CompanyNet, acquired by Core Technology Systems in 2022, is a leading UK Microsoft Solutions Partner. Organisations across the country trust them to advise, design, deliver and support Microsoft 365 and Azure solutions.
The Challenge
Back in 1996, when CompanyNet was founded, PCs were still running Windows 95, the first Tomb Raider game was wowing players, and fancy new gizmos like the internet and email were taking the world of business by storm. Since those early days, CompanyNet has helped its clients handle hardware and software, ranging from public sector bodies such as the Scottish Government, Scottish Water, and the Student Loans Company through to businesses including Coca-Cola, Disney, and Tesco Bank.
Today, as one of Microsoft’s Gold partners, much of CompanyNet’s work involves “the cloud” – storing programs and files remotely on servers instead of on individual computers. But with greater use of the cloud comes increased risk of cyber attacks.
CompanyNet has always taken cyber security seriously, and consistently assessed the risks. With so much of its work taking place in the cloud, the business needed to make a fundamental change in how it handled and managed those risks.
The Solution
Blackford created a separate cyber security package for CompanyNet. That package involved not only the insurance policies themselves but also the wider change in attitude that was needed to address the risks from cyber threats.
As well as arranging all CompanyNet’s policies, Blackford has been instrumental in helping the business to grow. When CompanyNet was bidding for a large contract from a major public infrastructure company, it was Blackford that quickly arranged the dramatic increase in insurance cover the client required, allowing CompanyNet to complete the pre-qualification questionnaire and go on to win the contract.
Building up a strong relationship with its broker over many years has also made the company’s annual insurance review simple. Blackford brings suggestions to the table and CompanyNet has used words like “thoroughness” and “integrity” to describe the research behind those suggestions, allowing the client to make decisions easily, without needing to go away and do its own background research.
“The care and attention that comes from Blackford is second to none. That’s the way I seek to do business – the relationship we have with Blackford is the relationship that I want to have with my own customers.”
What The Client Said
“People matter in business – Alan has been a contact since I engaged him with a company called Phone Box back in the late 1990s, and the service we’ve had has always been exemplary. When Alan joined Blackford, we had every reason to continue that relationship.
“The care and attention that comes from Blackford is second to none. That’s the way I seek to do business – the relationship we have with Blackford is the relationship that I want to have with my own customers.
“It makes insurance, which is a difficult topic, a much more pleasurable experience. It doesn’t get better than that.”
