Category: Blog
How Managed Services and Managed IT Solutions Drive Business Growth
The Advantages of Outsourcing IT
For many businesses, managing IT in-house used to be the norm. A small internal team would juggle everything, from troubleshooting printer issues, to securing cloud infrastructure. But today, with rising cyber threats, increasingly complex technology stacks, and growing expectations from stakeholders, that old model just doesn’t cut it.
Outsourcing IT through managed services has emerged as a strategic move, not just to reduce costs, but to fuel long-term business growth, agility, and security.
At Utilize, we work with organisations across the UK to transform how they manage, secure, and scale their technology. This article breaks down how managed IT solutions unlock more than just support, they unlock opportunity.
Understanding the role of managed IT solutions
The term managed IT solutions can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s having an expert helpdesk on speed dial. For others, it’s a fully outsourced IT department that proactively monitors, maintains, and optimises every system.
At its core, managed IT services are about outsourcing IT operations to a trusted provider, freeing your internal team to focus on strategy, not daily firefighting.
Strengthening our IT infrastructure
Many businesses begin by outsourcing IT to:
- Offload time-consuming support tasks
- Patch systems consistently and securely
- Ensure backups and disaster recovery are handled
But over time, they discover even greater value: their IT becomes more resilient, future-proofed, and aligned with business goals. Systems run smoother, risks are reduced, and IT stops being a cost centre and becomes a growth driver.
Collaborating with IT service providers
When you outsource to a managed IT services provider like Utilize, you’re getting support, but you’re also gaining a strategic partner.
You get:
- A team of specialists across cybersecurity, networking, cloud, and infrastructure
- Access to the latest tools and platforms
- A roadmap aligned to your business strategy
- 24/7 monitoring and rapid response when it counts
In short, you stop reacting to IT issues and start building around IT strength.
Why outsourcing IT services boosts business growth strategies
Outsourcing IT isn’t just about reducing overheads. It’s about creating the capacity and capability to grow.
With a managed partner:
- Your leadership team gets more time and focus to invest in innovation
- Cybersecurity risks are minimised, supporting smoother operations
- Downtime and disruptions are reduced, protecting revenue
- Scaling up–or pivoting–becomes easier and faster
Whether you’re expanding into new markets, launching new products, or integrating new platforms–outsourcing gives you the expertise, tools, and flexibility to move forward with confidence.
Expanding your capabilities with cloud computing and remote IT support
As hybrid and remote working become the norm, your IT ecosystem needs to be accessible, secure, and scalable. Outsourced IT services play a pivotal role in enabling this transformation.
Addressing network security services
Security is no longer optional, it’s a boardroom issue.
A managed provider like Utilize offers:
- Advanced threat detection and prevention
- Endpoint protection across devices
- Cloud security and compliance support
- Ongoing vulnerability scanning
Our managed IT services ensure your entire network–onsite and remote–is protected, monitored, and constantly optimised.
Ensuring scalability for growing businesses
Growth often outpaces internal IT capacity.
With outsourced IT, you can:
- Instantly scale support to new users or locations
- Add infrastructure without the need for hardware investment
- Support seasonal or project-based workloads with flexible resources
Whether you’re hiring rapidly or restructuring, scalability is built-in. No delays. No infrastructure bottlenecks. Just seamless tech that keeps pace with your ambition.
Managing risks through proactive IT consultancy
Growth without governance is risky. That’s where a trusted IT consultancy becomes essential.
Outsourced IT partners do more than fix things, they guide you to make the right tech decisions for the long term.
Streamlining technology management
Too many businesses struggle with:
- Legacy systems they’re afraid to replace
- Patchwork software that doesn’t integrate
- Tools bought in silos without strategy
Our IT consultants help you:
- Audit your current infrastructure
- Eliminate inefficiencies
- Modernise applications
- Align your tech stack to your commercial goals
And because we don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions, we work with you to design a bespoke plan that delivers ROI, as well as uptime.
The importance of continuous remote IT monitoring
A reactive approach to IT means waiting for things to break. A proactive approach means preventing issues before they impact your business.
Continuous remote monitoring gives you:
- Real-time alerts on suspicious activity
- Automatic updates and patches
- Usage data to inform strategic decisions
- 24/7 peace of mind
Think of it like having a 24-hour operations centre, focused solely on your systems, your security, and your success.
Final thoughts: outsource smarter, grow faster
If your business is juggling IT challenges, slow support, or tech debt, outsourcing IT services could be the smartest move you make this year.
But don’t just think about it as a cost-saving measure.
Think of it as:
- Gaining a team of experts without hiring in-house
- Improving cybersecurity without complexity
- Scaling operations without delays
- Focusing on growth without compromise
That’s what a true managed IT services partnership delivers.
Ready to transform the way you manage IT?
At Utilize, we help businesses like yours turn IT from a liability into a strategic advantage. From cybersecurity and cloud to proactive support and long-term planning, we’re here to help you build a smarter, stronger, more scalable business.
Discover our complete range of managed IT services.
Or speak with our team about building a roadmap for secure, scalable growth.
Let’s turn your IT into a business growth engine, together.
FAQs About Outsourcing IT Services
Not at all. You’ll gain visibility and insight through dashboards, reporting, and SLAs, while delegating the complexity to experts. You stay in control; we handle the legwork.
No. SMEs benefit just as much, if not more. Outsourcing gives smaller teams access to enterprise-grade tools and expertise without hiring full-time IT staff.
With the right partner, outsourced IT is more secure than most in-house setups. Utilize offers cybersecurity-first services, including monitoring and endpoint protection.
Everything from remote support and monitoring to cloud management, backups, patching, threat detection, and IT strategy. We tailor it to your business needs.
Costs vary based on complexity, users, and services but outsourcing is typically more cost-effective than building and maintaining an internal team. We offer flexible packages to fit your budget.
Enhancing Cybersecurity with Endpoint Protection
Best practices for protecting your business data
Cybersecurity is no longer just about locking the digital front door. It’s about understanding the value of your data, who can access it, how it’s used, and how you’ll respond when (not if) a threat occurs.
In today’s hybrid working world, with employees connecting from laptops, tablets, and smartphones across locations, your business is only as secure as its most vulnerable device. That’s why endpoint protection is more than just an IT investment, it’s a strategic business priority.
At Utilize, we help UK businesses combine advanced endpoint security, policy-driven data governance, and proactive monitoring into a cohesive, resilient cybersecurity approach.
Here’s how you can do the same.
Our evolving cyber threat landscape
The threat landscape isn’t just growing, it’s evolving in complexity. Cybercriminals are becoming more organised, automated, and unpredictable.
From malware prevention to phishing attacks
The typical attack no longer relies on brute force alone.
- Today’s threats are subtle, social, and often internally triggered:
- Phishing emails designed to mimic supplier requests or payroll notices
- Ransomware hidden inside seemingly legitimate file downloads
- Drive-by downloads from unsecured websites
- Credential theft via browser extensions or keystroke logging
And with every new endpoint added–whether it’s a mobile phone or a temporary contractor laptop–the attack surface grows.
Recognising Data Security and Data Breach Response
When it comes to data breaches, speed and preparedness matter.
Best practice isn’t just detection, it’s response.
Every business should have:
- A formal data breach response plan
- Role-specific incident workflows
- Predefined alert thresholds
- Policies for customer communication and regulatory disclosure
Combine this with robust endpoint security, and you’re no longer just defending, you’re anticipating.
Endpoint protection: why it’s crucial for businesses today
Assessing the true cost of a breach and IT security solutions
- Cyberattacks are expensive. But the real cost lies in downtime, reputational damage, and lost opportunity.
- Operational downtime can stretch into days or weeks.
- GDPR fines can reach up to £17.5M or 4% of annual turnover.
- Long-term reputational harm can shrink client pipelines and partnerships.
Endpoint protection, when backed by managed IT support, offers multi-layered defence that includes:
- Anti-malware and anti-ransomware protection
- Device-level encryption
- Intrusion detection and real-time alerts
- Application and USB control
It’s more than security software, it’s a digital safety net for your business.
Cybersecurity best practices and network security management
To go beyond tools, businesses need policy and practice. Cybersecurity doesn’t start with technology, it starts with how your organisation thinks about data.
Here are modern best practices:
Classify your data
Not all data is equal. Classify your data by sensitivity and business impact. Protect critical assets (like financials, intellectual property, or personal data) with heightened controls.
Implement role-based access controls (RBAC)
Only give employees access to the data they actually need. Avoid shared logins or “god mode” accounts. Least privilege is smart security.
Monitor and audit continuously
Set up regular auditing of user access, file changes, and unusual activity. Combine this with endpoint protection tools that log and alert based on anomalies.
Update and patch regularly
Unpatched systems are low-hanging fruit for attackers. Automate updates for all endpoints and legacy systems.
Train your people
Employees are your first line of defence or your weakest link. Regular, engaging cyber awareness training is essential, especially in spotting phishing and social engineering.
These best practices must align with your network security management strategy: building resilience across every department and device.
Strengthening compliance with threat detection and managed security services
Balancing IT compliance and cyber threat prevention
With regulations tightening, security isn’t just a tech issue, it’s a compliance issue.
Endpoint security supports your regulatory posture by:
- Restricting unauthorised data access
- Providing auditable logs for inspections
- Ensuring devices are encrypted and policy-compliant
- Detecting risky user behaviour in real time
If your business handles financial records, client data, or sensitive IP, managed endpoint security can make or break your compliance strategy.
Leveraging cybersecurity solutions for cloud security
As workloads shift to Microsoft 365, Azure, and other cloud platforms, visibility can blur. That’s where endpoint protection becomes vital.
It allows you to:
- Stop infected endpoints from accessing cloud data
- Ensure secure login from remote devices
- Detect and contain credential misuse
- Integrate alerts across cloud and on-prem systems
Modern cybersecurity solutions for cloud environments combine threat detection with device compliance–keeping data secure no matter where it lives.
Essential tools for continuous protection
Adopting endpoint security software for enhanced network security
The best endpoint security software includes:
- Next-generation antivirus (NGAV)
- EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) with real-time remediation
- AI-powered threat hunting for pattern recognition
- Centralised dashboards for IT teams to monitor the entire device estate
This isn’t just about installing antivirus and calling it a day. It’s about continuous protection across every user, every location, every time.
Utilize offers this as part of our managed IT support, ensuring your security is continually proactive and never just reactive.
How data encryption and secure data backups safeguard vital information
Two of the most critical (and overlooked) defences:
Encryption: Ensures that even if devices are lost or stolen, sensitive data remains inaccessible.
Automated secure backups: Enable fast restoration in case of ransomware or hardware failure.
Together, they form a strong defence against both external and internal threats and a cornerstone of any serious cybersecurity strategy.
Maximising IT security with the right security software
The right security stack should do more than just protect–it should scale, integrate, and provide actionable intelligence.
Look for tools that:
- Are centrally managed and monitored
- Integrate with Microsoft 365, Azure, and other business platforms
- Support user-based policies and automated patching
- Provide reporting that supports both IT teams and compliance officers
Our team helps organisations choose and implement the right-fit security software, ensuring it aligns with your business model, user needs, and budget.
Final thoughts: Build a cybersecurity culture, not just a defence
Security is no longer a product you buy, it’s a culture you build.
By combining endpoint protection, smart policies, employee education, and managed security, you create an environment where data is protected and respected.
And when done right, cybersecurity becomes a business enabler:
- Empowering remote work
- Accelerating digital transformation
- Safeguarding client trust
- Meeting compliance with confidence
Ready to take control of your cybersecurity?
Don’t let outdated defences put your data–and your business–at risk.
Let’s build a stronger, smarter approach together.
Talk to us about modernising your cybersecurity strategy.
Explore our end-to-end managed IT support services.
Or book a cybersecurity assessment tailored to your current environment.
Cyber threats evolve. So should your defences.
VoIP vs. Traditional Phone Systems
Which one is best for your business?
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.
| Feature | Traditional Phone System | VoIP System |
|---|---|---|
| Remote access | X | Mobile & laptop apps |
| Call analytics | X | Dashboard & reports |
| Video conferencing | X | Zoom, Teams, etc. integration |
| CRM integration | X | Salesforce, HubSpot, etc. |
| Call routing & menus | Extra hardware required | Included |
| Voicemail to email | X | As standard |
If you’re looking for a modern business communication solution, VoIP doesn’t just win, it
redefines what’s possible.
Why we favour switching to cloud-based phone systems
VoIP phone system benefits over traditional PBX
Switching to a cloud-based phone system means:
- Your calls route through a secure internet connection
- You can manage the whole system through a user-friendly web portal
- You’ll never need to call an engineer to move desks again
Integrating modern tools and video conferencing
You can:
- Click a contact in your CRM and call them instantly
- See who’s available before transferring a call
- Jump from voice to video with one click
Final thoughts: should your business switch to VoIP?
Here’s the bottom line:
- If your phone system is more than a few years old…
- If your team is hybrid or remote…
- If your costs are creeping up…
- Or if you simply want to do more with your calls…
Then yes, VoIP is the smarter choice.
How Cloud Computing Reduces IT Costs & Boosts Efficiency for Businesses
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.
These environments often lead to overprovisioning, buying more than you need “just in case”, or worse, underinvestment, which leads to downtime and security risks.
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
Instead of sinking £100k into a new server room every few years, you spread that investment across monthly usage and get the benefit of a constantly improving platform.
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
These aren’t edge cases. They’re the new normal.
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.
The Hidden Costs of Outdated Construction Accounting Software
(and how to avoid them)
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:
| Risk | Impact |
|---|---|
| Data silos | Poor decision-making |
| Delayed insights | Missed cost overruns |
| Limited reporting | Inaccurate bids and forecasts |
| Manual errors | Audit issues and compliance risk |
| No mobility | Site teams lack access to key info |
And here’s the kicker: the longer you wait to upgrade, the higher the cost of inaction
Potential ROI from upgrading
Switching to a modern cloud-based solution might feel like a big leap. But the ROI of cloud construction accounting software is clear:
- Time saved on manual processes = more hours for high-value work
- Improved accuracy = better bids and fewer surprises
- Real-time insights = faster course corrections
- Reduced reliance on IT = lower infrastructure costs
Best alternatives to legacy construction accounting software
What you need is software designed for:
- Project-based accounting
- Retention tracking
- Subcontractor payments
- Change order management
- Progress billing
Sage Intacct Construction and Real Estate (CRE) hits every one of those marks, plus:
- Seamless integration with payroll, procurement, and planning tools
- Powerful dashboards for financial and operational visibility
- Role-based access for everyone from project managers to finance directors
Final thoughts: Don’t let old tools hold back new growth
But the solution is clear. With the right partner, you can:
- Replace outdated tools with a purpose-built system
- Gain real-time control over job costs and margins
- Simplify compliance and reporting
- Support remote teams and project managers with accurate data
Let’s build something better together
How Sage 200 Helps Businesses Automate Financial Reporting & Save
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
Automated Accounting Reports with Real-Time Analysis
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
28 May 2025
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
14 May 2025
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”.
How Threat Actors use Enterprise Applications in Microsoft 365 to Exfiltrate Data
Utilize has seen an increase in Microsoft 365 accounts being targeted, and breached due to users approving MFA prompts from attackers login attempts.
24 April 2025
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.
How to Choose the Right IT Support Partner for Your Growing SME
Why a Reliable IT Support Partner Is Essential for Growing Businesses
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges in managing their IT infrastructure. As a C-level executive, you understand the critical role technology plays in driving business growth and efficiency. Partnering with a Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) can be a game-changer for your organisation using IT outsourcing. Here’s why:
Ensuring Seamless Operations with Managed IT Support
Protecting Against Cyber Threats and Data Loss
Maximising Limited Resources for SME Success
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing IT Support for SMEs
Evaluating Service Scope and Expertise
Prioritising Customer Service and Response Times
Incorporating Cloud Solutions for Scalability
Comparing IT Service Providers for Small Businesses
Credentials and Experience
Security Measures
A reputable MSP should have a robust security protocol in place to protect your data and systems. This includes regular security assessments, vulnerability testing, and incident response planning. By choosing an MSP with strong security measures, you can reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Scalability and Flexibility
Scalability is particularly important for SMEs, as it ensures that your IT infrastructure can support your business objectives. This includes the ability to increase storage capacity, expand the network, and integrate new software solutions. By choosing an MSP with scalable solutions, you can ensure that your IT infrastructure can grow with your business.

