IT Consultant for Small Business

Strategic IT Partner for Growing Businesses

Your business has outgrown ad-hoc tech support but doesn't need a full-time IT department. I provide the strategic technology expertise of an IT director, tailored for small and medium-sized businesses in Horsham and across West Sussex.

This Isn't Desktop Support

Let me be clear about what I do and don't do. I'm not the person you call when your laptop won't start or your printer is jamming. There are plenty of good local tech support companies for that.

What I do is help business owners and managers make better decisions about technology. I look at how your business actually operates, identify where technology is helping or hindering you, and implement solutions that genuinely improve efficiency and reduce costs. I'm the person you call when you're paying for software nobody uses, when your systems don't talk to each other, or when you know there must be a better way but don't have time to figure it out.

Think of me as an outsourced IT director or virtual CTO. I bring senior-level technology expertise to your business without the cost of a full-time hire. I help you make smart technology investments, avoid expensive mistakes, and get genuine value from the tools you're already paying for.

Desktop Support vs Strategic IT Consulting

Understanding the distinction helps you find the right help for your situation

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Desktop Support Companies

Reactive, break-fix services focused on keeping hardware and basic software running.

  • Fix computers when they break
  • Remove viruses and malware
  • Set up printers and peripherals
  • Install software on PCs
  • Basic network troubleshooting
  • Password resets
  • Hardware repairs and upgrades
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What I Do (Strategic Consulting)

Proactive, business-focused services that transform how you use technology.

  • Audit and optimize your software spend
  • Implement business management systems (ERP)
  • Administer Microsoft 365 environments
  • Automate manual business processes
  • Integrate disconnected systems
  • Develop custom business applications
  • Provide technology strategy and planning

Signs You Need Strategic IT Consulting

These are the problems that desktop support can't solve

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"We're Running on Spreadsheets"

Critical business processes managed through emailed Excel files. Version confusion, manual data entry, and no single source of truth. You know it's risky but don't have time to fix it.

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"Our Systems Don't Talk to Each Other"

Customer data in one system, orders in another, accounts in a third. Staff waste hours copying information between tools. Mistakes happen because data gets out of sync.

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"We're Paying for Software Nobody Uses"

Subscriptions that seemed like a good idea. Tools that were meant to solve problems but created new ones. You suspect you're wasting money but don't know where to start.

"Everything Takes Too Long"

Manual processes that should be automated. Staff doing repetitive tasks that computers should handle. You know there's a better way but don't have time to implement it.

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"We're Not Using Microsoft 365 Properly"

You're paying for Microsoft 365 but mostly just using email. SharePoint sits empty. Teams is confusing. Power Automate sounds useful but nobody knows how to use it.

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"We Have No IT Strategy"

Technology decisions made reactively, without a plan. No one with the expertise to evaluate options objectively. Vendors selling you things you may not need.

How I Work With Small Businesses

Project-Based Engagements: Most clients start with a specific project - implementing Microsoft 365 properly, setting up an ERP system, automating a problematic process, or conducting an IT value assessment. These have defined scopes, timelines, and deliverables.

Ongoing Advisory: Some clients retain me on a monthly basis as their outsourced IT manager or virtual CTO. I attend planning meetings, advise on technology decisions, manage vendor relationships, and ensure their technology serves their business goals. This works well for businesses that need senior IT expertise but not full-time.

One-Off Consultations: Sometimes you just need an expert opinion. Should you switch to this new software? Is your vendor's quote reasonable? How should you approach this technology problem? I offer single consultations for businesses that need guidance on specific decisions.

Services for Small Businesses

Strategic technology services tailored for SMEs

☁️

Microsoft 365 Administration

Get genuine value from your Microsoft 365 subscription with expert configuration and administration.

  • Proper setup and security configuration
  • SharePoint and Teams implementation
  • Power Platform automation
  • User training and adoption
Microsoft 365 Services
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ERP & Business Systems

Replace fragmented tools and spreadsheets with integrated business management.

  • Odoo ERP implementation
  • CRM, sales, inventory integration
  • Data migration from existing systems
  • Training and ongoing support
Odoo ERP Services
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IT Value Assessment

Find out where your technology budget is actually going and how to spend it better.

  • Software licensing audit
  • Manual process identification
  • System consolidation opportunities
  • Cost reduction recommendations
IT Value Assessment
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System Integration

Connect your business systems so data flows automatically where it needs to go.

  • API integration development
  • Microsoft Graph connections
  • Automated data synchronization
  • Workflow automation
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Custom Development

Bespoke applications when off-the-shelf software doesn't fit your needs.

  • Web applications
  • Business process tools
  • Reporting dashboards
  • Office automation
Web Development Services
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IT Strategy & Advisory

Ongoing guidance to ensure technology serves your business goals.

  • Technology roadmap planning
  • Vendor evaluation and management
  • Budget planning and optimization
  • Digital transformation guidance

Serving Horsham and Surrounding Areas

I'm based in Horsham, West Sussex, and work primarily with businesses in the local area including Crawley, Mid Sussex, the Gatwick corridor, and parts of Surrey. I'm happy to meet in person for consultations and workshops, though much of my work can be done remotely.

For the right projects, I also work with businesses further afield across the UK. Microsoft 365 administration, system integration, and many other services can be delivered entirely remotely without any loss of quality.

Let's Discuss Your Technology Challenges

Whether you have a specific project in mind or just want to explore how strategic IT consulting could help your business, I'd welcome a conversation.