The CIO Service - Blanchards Bailey Client Spotlight

Leading IT consultancy QuoStar has announced the launch of a CIO Service that will deliver on-demand access to top-level IT leadership on a flexible, cost-effective basis.

QuoStar’s solution will provide businesses with a dedicated, experienced CIO-level Consultant who will work in partnership with the senior leadership team to ensure IT continually delivers measurable results. Businesses will benefit from a board-level understanding of performance and receive a clear roadmap for future tech investment and improvements. As a result, they will be able to reduce unnecessary spend, enhance client service delivery and engagement, and gain a lasting advantage over competitors. Based on co-sourced arrangements, this is a fresh approach to bringing external expertise into the business. It’s backed by QuoStar’s Outcome Assured™ guarantee, giving peace of mind that the expected results will be achieved.

IT investments require continuous management and businesses must consider them strategically to deliver the expected returns. While enterprise businesses can employ and retain highly skilled and experienced IT professionals to plan and lead their IT functions, many mid-market businesses cannot, even though the need for professional IT advice is just as great. QuoStar has recognised this challenge and has developed a service that effectively acts in place of the top-level internal CIO position while delivering the benefits of a full, expert external team.

The CIO Service will be headed by Chris White, Head of Consultancy at QuoStar and former Global CIO at international law firms, such as Clyde & Co, HFW and Ashurst. He leads a team of experienced IT leaders who have built and run complex IT environments across many sectors.

Chris comments:

“Technology is increasingly critical to the success of every business. The competitive landscape is changing in most sectors, clients require higher levels of service from their suppliers and remote working looks like it’s here to stay. Technology must be considered as a strategic asset. There’s no getting around the fact that transformation can be expensive, complex and time-consuming. But if you do it right it can provide a significant competitive advantage to your organisation.  We’re delighted to launch the CIO Service, which will help businesses to get the most out of their investments and move their IT estate forward.”

QuoStar has seen an immediate uptake of interest and has recently signed UK law firm, Blanchards Bailey to the service. The firm is already reaping the benefits of working with a dedicated CIO-level Consultant to drive their IT forward.

Paul Dunlop, Managing Partner at Blanchards Bailey, comments:

“At Blanchards Bailey we recognised the strategic importance of technology and its potential to deliver a significant competitive advantage and better client service. As lawyers, we don’t have all the necessary skills to achieve the results we want and therefore we partner with specialist IT firms to deliver the very best secure systems. We have recently partnered with QuoStar, to provide us with a Chief Information Officer Service, providing the board with strategic IT knowledge and expertise. QuoStar gives us the technical, operational, and strategic skillsets of a highly experienced senior IT professional, but on a basis that fits our firm’s needs and budget. We’re in the early stages of our partnership, but the initial reviews have already delivered dividends and we look forward to working with QuoStar on a long-term basis.”

Get more from your IT with a strategy, on-demand CIO-level Consultant: We help businesses to us IT to gain security, stability and a competitive advantage in a rapidly developing marketplace. Click here to find out more.

QuoStar achieves Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award

QuoStar has achieved the silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award as part of its work with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Following QuoStar’s attendance at a CTP Careers Fair in Newbury in March 2018, Chairman Dr John Knowles signed the Covenant on behalf of the business at a military event in Bournemouth. As a result, QuoStar joined 2,400 other UK businesses that have also made a commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

About the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award

The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. To achieve the silver award, QuoStar had to meet a rigid set of criteria. This includes building awareness of the positive policies towards issues affecting defence people, showing support for military mobilisations, and having a framework in place should an employee be mobilised.

RT Hon Tobias Ellwood MP comments: “I am delighted to congratulate the recipients of this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver awards. A Silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefit to the Armed Forces Community.  The winners should all be proud of the life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our Reservists, veterans, wounded injured and sick and their families. We’ve seen a record number of winners this year, which shows that the Armed Forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefit.”

QuoStar actively promotes itself as a forces-friendly business, supporting the employment of veterans by working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and, where possible, facilitating the employment of Service spouses and partners. QuoStar also supports employees who choose to become members of the Reserve Forces, accommodating their training and deployment as needed.

This announcement supports QuoStar’s continued efforts to build a talented team at every level. Since 2015, the business has established a hugely successful apprenticeship programme and continues to seek out the best individuals from a diverse group of candidates to help grow the company.

Robert Rutherford, CEO of QuoStar, comments:

“Everyone should have an opportunity to find a role where they can succeed and utilise their skills to their fullest extent. Veterans, as well as those in the reserves, have a wealth of skills and experience they can offer many industries – especially the technology sector. QuoStar has experienced real positive change from encouraging these individuals into the company. While it’s brilliant to be recognised by the Armed Forces Covenant, our aim has always been to attract and grow a diverse range of talent at all levels.”

QuoStar Chairman John Knowles signing the Armed Forces Covenant

QuoStar has pledged to support military personnel by signing The Armed Forces Covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a nationwide commitment to ensure those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, as well as their families, are treated fairly. Businesses can choose to adopt it as a demonstration of their support to the Armed Forces Community.

There are two key principles of the Covenant. Firstly, no member of the Armed Forces community should face a disadvantage compared to any other citizen in providing public and commercial services. Secondly, in some circumstances, special treatment may be due – especially for those bereaved or injured.

By signing the Covenant, QuoStar will promote itself as a forces-friendly business, supporting the employment of veterans by working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and where possible facilitating the employment of Service spouses and partners. QuoStar will also support those employees who choose to become members of the Reserve Forces and accommodate their training and deployment needed as needed.

Following QuoStar’s attendance at a CTP Careers Fair in Newbury, Chairman Dr John Knowles signed the Covenant on behalf of the business at a military event in Bournemouth. QuoStar has joined the 2,400 other businesses in the UK that have also made a commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

QuoStar CEO Robert Rutherford comments, “The fact that we already have a number of service leavers in the business excelling within their roles has shown the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant. These individuals have delivered value across the business and – most importantly – to our clients. This success has encouraged us to show our commitment to those that have served and are serving in the military.”

QuoStar and Inspire are pleased to announce that their annual Christmas Charity Lunch on Friday 1st December raised over £22,000 for charities in the South West.

This is the fourth year that that two Bournemouth-based companies, who have raised almost £75,000 since 2014, have teamed up to put on this event.

This year’s lunch, which was held at The Cumberland Hotel in Bournemouth, welcomed 200 guests from businesses across the region. It was in aid of various local charities including Wessex Cancer Trust; a local charity aiming to help the 23,000 people who are diagnosed in the region every year, Julia’s House; an award-winning children’s hospice charity, and MyTime; a charity providing support for young carers.

The total raised was a result of ticket sales, a raffle and generous donations made during the two charity auctions. Prizes up for grabs included a three-night break in Majorca on a luxury yacht, signed shorts by professional boxer Anthony Joshua, a Riverboat Cruise on the Thames and a signed and framed AFC Bournemouth shirt.

The lunch was hosted by guest speaker and former rugby player Jeff Probyn while Martin Edwards, CEO of Julia’s House, was the auctioneer.

QuoStar’s Managing Director, James Stelfox, comments:

“This year’s Christmas lunch has been an overwhelming achievement. The combined efforts of QuoStar and Inspire have enabled us to collect even more than the amount raised in 2016. Our annual charity lunch has become a staple part of the calendar, giving worthy causes a much-deserved boost around the holiday season. It was a fantastic event and the perfect way to begin celebrating the Christmas period.”

Inspire’s Managing Director, Warren Munson, comments:

“It is once again fantastic to be collaborating with QuoStar to host our annual charity lunch.  It is great to bring so many entrepreneurs and business leaders together to have some seasonal fun while raising funds for four incredible charities. Last year we raised over £20k and are ecstatic to have broken that record this year!”

View the photos from the 2017 Christmas Charity Lunch below

View photos from the QuoStar & Inspire Christmas Charity Lunch 2017

QuoStar, the IT support and consultancy firm, and Inspire Tax and Business Advisers, are thrilled to announce today that over £12,000 has been raised from a successful Christmas Charity Lunch. The funds will be split equally between four local charities.

The lunch, which took place on the 27th November at the Cumberland Hotel in Bournemouth. Over 130 local businessmen and women were in attendance, and all donated generously. The four local charities, chosen by QuoStar and Inspire, who will receive funds are; Julia’s House, MyTime, Round Table Children’s Wish and Wessex Cancer Trust.

Raising money for Dorset charities

(L-R) Former AFC Bournemouth Goalkeeper Jimmy Glass, James Stelfox of QuoStar, Warren Munson of Inspire & former AFC Bournemouth Footballer Steve Fletcher

Money was raised through the sale of tickets, a raffle, a silent auction and an auction. Prizes included a signed Red Arrows poster, signed AFC Bournemouth memorabilia and a tour of Parliament with Afternoon Tea. All prizes were sourced by the charities or kindly donated by local businesses.

Guests were also entertained by a Q&A session between Former AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Jimmy Glass and former AFC Bournemouth footballer Steve Fletcher.

This is the second year running that the two Bournemouth-based businesses have joined forces for charity. This year’s lunch has been even more successful than the previous one, with an additional £4,000 raised. Plans for 2016 are already afoot and QuoStar and Inspire look forward to raising further funds for charity.

James Stelfox, Managing Director of MDS at QuoStar, comments:

“It was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with a wide range of successful businesses raising money for some great local causes. A wide range of local companies attended and they able to enjoy themselves and raise a great amount of money. We’ve already had a commitment on tables for next year which we are thrilled about.”

James Stelfox with representatives from the Roundtable Children's Wish and Wessex Cancer Trust charities

Warren Munson, Managing Director of Inspire Accountants, added:

“The lunch was a spectacular success. Significantly increasing the funds raised in the previous year for the four local charities to over £12,000. Inspire and QuoStar thank the generous local business people who attended and Jimmy Glass and Steve Fletcher for entertaining us. Certainly feel likes this was a great way to kick off the Christmas festivities.”

Karen Winchcombe, from Round Table Children’s Wish, comments:

“We are absolutely amazed by the generosity of those that attended the Inspire & Quostar Charity lunch! The amount raised is fantastic and we are so thankful to be one of the charities that have benefited from this. With the money raised, we will be able to grant more ‘handcrafted’ wishes for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Bringing a touch of happiness to those families that have been through a great deal.”

Kim Lawford, from Wessex Cancer Trust, also added:

“Wessex Cancer Trust were delighted to receive this wonderful amount which will help towards the opening, in March, of our Bournemouth  Cancer Support Centre, which will be providing both emotional and practical help and support to those in the local area living with cancer, not only patients but their families and carers.”

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James Stelfox, Managing Director of MDS at QuoStar

QuoStar, the business consultancy and information technology firm, has announced the launch of a new business unit, Managed Document Solutions (MDS). This development is part of a broader expansion programme, as the Bournemouth based business is on a recruitment drive to hire local candidates to fill five roles.

The MDS unit will be headed up by James Stelfox who takes on a new role as Managing Director of MDS, alongside his current position as a board member at QuoStar. James’ focus is to grow the current team working on MDS and expand its portfolio, in addition to improving the market share currently held by QuoStar in this area.

James Stelfox, Managing Director of MDS at QuoStar, comments:

“Our proven expertise and position with the outsourcing, business consulting and IT infrastructure arenas has mapped perfectly into the MDS space. It’s exciting to lead a new team of expert analysts and consultants into an area where we can really make a difference.”

Although QuoStar operates nationally and internationally, many of the new roles will be based in the Bournemouth operations centre. The firm is particularly keen to hire local people from the area, but will consider offering relocation packages for exceptional candidates to move to the South coast. The roles range from Head of Technical Services to Junior IT Technician.

QuoStar’s CEO, Robert Rutherford, comments:

“We’re entering a really exciting period at QuoStar; launching a new business unit puts us in a strong position to kick off 2016 on the front foot. With 10 years in our leadership team, we know James can deliver strong and fast growth within the MDS unit whilst retaining the high levels of quality and service that’s expected of us. At QuoStar we have always looked to invest in the local area. We are pleased to maintain this endeavour by encouraging candidates from Bournemouth and the wider region to join us in the New Year.

For more information about the jobs available, click here.

QuoStar launches Legal Ignite cloud platform

We’re excited to announce the launch of Legal Ignite – our new cloud platform, designed specifically for small to mid-sized law firms. Backed by our ten years’ of experience in cloud and our in-depth knowledge of the legal industry, Legal Ignite is designed to help law firms benefit from the security, scalability and convenience that cloud computing can provide.

Combining a robust mix of best-of-breed hardware and legal software, Legal Ignite has been built specifically with the legal sector in mind and can be adjusted to fit each firm’s exact requirements. It can even be delivered onsite for those firms which are wary of moving to the cloud.

Firms can use their existing software or opt for our chosen partners, for everything from time recording and practice management systems, through to CRM, email security, document management and case workflow. Other hardware and other IT related services can be delivered on a simple operating expense model.

The new cloud platform has been built to boost efficiency by being simple to use. It’s completely customisable and scalable, without compromising on security. Legal Ignite is hosted in the UK’s most secure data centres, which are operated to military standards. They also have ISO 27001 and other security accreditations and come with 100% uptime guarantee.

Legal Ignite also offers a built-in IT manager-on-demand and CIO-on-demand services to provide law firms with board level expertise to help them make business-focused decisions that support continual business improvements. Helping your law firm make the best business decisions as new issues, priorities and challenges arise in this rapidly changing sector.

“With competition in the legal sector more fierce than ever before, firms need to employ IT systems that help them work faster, smarter and more efficiently. Cloud computing can offer all of these benefits and more – but it’s vital that firms choose a mature, custom-built cloud solution that has been developed with the specific needs of the legal sector in mind,” comments QuoStar CEO, Robert Rutherford.

“Legal Ignite ticks all of these boxes by offering an easy-to-use solution that helps firms to compete more effectively, without compromising on security. We run a 24x7x365 operation, manned by seasoned and qualified engineers, to ensure constant uptime and availability. This way, firms not only benefit from having a modern flexible IT system that can help boost productivity, but also a strong support network of industry-focused experts.”

Discover the benefits Legal Ignite for your law firm. Book your free, no-obligation demonstration today!

cwsa

QuoStar has been shortlisted for a Cloud World Series Award, in the category of “Best Cloud SME Project by a Vendor”. The company, whose operational headquarters are based in Bournemouth, have been nominated alongside big names like Amazon, NetSuite and VMware.

The Cloud World Series Awards are a celebration of the drive, innovation and hard work in the global cloud computing industry, There are six categories recognising services from across the ecosystem. The Awards will bring together the industry leaders and experts across who have driven developments over the past year.

The winners will be announced at the Cloud World Forum on the 24th of June.

To find out more about QuoStar’s private cloud solutions, click here.

IT support and consultancy firm QuoStar have received an award for ambition. The firm, whose operational headquarters are in Bournemouth, has been named as one of the UK’s most ambitious companies in the southern region.

This award is unique because no company could put themselves forward or receive a nomination. Instead, more than 5000 companies in the south of England were researched against a set of measures. Accountants Baker Tilly, law firm Rawlison Butler, and consultants Endgame Insight independently assessed these. The criteria for the award included:

“The criteria include a desire to build a business of some significance, to be a leader rather than a follower, and an ability to think, and act, strategically,” explained Jon Da Costa, a partner at Baker Tilly. At the award presentation, Tim Sadka, a partner at Rawlison Butler said that an ambitious company has a determination to succeed regardless of any obstacles.

Ambitious - QuoStar-bw

Robert Rutherford, QuoStar CEO, receives The South’s Most Ambitious Companies award from Jon Da Costa, a partner at accountants Baker Tilly (right), and Tim Sadka, a partner at law firm Rawlison Butler (left), at a presentation held at Fetcham Park, Leatherhead.

quostar adds new data centres to network

QuoStar delivers cloud services from multiple, highly secure and compliant UK data centres. The latest additions are purpose-built, ex-Ministry of Defence facilities that are armoured, nuclear bomb-proof, military specified fortresses.

In addition to this unequalled level of security and redundancy, the new data centre has the ability to support high levels of power, cooling and stringent access control procedures.

The facilities benefit from 3m thick reinforced concrete walls, solid steel doors, CCTV systems with 24-hour video recording, visual verification of all persons entering the data floors, no unescorted access, Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) protection, Tempest RFI intrusion protection, shared or dedicated partitioned areas, and redundant power and cooling

The new data centres are based outside of London. Although London is the second-largest internet exchange in the world, it is also one of the highest risk cities. Flood, terrorism, theft and power are all real and present threats.

These additional hosting facilities boast:

All of the above results in the UK’s most secure data centre. At QuoStar we wouldn’t accept anything less.

Find out more about QuoStar and our services here