AI and automation - who will feed the AI? Will the experts that have up until now generated the content that we want to consume gradually dwindle away until everyone is churning out the same boilerplate information from their favourite LLM? Hopefully, we're all doing our best to build SMEs wherever and whenever we get the opportunity. P.S I wrote this; no AI was involved.

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Comms Business Feature | 'Adding Value with Microsoft Teams' 👥 In an increasingly-saturated market, how can you stand out from the crowd and add more value, especially with Microsoft services? Our Solutions Consultant, Chris Eaton, talks with other industry insiders exclusively to Comms Business magazine! Read Full Article Here: https://hubs.li/Q02M8B-q0 #commsbusiness #addingvalue #microsoftteams #solutions #commsbusinessmagazine #evolveipemea

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Our team spotlight this month is shining on Chris Brett 👨‍💻, our Senior IT Recruitment Consultant. Chris joined earlier in the year to launch and spearhead our IT division, bringing expertise and a passion for matching top IT talent with the perfect roles with clients across the UK. Stay tuned as we uncover Chris's journey, insights, and experiences in the recruitment industry. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? I have been in recruitment for 5 years and 6 months. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧? I solely specialise in IT recruitment. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? IT as an industry is constantly evolving and is probably, in my opinion, the most fast-paced for growth and innovation. With this in mind, IT talent is snapped up quickly, driven by the need for companies to constantly be moving forward and developing their tech teams to stay ahead of the curve. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫? The best advice I have received is that “Interviews work both ways; it is as much of an interview for the client as it is for the candidate. It isn’t a one-way street.” 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠? If I am not playing football or in the gym, you can find me in a sauna somewhere. I find physical activities really help me relax and relieve stress, enabling a clearer mind which helps me prepare for the busy week of recruitment activities ahead. #nmsrecruit #teamspotlight #recruitment #gettoknow

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84% of UK business leaders are facing the issue of an IT and tech skills shortage. Discover more findings in our independent report #IT #Skilsgaps #technews

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