Revival Group

CASE STUDY: The Revival Group is the only nationwide independent disaster recovery company in the UK. It has a network of 18 offices, all staffed by experienced restoration specialists who work with some of the world’s leading insurers to handle their customers’ claims. The company works closely with both the insurance company and the insured to organise a suitable recovery plan, meaning the property is restored to the highest standards.

 

Support from the start

Boffins has managed the Revival Group’s IT needs right from the start, when the company was in its fledgling stage with just a couple of computers. As the company expanded - including moves to bigger premises - Boffins ensured that its ever changing IT needs were met, including installation of a fully functioning network.

On the move

The Revival Group recently moved for the second time, with the company deciding that this time it needed to install a large dedicated server to replace the designated PC that it used for a server at the previous premises. Boffins found the most suitable server for them and got it set up nice and quickly - and well within budget - to ensure minimum disruption during the move.

While the company had needed a bigger server for some time, it had decided to hold out until it had moved premises. In the meantime, Boffins ensured that everything ran as smoothly as possible on the existing server. “The server at our old office really wasn’t good enough, but Boffins held it all together until we were ready to move and install the new one,” says Revival Group Managing Director Jim Herrington.

Cable guys

Boffins set the company up with a new Avaya phone system, cabling the offices with CAT5E for voice and data. It also installed audio-visual equipment for the meeting rooms. “Boffins were fantastic,” says Jim. “They made sure that any IT problems associated with moving were kept to a minimum. We had issues with broadband at the new premises, which we were not expecting, but Boffins were great. They sorted it all out seamlessly. They totally came through for us.”

Rapid response

While Boffins does not offer round-the-clock service, it somehow feels like it does, says Jim. “Because of the nature of our business, Revival is a 24/7 company; Boffins doesn’t actually offer a 24 -hour service, but it always seems to be available to help. Its service has been excellent from day one - always above and beyond expectations. In terms of response, it pulls out all the stops, and in an emergency help is instant. They have never let us down.”

Final verdict

“Boffins might not be the cheapest,” says Jim, “but they are worth every penny. The regular support is great. We get monthly visits to check everything is okay, and we have an excellent relationship with them - we are all on first name terms and they never blind us with science. There’s a real trust there which is something you can’t put a price on.”

Alpeco

CASE STUDY: Alpeco Limited is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of liquid handling equipment to the road tanker and industrial petrochemical industry. The company has over 25 years experience of identifying and meeting the needs of this complex and ever-changing market place. Alpeco operates by taking ‘best of breed’ products from world-leading suppliers, and packages them together with products that it manufactures itself. This ensures its customers get optimal solution for their specific requirements.

Burgeoning requirements

Having started out many years ago with just one PC and a rudimentary accounting system, the company found itself out of its depth on the IT front once its business grew. In order to keep up with its ever-expanding operations, it suddenly needed an integrated accounts system and a network supported by a central server.

Lasting relationship

Having looked at several different IT suppliers, Alpeco appointed local company Boffins. And it clearly made the right choice because more than a decade later Boffins is still providing the group with IT support and hosting its server. “For as long as I can remember Boffins has taken care of all our IT requirements,” says Alpeco Managing Director Stephen Penn. “We have a very good relationship with them. We know all the staff there - in fact, many have been there helping us from the start. So everything works very well and they consistently demonstrate a real empathy for how our business runs and our particular requirements.”

Just a phone call away

Stephen says that Boffins ensures Alpeco’s IT system runs like clockwork. They come into the office once a month to check everything over, carry out upgrades and make sure the group’s IT needs are being adequately met. On the rare occasions that problem s occur, support is carried out remotely, where possible. But if required, Boffins can be on site in less than two hours. “Ninety-nine per cent of the time we don’t need them because everything runs so smoothly,” says Stephen. “But in that one per cent situation that you do need them, they are there. It’s just a case of picking up the phone. There have been a couple of occasions over the years where we have had urgent problems and each time Boffins was here within half an hour.”

Cost-efficiencies

Boffins recently helped Alpeco with its move to Aylesbury, installing and supporting a new phone and server system, while keeping things as cost-effective as possible by maintaining existing hardware.

Final verdict

“Having used Boffins for all this time, I would, of course, recommend them to any company,” says Stephen. “The peace of mind that we get from knowing they are taking care of our IT needs is invaluable.”

Neftex

 

CASE STUDY: Neftex Petroleum Consultants Ltd is the world leader in the provision of web-based sequence stratigraphic data and interpretations to the hydrocarbon industry. The company provides an online digital Global Earth Model to clients (developed using sequence stratigraphy) including all supporting data. Using this model it delivers global strategic efficiencies, synergies and value for its client companies, through both its licensed products and consulting services.

Personal service

Neftex was looking for a different kind of IT support - “more personalised, and dedicated” than its incumbent supplier - and was in desperate need of a
server upgrade.

Comfort zone

The group approached Boffins on the basis of a recommendation and referral. “They gave an excellent presentation,” says Neftex Technical Director Dr Dave Casey. “We felt very comfortable that we would get a great service from them. They seemed to have a personal approach to support – which turned out to be true. And we liked the fact that they obviously did lots of pre-emptive work to prevent problems.”

On time… under budget

Boffins’ recently implemented a new server system to replace the existing outdated one. The company installed a 90-user EBS on four Hewlett Packard blade servers with a separate data security system. Delivering on time and under budget – with an additional server supplied for free – the company impressed Neftex enormously. “They understood exactly what was needed and worked very hard to ensure there was no disruption of our day-to-day business,” says Dr Casey. “We even made savings on the cost of the implementation.”

Going the extra mile

As for ongoing IT support, Dr Casey says the company now has the continuity it needs. “Boffins’ staff are very experienced and they understand exactly what is needed.” He has also been impressed by the company’s flexibility. “We have clients around the world, and Boffins never leaves us in the lurch. What we also like is that they are helpful in recommending things but are never pushy with it.”

Final verdict

Dr Casey says that since hiring Boffins the company feels much more in control of its IT Infrastructure. “Prevention of problems is very important to us – in the past we didn’t have that. It feels like a partnership rather than a regular client/supplier relationship and that has definitely been a key part of the success. We feel very comforted by the fact that we are in good hands and would absolutely recommend Boffins to any company.”

Reed Harris

CASE STUDY: Fulham and Reading-based tile specialist Reed Harris has developed one of the most exciting, sophisticated and contemporary ranges of ceramic, porcelain, glass and mosaic tile collections in the UK, as well as the more traditional natural stone wall, floor, interior and exterior tiles.

Sourced from leading manufacturers, Reed Harris’s tiles and fitting accessories are recognised for their quality by in-the-know professionals, with regular customers including interior designers and architects.

A “new broom”

In the past, Reed Harris’s IT support had been, in its own words “very piecemeal”, and when it realised it needed to upgrade its server it decided to bring in a new broom. “We really needed some reliable IT support, especially with the opening of our new branch in Reading” says Reed Harris Financial Controller Martyn Legg. “In short, a supplier that was responsive and that would listen to our needs.”

“Robust and reliable”

Having put the contract out to tender, Boffins, easily won the pitch. “Everything about Boffins fitted the bill,” says Martyn. “Their pricings were spot-on and they never tried to up-sell products or services that we had no need of. Their approach and attitude were down-to-earth. They listened to us, taking proper note of what we needed, and were always robust and reliable in their response.”

Facing the future

With Boffins on board, Reed Harris can now rely on quarterly site visits, round-the-clock technical support, regular preventative checks and audits of IT equipment, and general advice on issues relating to its IT infrastructure. “We really feel we can face the future with proper guidance in terms of our IT systems,” says Martyn.

Peace of mind

What Martyn also highlights is the peace of mind that Boffins has facilitated. “Prior to drafting in Boffins, IT issues were always preying on our minds. We never really knew where we stood with our systems. With Boffins, if we email or call we know they’ll get back to us on the same day and let us know what to expect.”

Optimum service

Investment in new IT and a top-notch supplier has also enabled Reed Harris to offer its customers an optimum service. “It was really helpful when we opened our new branch,” says Martyn. “We achieved new levels of efficiency and were really able to look after our customers. Now we spend a lot less time trying to sort out problems and a lot more time looking after our customers and boosting business. What once occupied a half day per week is now little more than one hour per week.”

Final verdict

“Boffins has enabled us to make balanced decisions and improve business efficiency - all the while staying right on budget.”

Visit Reed Harris at www.reedharris.co.uk

Aerospace Fasteners

CASE STUDY: Established in 1993, Aerospace Fasteners is a stockist and distributor of quality fasteners, components and seals for the aerospace, defence and motorsport industries, supplying products from the world’s leading manufacturers of aerospace parts.

 

Experience counts

Aerospace Fasteners’ highly experienced sales staff are experts in their field, boasting the engineering skills required to offer first-class assistance and advice on product selection.

Long-term partner

As part of an overall supplier appraisal, Aerospace Fasteners recently reviewed its IT support and decided it was very happy to stick with Boffins, which has been supplying IT support to the group for a number of years. “Boffins has been doing a great job for us for a long time,” says the group’s sales manager, Dean Gendall. “For instance, when our company relocated – which always proves problematic – Boffins did a sterling job of ensuring that we were up-and-running again in no time. There was no way we were going to get in a new supplier”.

Getting on with business

Because Aerospace Fasteners’ business is so client-focused the company needs to be able to totally rely on its IT system, which is why it originally brought in the specialist support offered by Boffins. “These days we can just forget about our IT and get on with looking after the customer and running the business,” says Dean.

Forward-thinking

What the group has been particularly impressed with is Boffins’ proactive approach to trouble-shooting. “If we have any kind of problem then we call and they get it sorted immediately – usually via remote management – and they don’t blind us with science but instead speak to us in layman’s terms. They are very responsive and the whole thing is seamless. But what is really brilliant is that they are constantly checking to ensure that problems don’t occur in the first place. A lot of work is done behind the scenes on the network and desktops without our knowledge to prevent issues arising, plus there is a comprehensive monthly check. To be honest, we have had no issues or downtime for four-to-five years, which tells its own story.”

Staying up-to-date

Dean explains that Boffins also conducts an annual review to ensure that IT systems and equipment is always up-to-date and that the company continues to get the best price on its technology.

Final verdict

“I would recommend Boffins to any company,” says Dean. “They are both highly professional and excellent value for money. We never suffer from IT worries or hassles, leaving us to get on with our day jobs.”

Concept Smoke Systems

CASE STUDY: Maidenhead-based Concept Smoke Systems designs and manufactures non-toxic smoke generating equipment for military, security and industrial use.    

 

Cohesive approach

On a recommendation, Concept Smoke Systems asked Boffins to review its IT infrastructure with the aim of improving the overall performance and reliability. Trevor Dunnington, Concept’s Technical Director comments “Prior to working with Boffins, we had an ad-hoc local network in place that we found somewhat slow and unreliable, with the additional issue that if one of our PCs went down, we lost accessibility and valuable information for hours at a time”.

Comprehensive review

As requested, Boffins carried out an on-site review of Concept’s existing systems, completely reviewing their IT needs against the capacity of their existing system, and evaluating what the best solution would be for the company going forward.

Supplying the goods

Having discussed the findings of its review with Concept and agreed an installation plan, Boffins went on to order all the necessary hardware, networking and application software needed to bring the company’s systems totally up-to-date. Engineers from Boffins then implemented the new server and installed new software, ensuring that everything was working satisfactorily before leaving site.

No emergency required

After the initial installation, what has really impressed Concept Smoke Systems about Boffins is its ongoing consistently high levels of support. “Their support is excellent and I would highly recommend them to anyone,” says Trevor. “They are exceptionally good in an emergency. The response times for telephone support are always excellent and the dial in facility for remote support is very efficient. The opening of the Thames Valley office has been particularly advantageous for us as it means that if we urgently need an engineer on site, they can be with us in a very short space of time. Even if it isn’t an urgent issue, Boffins are happy to send an engineer out to us to help with technical issues”.

The personal touch

“It’s great that we generally deal with the same person - it avoids that whole learning curve scenario. However, even if our usual contact is away, we find that other representatives have a good level of knowledge surrounding our set-up”.

Seamless transitions

And as Concept Smoke Systems’ IT requirements move with the times, Boffins is always there to ensure a seamless transition. “Obviously, we have to upgrade our systems and stay on top of technological developments,” says Trevor. “We would always look to Boffins to install and integrate the most appropriate software and upgrades, and they have really helped us out with things like firewalls etc.”

Final verdict

“We completely trust Boffins to look after our best interests,” concludes Trevor. “They make it their business to ensure that the necessary systems are in place and that performance on those systems is optimised. “I would be happy to recommend the team at Boffins to other users”.

Lightfoots Solicitors

CASE STUDY: Lightfoots are a progressive firm of Solicitors based in Thame, Oxfordshire who have been giving advice since 1853. They offer a wide range of legal services for both business and private clients. In addition, they offer a full independent estate agency, a letting agency and residential property management department.

Boffins Contribution

Boffins have been working with Lightfoots since 1998 when we were first asked to help the company develop an integrated networking strategy. Until that time, Lightfoots had relied upon a few separate systems for stand-alone applications.

Today Lightfoots have over 100 workstations and 9 servers operating in a single homogenous network over 3 main sites, and a number of home users using Microsoft Terminal Services.

This network provides the infrastructure for several key operating systems including databases and workflow for mortgage processing, conveyancing, lettings management, debt collection, accounting, electronic mail, and digital dictation as well as normal office applications such as Word and Excel and electronic document archiving.
Key issues that have been addressed by Boffins are network performance, network security, safe Internet access, data integrity, system resilience, and disaster recovery.

Outcome

Since discovering Boffins, Lightfoots have revolutionised their business. “We have improved efficiency and cut costs as a direct result of the technology Boffins has introduced. These systems have also allowed us to expand our business without increasing man power” said Gareth Compton, Lightfoots IT Manager.

“By investing in technology our staff have been able to process significantly more work than before. We have also been able to expand into additional sites without losing touch with the business.”

“The best attraction of using technology this way is that we have significantly increased our net profit. We really couldn’t have progressed our business without it.”

Wellers Accountants

CASE STUDY:  Wellers is a leading accountancy practice in the South East, with a seventy five strong team of experienced professionals based in four locations throughout Oxfordshire and London. Their innovative practice works for a diverse range of local businesses and organisations as well as for many private clients.

Background

Wellers are no ordinary accountancy practice. Although they share the profession’s traditional values of trust, knowledge and independence, they go much further, basing their business on a culture of accessibility and friendliness.

Their aim is to improve the performance and profitability of their clients’ business by helping them realise their potential.

Boffins Contribution

Boffins was asked to help the company improve communications within the team and with its clients. Until that time, each Wellers office had its own separate disconnected systems.
Today each member of the Wellers team is connected in a single homogenous network over the four main sites and a number of home users enabling them to communicate freely and share company and client data with ease.

Key issues that have been addressed by Boffins are network scope and performance, network security, safe Internet access, data integrity, system resilience, and improved communications.

Boffins have provided all the server hardware, system software, wide area networking, and the know-how necessary to support this dynamic services business.

Outcome

Since discovering Boffins, Wellers have revolutionised communications within their business. “We can now use electronic mail with confidence to communicate with each other and with our clients” said Andrew Dore, Senior Partner.

“Being able to view each other’s calendars and schedule meetings in Exchange has made us much more effective. The use of Terminal Services and Virtual Private Networking has also enabled us to easily access data in our other offices.”

Rye St Antony

CASE  STUDY:  Rye St Antony is an highly regarded independent girl’s school in Oxford. Educating approximately 400 girls from the age of 3 to 18 and boys aged 3 to 8, the school places great store on personal development and the value of each person as an individual.

Background

The school needed to develop its IT capability in line with current government guidelines and demonstrate to prospective parents that they had state of the art ICT facilities.

Boffins Contribution

Boffins have been working with Rye St Antony since the summer of 2001 when we were first asked to help the school renew its ICT teaching equipment. Boffins has since upgraded both teaching and operational servers, and the networks to develop an integrated and secure networking strategy across the entire school.

Today Rye St Antony School has over 200 workstations and 8 servers operating in a single homogenous yet firewall protected network covering eight buildings over the 12 acre site.
This network provides the infrastructure for students, teachers, and staff supporting interactive smart boards, electronic mail, safe internet browsing, and the bursary needs, as well as standard file and print functions.

Key issues that have been addressed by Boffins are network performance, network security, safe Internet access, data integrity, system resilience, and disaster recovery.
Boffins have provided all the hardware, system software, and know-how necessary to support this dynamic school environment.

Outcome

Since discovering Boffins, Rye St Antony have revolutionised their use of IT. “Since using Boffins the effectiveness and reliability of our ICT resources have improved dramatically and the confidence of our teaching staff in using it has grown accordingly” said Drew Pocock, Rye’s IT Manager.

“By adopting the professional business approaches and standards that Boffins have introduced we have been able to rely upon our IT investment to perform at all times.”

Wise & Co

CASE STUDY: Wise & Co accountants are a local practise based in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. The business is based around a single practitioner, Chris Wise, and three administration staff.

Wise & Co offer a wide range of business accounting services, including tax planning for individuals, partnerships and limited companies.

Boffins Contribution

Boffins relationship with Wise & Co goes back ten years. At this point, Wise & Co were using 2 disconnected PC’s for basic administration purposes; invoicing, Excel & Word documents. It wasn’t until Boffins suggested developing the current system did Chris Wise really understand the benefits to his business.
Boffins developed a number of email accounts via a ‘Small Business Server’, a document sharing facility and networked printers, scanners and copiers. Boffins were also well placed to advise Chris on how to set up an efficient electronic shared filing system.

Today, each staff member of the Wise & Co team is connected to a single homogenous network enabling them to communicate freely and share company and client data.
Key issues addressed by Boffins were network scope and performance, network security, safe internet access, data integrity, system resilience and vastly improved communications.
Boffins have provided all the server hardware, system software, local area networking and importantly, the know-how necessary to support this dynamic services business.

Outcome

Since Boffins and Wise & Co started working together. Chris has revolutionised his business.

“Since investing in new technology, we have increased our productivity and been able to effectively communicate internally and with clients via email” said Chris Wise. “It has meant that we can take on new clients without worrying about the additional work load. We’re also able to share each other’s calendars and schedule meetings.”