Month: April 2023
ASCEND
Taking IT Support to a higher level.
ASCEND is our all-inclusive managed IT service agreement - making a positive impact towards your business’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Every business is on a journey
ASCEND is designed to guide your business to become digitally enabled with a bespoke IT Roadmap, in simple, achievable steps.
Enabling Business Leaders
ASCEND frees visionary business leaders to focus and thrive. We deploy technology to solve your challenges and maximise efficiencies, helping your business to innovate and grow.
Find out moreEmpowering IT Leaders
As well as supporting your core business technology and security, ASCEND helps you focus on initiatives that drive insights, efficiencies and the profitability of your business. Onboarding ASCEND can be a great career move.
Find out moreDelivering a Digital Workplace
ASCEND’s modern workplace strategy outlines how technology can be used to improve your employee experience and engagement, through improved collaboration, communication, productivity, learning, and well-being.
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No additional costs, no surprises
Billed on a per-user-per-month basis, all your IT Managed Services and Support are delivered as standard. This means all your critical IT and Communication Projects are delivered within this cost too.
Wherever you are on your IT journey, ASCEND enables you to implement and drive business-critical technology projects without the upfront Capex investment – where and when you need them.
ASCEND’s unique technology roadmap allows you to clearly present your IT strategy and costs to all the relevant stakeholders within your business.
What’s special about ASCEND?

PredictableFees
Billed on a per-user-per-month basis. Everything is included apart from your hardware and software licensing costs, so there are no surprises.
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Consultancy & Projects
No extra capital costs are required to move essential tech projects forward. They are simply spread throughout the lifetime of your contract.
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Dedicated Account Director
Ensures a high-touch strategic approach to technological deployment and utilisation across your business.
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Digital Transformation
We work with key stakeholders to understand your business and how to use technology to achieve your business goals and overcome challenges.
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OutstandingSupport
Unrivalled support for your on-premises infrastructure and Cloud incidents – across the Microsoft platform.
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Infrastructure Monitoring
Advanced proactive monitoring and alerts, designed to keep your business online and connected.
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Proactive Security
Implementation of rigid security systems and protocols, protecting your business from the threat of cyber criminals.
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Training & Knowledge Sharing
Free learning resources and webinars providing invaluable insights from our leading experts.
Find out more“ASCEND fits our requirements perfectly and the feedback we have from users is that Utilize repeatedly delivers on the agreed service terms”
Kirk Dugard
AGM Group

Digital transformation
Innovative technology to empower people and drive success.
We take the time to understand your business, its challenges, goals and everyday processes to help drive efficiencies and profitability.
Together, we’ll empower your team to adopt technologies that allow them to work and communicate more collaboratively, gain greater data insights and to redesign and automate mundane time-consuming tasks. Facilitating an environment whereby the adoption and use of technology is continuous, supported effectively and focused on driving measurable change within your business.
Learn moreConsultation and Projects
Why wait to implement business-critical IT and Communications Projects.
Large capital investment and budgetary constraints can often prevent critical business technology projects from moving forward.
As part of ASCEND’s unique offering, our Professional Services labour for Consultancy and Projects are included within your cost-per-user per month fee. Ensuring you have budget predictability and the freedom to green-light projects without additional or unexpected costs.
Learn moreCase study
Strettons future-proof their business by embracing Azure and SharePoint.Strettons
Strettons embrace the Cloud and provide staff with a better working experience. With all services running online, Strettons also removed the need for ongoing investment in server hardware and maintenance.
Find out moreDiscover how your business can hit peak performance with ASCEND
Learn more about how Utilize can transform your digital journey. Speak to a member of our team today.
Arrange a call back Book a free consultationUtilize Consultants worked closely with DBR.

DBR staff are now collaborating more effectively.
Since becoming a client in 2015, DBR have always met regularly with their
Utilize Account Director to review system performance, evaluate emerging
technologies, and embrace any changes required.
Early in 2022, discussions had turned to the
introduction of SharePoint in a bid to improve
internal and external collaboration.
Overview:
Challenges:
- Streamlining business processes
- Managing data across multiple locations
Solutions:
- Microsoft SharePoint enabling document sharing
- Synchronisation of data ensuring latest version is always available
- Accessing data from anywhere
THE CHALLENGE
With 40 staff members working across multiple sites, secure remote access and efficient communications are essential for DBR. In 2022, the organisation was looking to streamline business processes and manage their data in a single location whilst reducing costs.
DBR users had been experiencing frustrations with the separate VPN software needed to access shared documents and folders on remote servers as these could be cumbersome and unreliable. As a result, staff would sometimes copy documents locally, saving them offline, when attending Client meetings.
This meant that the latest versions were not always available for all staff to access, and duplicate copies would sometimes be created. Furthermore, scrolling through folders, searching for documents and locating the files that users required could be a time-consuming process. DBR expressed a need for new technology that encouraged and improved information sharing, transparency, and collaboration within the business. Any solution would clearly need to provide a secure platform for collaboration between internal and external staff who were working on joint projects.
Interested to learn more about how Utilize helped DBR Ltd? Fill out the form below to access the Case Study for more information.
Each member of the team has access to the right content for their specific department, with the inherent permissions needed and the certainty it is always the latest version.
Want to modernise your working practices through the continuous adoption of technology?
Introducing ASCEND
ASCEND delivers Managed IT Services, built-in security, backup, projects, and consultancy, for a fixed monthly fee. No additional costs, no upsell. We support all minor or major IT projects and develop that into a digital roadmap and strategy which is fully supported, by our award-winning Managed IT Services Team.
Find out more about ASCENDDiscover how we can help your business hit peak performance
Learn more about how Utilize can transform your digital journey. Speak to a member of our team today.
Arrange a callback Book a free consultationThank you
Thank you for your interest in this Webinar, the requested video can be found below.
Microsoft 365 Masterclass
You might also find this interesting.
Other on demand webinars you can access here.
Discover how we can help your business hit peak performance.
Learn more about how Utilize can transform your digital journey. Speak to a member of our team today.
Arrange a call back Book a free consultationDo you have any questions?
If you have any further questions about our services and how they could benefit your business, please don't hesitate to get in touch on the details below.
London Office
15 Bishopsgate,London EC2N 3AR t: 020 7167 4889 e: info@utilize.co.uk
Essex Office
Utilize House, Bentalls,Basildon, Essex SS14 3BXt: 0333 006 9060 e: info@utilize.co.uk
Is it time to upgrade from Sage 50?
By Lucy Johnson
05/04/2023
Every business has unique circumstances and requirements, and there are many reasons why businesses may choose to upgrade from Sage 50 to a different accounting software. We advise conducting a thorough analysis of your current and future business needs before making any decisions about upgrading your accounting software.
So, what are the key questions you need to be asking?
1. Web Portals: In today’s fast-paced business environment, remote access to accounting information is becoming increasingly important. Does your business need access to accounting information while on the go? Then you may need to upgrade to a solution that offers remote access.
2. Scalability: As your business grows, you may need a more scalable accounting software solution that can accommodate larger amounts of data, users, or transactions.
3. API Integration: If your business needs to integrate its accounting software with other business software applications, you may need to upgrade to a solution that offers better integration capabilities.
4. Need for advanced features: Has your business outgrown the basic features of Sage 50, and do you need more advanced features that can handle increasing complexity, such as more extensive reporting, inventory tracking, or multi-currency support.
5. Support and maintenance: If your business is experiencing frequent issues or requires technical support, it may need to upgrade to a solution that offers better support and maintenance options.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade from Sage 50 depends on the unique needs and circumstances of each business. Asking the right questions will enable you to make an informed and future-proofed decision.
At Utilize we work to gain a deep understanding of your business processes and needs, and we have the Sage expertise and experience to advise you on the right solution for your business. Why not talk to one of our Sage Consultants today about your next steps.
Register for our upcoming Sage Webinar
Interested to learn about 4 reasons on why to upgrade? Click here
Checkout our latest case study:
Learn more about our Finance offerings
Solve your Accounts challenges with Sage 200c
20/04/2023
Sage 200c is an ERP solution perfectly suited to SME businesses that have outgrown Sage 50 Accounts. Scalable and highly adaptable for a wide range of industry sectors, Sage 200c allows the management of all business processes within a single system.
Key benefits of Sage 200c:
• Ideal for handling data processes and volumes beyond the scope of Sage 50 Accounts
• Perfect for third-party integration e.g. EPOS or e-commerce
• Advanced currency management, multi-company and multiple stock locations
• Greater insight with real-time reporting and improved month-end close
Sage 200c can be customised in line with your specific business requirements and Utilize are ready to assist. We are experts in Sage 200c offering custom development with third-party applications and e-commerce websites.
We’d love the opportunity to chat with you about how we can customise Sage 200c to your unique business processes.
Please complete the form below to read our useful guide on the top 4 reasons why you should migrate from Sage 50 Accounts to Sage 200c.
Discover how we can help your business hit peak performance
Integrate Sage 200 into your business by booking a free consultation with our friendly team.
Arrange a callback Book a free consultationThank you
Thank you for your interest in this Webinar, the requested video can be found below.
Cyber Essentials Webinar
ASCEND makes moving managed security accessible and affordable for your business
Our comprehensive set of cyber security services are automatically configured at the start of your ASCEND contract and designed to provide your business with demonstrable and enhanced environmental security.
Find out moreDo you have any questions?
If you have any further questions about our services and how they could benefit your business, please don't hesitate to get in touch on the details below.
London Office
15 Bishopsgate,London EC2N 3AR t: 020 7167 4889 e: info@utilize.co.uk
Essex Office
Utilize House, Bentalls,Basildon, Essex SS14 3BXt: 0333 006 9060 e: info@utilize.co.uk
Cyber Essentials Webinar
The Cyber Essentials scheme is a cost-effective way of starting your information security journey and in this video we will provide you with an overview of these controls which can help you demonstrate that you as an organisation take the security of your customers data seriously, and can help demonstrate your ongoing commitment to meeting the technological and organisation controls for GDPR.
Please fill out the form below to be granted immediate access to the Cyber Essentials Webinar.
Details.
This on demand video provides background on what Cyber Essentials is, the benefits and how the certification process works.
We cover the following areas:
• Where do you start?
• The benefits of Cyber Essentials
• Defending your systems
• Making sure your systems are configured correctly
• Patch Management
• Demonstrating compliance to GDPR
• Essentials Base Vs Essentials Plus
Who is this webinar for?
This video is for anyone that is ideally suited to decision makers within a business responsible for security and strategy planning. Cyber Essentials certification shows your clients you have a serious dedication to security within your business.
How do I access this content?
If you are an existing customer of ours you can now access this on-demand content as well as a host of additional supporting resources via our Learning Portal, accessible through our Utilize Service Portal.
If you DO NOT currently have access to the Utilize Service Portal, simply click here to request a login from our service team. Once you have access to the Portal click on the Learning Portal tab which can be found along the top menu.
If you are NOT a customer please fill in the registration form above and you will be redirected to the Cyber Essentials on-demand content.
Are you aware that your data may not be backed up?
By James Obank
02/03/2023
Cloud-based services and their benefits are undeniable, and businesses are increasingly turning to Microsoft 365 and its suite of tools when moving to the Cloud. Offering data storage, email services and productivity tools, it’s no surprise Microsoft 365 users feel as though their data is safe and secure. However, if a third-party backup is not in place, the risk of losing all your data is still a real possibility.
Microsoft 365 will only guarantee 90% of your data for as little as 30 days, consequently, even Microsoft themselves recommend regular backups in their service agreement.
There are multiple ways in which you could lose your data including, accidental deletion or Cybercriminals encrypting or deleting data, ensuring you have it backed up is vital to protecting your business and your clients.
We have introduced M365 Cloud Backup to meet this critical need for Cloud-based protection. With M365 Cloud Backup you gain a flexible and simple solution for the protection, management, and recovery of your Microsoft 365 data. It can quickly recover a file, folder or all account data easily in its original format. It ensures your business data is protected, encrypted and made available through an intuitive, web-based interface.
M365 Cloud Backup enables you to deliver better service, improve efficiency, and simplify the backup and data protection process.
Why not talk to us today about how M365 Cloud Backup can help you.
Learn more about M365 Cloud BackupGenesis Market - Credential Crackdown
By Ahmed Lalami
06/04/2023
In today’s digital era, businesses rely heavily on storing and processing data, making it a valuable asset. However, this data is at risk of being compromised and falling into the hands of cybercriminals. Online criminal marketplaces like Genesis Market offer a platform for the sale of stolen data, such as login credentials, IP addresses, and sensitive information, to other criminals who have malicious intentions.
Genesis Market, for instance, has been known to sell sensitive information for as little as £0.80, providing easy access to valuable data like banking and social media accounts. Cybercriminals can use this data to perpetrate various fraudulent activities, causing significant harm to individuals and businesses alike.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and other international bodies, have launched numerous operations against such online criminal marketplaces, such as ‘Operation Cookie Monster.’ The aim of these operations is to end the illicit sale and laundering of stolen data. These efforts have resulted in hundreds of searches and arrests worldwide.
It is crucial for businesses to protect their data from cyber threats by investing in cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and regular software updates. Employers should also educate employees on safe online practices and implement strict password policies to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information. By taking these precautions, businesses can protect their data and prevent malicious attacks from cybercriminals.
How can you remain safe?
As the threat of cyberattacks continues to grow, businesses need to be vigilant in protecting their valuable data. Utilize offers additional Managed Security resources to help keep your business safe and secure. Our team of Cybersecurity Experts can help identify potential vulnerabilities and provide proactive measures to ensure your data remains protected.
In addition to our Managed Security services, Utilize offers on-demand video content to help educate businesses about the dark web and staying secure. Our video content covers a range of topics, including how cybercriminals operate, common attack methods, and ways to safeguard your business against cyber threats.
Why not view our on-demand Dark Web Webinar for tips on how to keep your business secure.
Learn about Managed SecurityPower Platform Webinar
During this video we will provide an overview of all things Power Platform.
Our aim is to provide viewers with the knowledge they need to start their journey on the road to adopting Power Platform to improve their business processes and increase productivity.
Please fill out the form below to be granted immediate access to the Power Platform Webinar
Details.
Power Platform is a low-code platform developed by Microsoft that enables users to create custom business applications, automate workflows, analyse data, and create chatbots without extensive coding skills. It consists of several tools, including Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents, that can be integrated with other Microsoft products and third-party applications to build scalable and customizable solutions for various business needs.
This 45 minute webinar will discuss the following:
- What is Power Platform?
- What are Canvas PowerApps?
- What are Model Driven PowerApps?
- What are PowerApps Pages (Formerly PowerApps Portals)?
- What is Power Automate?
- What are Power Visual Agents?
- What is Power BI?
- Top tips for getting started
Who is this webinar for?
This webinar is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about this innovative suite of tools available with M365 – in order to drive greater data visualisations and automations within their business.
Watch to find out more!
How do I access this content?
If you are an existing customer of ours you can now access this on-demand content as well as a host of additional supporting resources via our Learning Portal, accessible through our Utilize Service Portal.
If you DO NOT currently have access to the Utilize Service Portal, simply click here to request a login from our service team. Once you have access to the Portal click on the Learning Portal tab which can be found along the top menu.
If you are NOT a customer please fill in the registration form above and you will be redirected to the Power Platform on-demand content.