Each week we interview one of our members to find out a bit more about them and their work in the Greater Manchester digital sphere. This week we're speaking with North-West based digital technology transformation business, inTec Business Solutions.
What does your organisation do?
inTec Business Solutions is a leading North West based digital technology transformation consultancy. We help businesses understand and see real value from their technology systems and investments. Here at inTec we do things differently. Rather than simply selling ‘off-the-shelf’ tech packages, we give businesses of all shapes and sizes access to a range of independent consultants offering an end-to-end service. We know business technology change can be challenging and time consuming so we provide the joined-up thinking.
What do you think is currently the biggest issue facing the digital and tech industry?
Security and data compliance. Forward-thinking organisations are now implementing privacy by design in their products, but making sure those efforts meet GDPR standards is an ongoing concern. Tech leaders are also gearing-up for next-generation, AI-driven cyber attacks.
What is your organisation’s biggest achievement?
In 2018, inTec secured a £500,000 investment from NPIF (the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund) - Maven Equity Finance to support the creation of more than 40 jobs and help us to develop and grow our network via our ‘buy and build’ strategy. Our goal is to build a network of Regional Technology Hubs to provide specialist support services and expanded product portfolio to existing telecoms business partners and their customers. Since 2018, we’ve acquired three well-established telecom businesses in the North West and Midlands. Our clearly defined acquisition strategy builds upon our extensive market experience and desire to truly partner with vendors and their customers and our collegiate approach is unique in the market.
What would you consider to be your organisation's biggest challenge?
Many businesses still do not recognise the need for nor understand the significance of introducing new technology into their organisation. They are frustrated with their current technology setup and often know that they need to improve their processes but haven’t got the time or resources to research properly. There is a lot of fear of the unknown in relation to new technology with a common misconception that new platforms and processes would be extremely expensive. Our challenge as a company is to overcome these common concerns.
What do you think the future looks like for Manchester’s digital and tech sector?
Last year, inTec had the pleasure of welcoming the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to our office. Andy met the chairman of inTec, Simon Howitt and MD of Hale Comms, Rob Dey, along with the inTec and Hale Comms teams. Andy discussed the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, the digital revolution within Greater Manchester and the important role of businesses such as ours in the region in regards to economic growth, business development and employment. Andy stated that “digital in all of its guises is an unparalleled strength of Greater Manchester compared to other UK cities, outside of London” and “there is a growing sense that this is a real centre of excellence when it comes to digital, cyber and tech.” Andy went on to explain that his aim is to make Greater Manchester the UK’s leading digital city region.
Tell us something we might not know about your company?
Typically, strategic consultants can offer insight and make recommendations that then require you to rely on a third-party for delivery or implementation. Many consultants fail to understand the detail (particularly when it comes to technology). On the other hand, product-led suppliers don’t always take the time to understand your business and its future plans, meaning you might end up with technology that just isn’t fit for purpose. At inTec, our approach is different. By working with you to fully understand your business strategy and infrastructure – applying both our strategic expertise AND product knowledge – we optimise both areas simultaneously. This ensures we add value and that the technology we deliver, will help you to deliver your business objectives.
Contact thom@manchesterdigital.com to arrange for your business to feature in our 'In The Spotlight' series.
