In construction, margins are thin, projects are complex, and financial visibility can make or break a business. So why do so many construction firms still rely on outdated accounting software?

Why Traditional Accounting Software Falls Short for Construction Projects

Immediate vs. Long-Term Implications

Immediately, you feel it in:

• Hours spent re-entering data
• Chasing purchase orders and approvals
• Struggling to report job profitability

Long term, the impact multiplies:

• Inaccurate forecasts
• Budget overruns that weren’t flagged early
• Loss of competitive edge due to poor decision-making

Manual Accounting vs. Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud-based construction accounting solutions, like Sage Intacct Construction and Real Estate (CRE), remove this friction:

• Connect accounting, project management, and compliance in one place
• Access real-time data from any site, on any device
• Automate repetitive tasks like payroll calculations and expense categorisation
• Enable smarter, faster decisions

How Outdated Systems Affect Financial Data and Security

Still using desktop-based, legacy systems? You’re likely exposed to more risk than you realise.

• Inaccurate reporting due to disconnected systems
• Compliance gaps in evolving tax and labour regulations
• Inflexible chart of accounts that can’t grow with your business
• Poor audit trails that increase your exposure

Potential Data Security Vulnerabilities

Legacy systems often lack modern security protocols. That makes them:

• Vulnerable to ransomware and phishing
• Harder to back up or recover
• Risky for remote access (if allowed at all)

Hidden Job Costing Inefficiencies That Drive Up Construction Accounting Software Costs

Identifying Overruns in Construction Projects

Without real-time visibility:

• Labour overruns are spotted after they happen
• Material costs aren’t tracked against forecasts
• Project managers work reactively, not proactively

Real-Time vs. Delayed Financial Reporting

That means your financial reports are always out of date. In contrast, modern cloud accounting platforms offer real-time visibility into:

• Job cost breakdowns
• WIP (work in progress)
• Commitments and change orders
• Profitability by project

Upfront Expenses vs. Ongoing Support: Assessing the Pros and Cons

What Are the Risks of Using Old Construction Accounting Software?

Let’s spell them out:

And here’s the kicker: the longer you wait to upgrade, the higher the cost of inaction

Potential ROI from Upgrading

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Old Tools Hold Back New Growth

Imagine this: You’re on an important call with a client. You’re mid-sentence and the line goes dead. Again. Maybe it’s your ageing phone system. Or your remote team can’t connect properly. Or perhaps you’re paying far too much for a setup that feels stuck in 2005.

Sound familiar?

Understanding VoIP and Traditional Phone Systems

How Does VoIP Differ from a Traditional Phone System?

Key Benefits of VoIP for Business Communication

Here’s what VoIP brings to the table:

• Work from Anywhere: Your team can take calls from laptops, mobiles, or VoIP phones—at home, in the office, or on the move.
• Lower Costs: Say goodbye to expensive hardware and per-minute call charges. Most VoIP providers offer unlimited UK calls and low international rates.
• Scalability: Growing team? Add new users in minutes – no engineers or rewiring needed.
• Smart Features: Voicemail-to-email, call recording, call queues, auto-attendants, and more. Things that would cost a fortune with a legacy PBX.
• Future-Proofing: The BT switch-off is coming in 2025. That means PSTN lines will be obsolete. VoIP is not just an upgrade–it’s the next chapter.

VoIP vs Landline for Business: Our Perspective

Here’s what we see every time:

• Businesses that switch to VoIP reduce costs,
• Improve team collaboration,
• Deliver better customer service,
• And future-proof their systems.

Comparing Costs, Reliability and Features

Cost Considerations for VoIP and PSTN

Landline / PBX Costs:

• Expensive setup (hardware, cabling)
• Maintenance costs
• High call charges (especially long-distance)
• Engineer fees to move or change lines

VoIP Costs:

• Minimal setup (often just a headset or VoIP phone)
• Predictable monthly fees
• Cheaper or unlimited calls
• No hardware maintenance

Reliability in Long-Distance and Local Calls

Feature Comparison for Growing Businesses

Let’s look at what each system actually does for your team.

If you’re looking for a modern business communication solution, VoIP doesn’t just win, it
redefines what’s possible.

If your IT costs seem to grow month after month without a clear return, you’re not alone.

For many businesses, especially those still managing on-premise infrastructure, the weight of hardware maintenance, software licensing, and support contracts is hard to ignore. Meanwhile, your team is pushing for faster systems, flexible access, better tools – and they want it all yesterday.

Our View on Cloud Migration for IT Cost Reduction

Let’s explore the real-world impact.

Why Traditional On-Premise Solutions Strain Budgets

Think about the typical on-premise IT setup:

• Physical servers that need cooling, power, and space.
• Regular hardware upgrades every 3–5 years.
• Expensive support contracts and software licensing.
• A small in-house team stretched thin across helpdesk, security, and maintenance.

Leveraging Cloud for Digital Transformation Savings

When you migrate to the cloud, everything changes:

• You switch from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operational expenditure (OpEx)–paying for what you use, when you use it.
• Infrastructure scales automatically with your business, eliminating overprovisioning.
• You avoid costly upgrades and your provider keeps systems cutting-edge.
• Maintenance becomes someone else’s problem.

Examples of Cloud Cost Management Strategies

Cloud platforms don’t just save you money, they help you manage spend intelligently. Some of the most effective strategies we implement for clients include:

• Auto-scaling resources during business hours only.
• Rightsizing virtual machines to match actual workloads.
• Using reserved instances or hybrid licensing to lower cloud bills.
• Monitoring and alerting to detect inefficiencies in real time.

Exploring Cloud Computing Benefits for Enhanced Efficiency

Some key benefits of cloud computing for business efficiency include:

• Faster deployments: Launch new applications or services in days, not months.
• Anywhere access: Your team can work securely from any location.
• Fewer disruptions: Built-in redundancy means uptime is measured in 9s. Imagine 99.999% uptime.
• Streamlined operations: Automate tasks and connect systems seamlessly.
• Better collaboration: Real-time data sharing, cloud file storage, and integrated communication tools.

Contrasting On-Premises Systems with Cloud Environments

Scalable Resources vs Fixed Infrastructure

Data Storage Security and Operational Control

Cloud providers invest millions in:

• Advanced encryption
• Multi-layered authentication
• Physical and network security
• Regular compliance audits

Maximising ROI and Cost Efficiency with Cloud Solutions

The cloud computing ROI goes beyond financials. You’re buying:

• Reduced downtime
• Faster innovation
• Lower risk exposure
•  Increased employee productivity

Proactive Approaches to Cloud Cost Optimisation

Of course, cloud bills can creep up if you’re not managing them actively. That’s why we focus on:

• Cloud usage audits
• Budget alerts and recommendations
• Rightsizing and resource scheduling
• Application performance monitoring

The Bottom Line: Should Your Business Move to the Cloud?

Here’s what we’ve seen firsthand at Utilize:

• Small businesses that dramatically reduced IT support costs with cloud-hosted systems
• Finance teams gaining real-time access to reporting via Sage Intacct
• Retail businesses managing seasonal traffic with scalable cloud platforms
• Professional services firms enabling hybrid work without compromising security

Ready to Explore the Cost Benefits of Cloud for Your Business?

From initial consultation to ongoing support, our approach is built around value, clarity, and zero surprises.

• Explore our managed cloud and infrastructure services
• Or chat to our team to see what the numbers could look like for your business.

In a world where financial data moves faster than ever, reporting delays can cost businesses more than just time: they can cost strategic clarity, stakeholder trust, and even opportunities for growth.

Why Sage 200 Matters for Growing Businesses

Customisable Reporting Tools for Real-Time Insights

With tools like:

• Report Designer
• Power BI integration

Enhancing Financial Statements and Cash Flow Management

You can:

• Forecast cashflow based on real-time receivables and payables
• Automate aging reports
• Drill down into transactions directly from summary views

Sage 200 Automation: Transforming Financial Reporting

Instead, Sage 200 lets you:

• Schedule reports to run automatically
• Share reports with stakeholders securely and consistently

Leveraging Integrations to Streamline Processes

Through API integrations and add-ons, you can:

• Pull in live sales or inventory data
• Push financial data into dashboards like Power BI
• Sync with CRM or project tools for unified visibility

Streamlining Financial Management Through Real-Time Reporting

This allows businesses to benefit from:

• Automatic data backups
• Cross-device access for reporting and approvals
• Secure collaboration across sites or remote teams

How to Automate Financial Reports in Sage 200

Here’s a simplified roadmap:

Our Perspective on Improved Reporting Tools in Sage 200

And from our experience, the results speak for themselves:

• Time savings on monthly reporting cycles
• Improved cash visibility, leading to better credit control
• Stronger cross-departmental alignment through shared dashboards
• More informed decision-making with data-driven insights

Final Thoughts:

Automate Smarter, Report Faster, Grow Stronger

Sage 200 offers a smarter way forward.

• Automated reports tailored to your needs
• Real-time data for better decisions
• Integration-ready tools to align departments
• Flexible reporting for both finance teams and directors

Ready to Transform Your Financial Reporting with Sage 200?

Utilize Plc Celebrates Achieving B-Corp Certification 

A Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility 

We are delighted to announce that Utilize Plc has officially achieved B-Corp certification. This prestigious designation marks an important milestone in our journey towards sustainability and social responsibility. For those who may be unfamiliar with B-Corp, let us explain briefly what it entails. 

What is B-Corp Certification? 

B-Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. It signifies that we are not just in business to make a profit; we are also committed to making a positive impact on our community and the environment. Essentially, it reflects our values and the responsible way we conduct business. 

Being B-Corp certified means that when you do business with Utilize Plc, you are partnering with a company that places equal importance on profit and purpose. We are dedicated to creating value not only for our shareholders but also for our employees, customers, and the communities we serve.  

This certification ensures that our operations are ethical, sustainable, and contribute to the greater good. 

“Achieving B-Corp certification is a proud moment for Utilize Plc. It reflects our increasing commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and the collective hard work of our teams. Together, we continue to make a positive impact on our planet, community and our people, and this certification is a testament to that.”  –  Managing Director, Guy Hocking 

Achieving B-Corp Certification 

Achieving B-Corp certification has been a collective effort, involving many departments across our business. Our dedicated Sustainability Committee, a team of six remarkable individuals, has been the driving force behind this success. Their commitment and hard work over the past 18 months have been instrumental in guiding us through the rigorous certification process. 

We want to take a moment to personally thank everyone involved, both directly and indirectly, in this achievement. Their efforts have been extraordinary, especially considering the challenge of balancing day-to-day responsibilities with the additional work required for certification. This accomplishment is a testament to the team’s dedication to doing the right thing. 

“It has taken an immense amount of dedication and effort from our entire team over the past 18 months to achieve this certification. The rigorous standards we must meet aren’t easily attained. We were already doing a significant amount, and I am delighted we have been able to showcase that and achieve this important accolade.” – Lucy Johnson, Sustainability Committee 

Becoming B-Corp certified was also made significantly easier thanks to the support received from the Ingram Micro Trust X Community. The guidance, framework, and connections provided by this community have been invaluable throughout our journey. Leveraging these relationships has been instrumental in achieving B-Corp certification, and we are immensely grateful for everyone’s support. 

As we celebrate this achievement, we are laser focused on the positive impact we are making together and encourage others to join us in our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. If you want to find out more, visit our Sustainability page or reach out to the team: sustainability@utilize.co.uk.  

Together, we are making a difference. 

Utilize PLC Adopts Halo PSA for Enhanced Service Management

Utilize PLC, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the service and operations sector, is thrilled to announce its adoption of Halo PSA as its preferred platform for service management and operational oversight. This strategic move underscores Utilize PLC’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and deliver superior services to its growing client base. Halo PSA, renowned for its comprehensive features and adaptability, offers a unified platform that integrates critical aspects of service delivery, including ticketing, project management, billing, and customer relations, ensuring a seamless operational experience.

By transitioning to Halo PSA, Utilize PLC aims to empower its teams with robust tools that foster collaboration, improve resource management, and elevate service standards

The adoption of this state-of-the-art platform is a testament to Utilize PLC’s dedication to innovation and excellence, aligning with its vision to remain at the forefront of industry advancements. With Halo PSA as its cornerstone for service and operations management, Utilize PLC is poised to set new benchmarks in efficiency and client satisfaction, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward operational excellence.

David McConnell, Group Service Director, commented “Halo is a top tier platform and having joined Utilize just as Halo was being signed off was a great position to be in, having had past experience with Halo I am hugely enthusiastic on how Halo will support us through our future technological journey”.

Attackers are upping their efforts to breach Microsoft 365 accounts and exfiltrate sensitive data. You will have seen from our previous posts how attackers are using advanced MITM dark web services to trick users into entering their credentials, and even bypassing MFA. Protect yourself against Phishing Email Attacks – Utilize

We have noticed a huge increase in attackers gaining unauthorised access to Microsoft 365 accounts. Once breached they use third party applications such as PerfectData to download a full copy of the victims mailbox. Not only does a mailbox have sensitive information, but also data that allows them to plan and execute future attacks. This could include email addresses for other colleagues at their company, or suppliers and external contacts to phish attack for financial gain.

Attackers use various methods to trick users into entering credentials or approving MFA requests, examples in the above blog post.  Attackers use MFA bombing and Additional Persistence Techniques to bombard users with requests until they get frustrated and approve. Once attackers have breached an account, they often add additional phone numbers or devices to the MFA methods for future logins.

Steps to protect yourself

• Remember – “your daily driver” account should never have any level of administrator privilege for this reason. This could allow lateral movement allowing attacker to breach other accounts
• As a rule of thumb, if your not expecting the MFA request, decline it
• Train staff on understanding why security is important
• Provide staff with examples of what these attacks look like and how can be prevented
• Report any suspicious activity immediately

In this day and age, data is everything! Its almost a currency which is not only sold, but also can cause huge reputational damage and have fall out for years.

Just think of a scenario we see almost daily on the Utilize Service Desk…

•  an employees account is breached because they approve a non genuine MFA request
•  attacker logs in (end user unknowing) and they download a copy of the mailbox and do recognisance for weeks
•  this data is sold on dark web. Months and years later further attacks happen, your customers are receiving emails they believe are genuine and replying with sales orders. This damages your reputation. At this point you report the ICO, and investigation shows the mailbox has been breached for some time.

This is all a nightmare for a business, and is completely avoidable with a proper MFA solution and end user training. Utilize offer training and solutions to avoid this, but end users will always be the weakest link in the chain. That is why its imperative for staff to understand and appreciate the importance of security, as one simple approval of an MFA prompt can cause unthinkable damage to an organisation!

We are here to support you, if an account is breached Utilize have a highly detailed process to quickly secure the account. Unfortunately at this stage the damage can already be done, so this is why its so important to make sure users understand these types of attacks. You wouldn’t leave your keys in your front door would you, so why would you willingly approve an MFA prompt you aren’t expecting!?

Feel free to contact Utilize if you have any questions or want to learn more about how we can help secure your IT environment.

We are delighted to announce that Access Information Security Ltd (AIS), a trusted name in IT
security since 2003, is now part of Utilize Plc. Over the past 22 years, AIS has demonstrated
remarkable growth, positioning itself as a leader in the cybersecurity sector. This acquisition marks a
significant milestone for both companies as we combine our expertise and resources to offer even
more comprehensive solutions to our clients.

Warren Davies, Founder and CEO of Utilize and who heads up acquisition strategy, shared his excitement: “This
is a great step forward for both AIS and Utilize. AIS has built a strong reputation for delivering
exceptional customer service alongside market-leading security solutions. Their commitment to
excellence aligns perfectly with our purpose of ‘Making our clients’ technology journey exceptional’.
Together, we will continue to innovate and provide services and solutions that empower businesses to
thrive in this ever-evolving landscape.”

Guy Hocking, Managing Director of Utilize, added: “The strategic partnerships AIS has formed with
some of the industry’s most recognised security providers, including SonicWall, Sophos, Barracuda,
and more, will significantly bolster our service offerings. Security is a critical factor for most
businesses, and this allows us to leverage our combined expertise to deliver the highest quality
services to our clients.”

Specialising in comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, AIS offers expertise across a broad spectrum
of services, including:

• Firewall and perimeter security
• Threat detection and prevention
• Device control and encryption
• Email and web security
• Secure remote access and wireless security

Combined, we now hold the very highest partner accreditations from our carefully selected vendor
network.

Spencer Starkey, Executive Vice President EMEA of SonicWALL, added: “The partnership between AIS
and Utilize marks a pivotal moment for our mutual clients. Both companies have a strong heritage in
security and service excellence, and together they will provide unparalleled value. By joining forces,
they are set to deliver cutting-edge technology services and solutions with security integrated into
every facet. In today’s digital landscape, where security is paramount, our combined expertise
ensures that clients remain safeguarded against ever-evolving threats.”

The partnership not only fortifies the technological capabilities of both companies but also enhances
their cultural synergy. This is set to create a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where
employees are empowered to excel.

Hannah Kent of AIS expressed her enthusiasm for the future: “Joining the Utilize family is an exciting
opportunity for AIS. We have always provided market-leading security solutions and customer
service, and this collaboration will allow us to expand on and enhance our offerings to the next level.
We look forward to working closely with the Utilize team to continue our mission of safeguarding
businesses against ever-evolving digital threats.”

Exciting Release: Sage 200 2024 R2

We are thrilled to announce the release of Sage 200 2024 R2, packed with innovative features designed to enhance your business operations and streamline your workflows. This release brings significant updates to both the Sage 200 desktop and the Web Portal, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for all users.

New Features in the Sage 200 Desktop

Bank Feeds

Managing your bank transactions has never been easier. With the new update, you can now import bank transactions from a file, perfect for those whose banks do not support direct download of bank feeds. Additionally, Sage have made some changes to the Sage bank feeds service. If you’re already using bank feeds, a brief update will be required the next time you use this feature to ensure everything runs smoothly post upgrade.

Sales Orders

Sage understands the importance of flexibility in managing sales orders. Now, when you change the requested or promised dates for an order, quotation, or pro forma, you can choose to update the dates for all items in that order. This feature simplifies the process and ensures consistency across your documentation.

General Updates

Sage have listened to your feedback from the ideas hub and increased the length of references from 20 to 40 characters for customer transactions, supplier transactions, and nominal transactions. Additionally, they have withdrawn the Sage Contact app to streamline their offerings and focus on enhancing other features.

New Features in the Web Portal

General Updates

Like the desktop version, the Web Portal now supports references up to 40 characters for customer transactions, supplier transactions, and nominal transactions. This update ensures consistency and ease of use across all platforms.

Coming Soon!

Introducing Sage Network & Sage Connect: Revolutionising Business Connectivity

Sage is excited to unveil Sage Network, a ground-breaking initiative designed to connect businesses through seamless accounting integration. Their vision is to synchronise and automate financial transactions and processes across various businesses, including those not currently using Sage. This innovation aims to reduce processing times and eliminate late payments, enhancing overall efficiency.

The cornerstone of this initiative is the new Sage Connect App, powered by Sage Network. This app will integrate effortlessly with Sage 200, using a state-of-the-art data connector. Among the many features being developed, one of the most anticipated is Accounts Receivable (AR) Automation.

AR Automation: Streamlining Your Payment Processes

Sage’s AR Automation feature is crafted to help you receive payments faster and with minimal effort. Key functionalities include:

• Automated Customer Onboarding and Verification: Ensuring that invoices are accurate from the start.
• Efficient Communication: Enabling you to schedule, send, and track payment reminders and invoicing communications effortlessly.
• 24/7 Customer Access: Providing your customers with a secure platform to view invoices, amounts due, and payment statuses at any time.

Currently, Sage Network and Sage Connect are undergoing rigorous testing before being made available to all Sage 200 customers. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to roll out these exciting new features.

Terms and Agreement Updates

Sage have also made some changes to the Sage 200 Product Terms & Conditions and their Online Service Level Agreement. You can find the updated Product Terms here and the Online Service Level Agreement here.

Next steps 

We are confident that these new features will significantly improve your experience with Sage 200. Stay tuned for more updates and enhancements as we continue to innovate and support your business needs. If you’d like to learn more about upgrading, please contact your Account Manager or complete the enquiry form.

You can also read some of our latest insights into Sage 200

The first step on our journey to a “World Class” workplace culture

We are proud to share that our company has been awarded a 1-star “Very Good” rating by Best Companies. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our entire team. It marks an important milestone on our journey towards creating a “World Class” culture.

For those who don’t know, Best Companies is an independent organisation that recognises and celebrates the best workplaces in the UK. Their mission is to help companies become better places to work by providing detailed insights into employee engagement and satisfaction. The ratings are based on comprehensive surveys that gauge employees’ perceptions of their work environment, leadership, personal growth opportunities and overall job satisfaction.

Achieving a rating from Best Companies is not just about earning a badge of honour (not for us at least), it is a reflection of an organisation’s commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment. This accolade shows that we are doing just that and, most importantly, demonstrates that we are always striving to be better.

Setting the benchmark for future improvements

Receiving a “Very Good” rating is a great achievement in itself. But it also provides us with a solid foundation to build upon and sets a great benchmark for future improvements. We are truly dedicated to listening to our employees and will continue to make meaningful changes based on their feedback.

We believe employee engagement is critical to the success of our company. If our employees feel valued, heard and supported, they are more likely to be productive, motivated and dedicated. The Best Companies survey has enabled our leadership team to gain valuable insights into the experiences of our employees and to identify areas for improvement. What a valuable tool to have.

We are dedicated to fostering a positive work culture, and this survey has given us the opportunity to thoroughly understand our employees’ needs and concerns. With this feedback, we are better equipped to create an even more inclusive, supportive, and dynamic workplace – something we always aspire to do.

Earning a “Very Good” rating from Best Companies is a proud milestone for us, and it reinforces our commitment to excellence.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this remarkable achievement. We’ve always believed our company is a fantastic place to work, and this recognition confirms it in the most gratifying way.