For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), managing IT costs efficiently is crucial to maintaining a healthy bottom line while leveraging technology to support business growth. Here are some practical strategies to help SMEs manage their IT expenditures without compromising on quality or security. 1. Leverage Cloud Solutions Transition to the Cloud: One of the most effective ways to reduce IT costs is by leveraging cloud services. Cloud solutions eliminate the need for expensive on-premises hardware and provide scalable resources that grow with your business. Services like Microsoft 365, G ..read more

When discussions about cybersecurity arise, organisations often direct their focus towards external threats, inadvertently neglecting the potential risks lurking within their own walls. Whether it’s an inadvertent mistake by an employee or a purposeful leak driven by malicious intent, insider threats demand equal attention to fortify a robust cybersecurity posture. In a previous guide, we delve into the various types of insider threats that businesses should be vigilant about. In this article, we present key strategies to prevent and address these insider cybersecurity risks effectively. 1.Ele ..read more

As we approach 2024, the landscape for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK is evolving at an unprecedented pace. One key driver of this transformation is Information Technology (IT). In a world where technology is the backbone of modern business operations, staying ahead of the curve is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity. In this blog, we’ll explore the IT trends that can help elevate your SME to new heights in the coming year.    1. Embrace Cloud Computing for Enhanced Agility The era of traditional IT infrastructure is gradually giving way to the cloud ..read more

  The holiday season is upon us, and as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) gear up for increased activity, ensuring efficiency in business operations becomes more crucial than ever. In the spirit of Christmas, SMEs can unwrap the gift of streamlined processes and heightened productivity through the strategic implementation of managed services. A gift that will keep giving all year round!     Proactive IT Management for a Stress-Free Season  In the hustle and bustle in the lead-up to Christmas, SMEs can experience an upswing in business demands. Managed services ..read more

Introduction At CNS we understand the critical importance of safeguarding your SME against ransomware attacks. As your trusted IT partner, our primary goal is to ensure that your organisation remains resilient in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats. This guide outlines our expert advice and guidance on protecting your business from ransomware, as well as explaining how CNS can help you defend against malware attacks.   Understanding Ransomware What Is Ransomware? Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts your valuable data, making it inaccessible. Cybercriminals then demand ..read more

Introduction The IT setup and configuration of a new office can be an exciting yet daunting task. Over the last 20 years we’ve helped hundreds of businesses across Cheshire, Merseyside and Nrth Wales achieve smooth moves with minimal, if not zero downtime. Ensuring a smooth and efficient IT set up is crucial for the productivity and success of any modern business. From hardware to software, network infrastructure to data security, every aspect of your IT infrastructure demands careful planning and execution. To help you navigate this process, we’ve compiled an essential IT checklist for a new ..read more

Top 3 cybersecurity threats and how to combat them Cybersecurity threats to small businesses are increasing at an alarming rate. A recent study found 54% of small businesses reported experiencing Cybersecurity attacks throughout the last year. This could be due to less stringent technological defences, less awareness of threats and less time and resources to put into cyber security. For this reason, small businesses need to be more aware of the threats and how to stop them than ever before no need to worry, this blog will cover the top 3 security threats facing businesses, and how your organiz ..read more

Here are 10 features of SharePoint that you might not have been aware of Co-Authoring  One of the most valuable features SharePoint has is it allows multiple people to collaborate on the same document at the same time, making it easier for teams to work together on projects.    Mobile Access  In addition, SharePoint is accessible from any device, including smartphones and tablets, making it easy to work remotely which is perfect for a small business if you don’t yet have an office base.     Audience Targeting Another useful feature is that it also allows you ..read more

Are you getting full value from your Microsoft 365 license? Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive suite of productivity tools that have transformed the way we work especially for small businesses. With its range of applications and services, Microsoft 365 can improve collaboration, communication, and efficiency in any workplace. However, despite its many benefits, many users are not fully utilizing their Microsoft 365 licenses. In this blog, we will explore how you can get the most out of your Microsoft 365 license. Utilize OneDrive and SharePoint for Document Management OneDrive and SharePoint are ..read more

Not so long ago, businesses only had to focus on their core offer: selling products, providing services and managing customers. However, with the emergence of digital technology—from cloud storage and IP telephony to mobile applications—every business has also had to become an IT business. And that means they have to make decisions about how that IT is managed.  That’s where IT Managed Services (ITMS) come in. ITMS is an outsourcing model where a third-party provider takes over the management and maintenance of your company’s IT infrastructure. Services can include round-the-clock monitor ..read more