Francis Clark Computing Technologies help Openshaws
When specialist corporate and commercial law firm, Openshaws, faced disaster when its IT system collapsed, it turned to experts at Francis Clark Computing Technologies for help.
Openshaws operates exclusively in the field of corporate and commercial law, and plays a vital role in corporate deals, such as MBOs, across the region and beyond. The firm celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The firm is unusual because it provides legal services that are traditionally associated with large law firms.
Said its principal, Nick Openshaw: "We provide a specialist legal service and operate in a sector where small law firms usually do not figure. Over the past 10 years we have built a network of well-established experts who are available to provide input into other legal and professional areas to ensure that our clients receive a complete service."
The events that led to the breakdown of the firm's IT system are mirrored in the experience of many small businesses. The firm started off with one piece of equipment and, as the firm developed, its IT system grew in a piecemeal fashion.
Said Nick: "The system ended up being bodged together, with patches and add-ons when we needed them – a situation which we have been led to believe is not unusual in a small business. One day, the whole system fell over, and we were dead in the water."
Nick approached Francis Clark Computing Technologies to help. Experts there were able to audit the firm's needs and make recommendations. They threw out the old system, installed a new one and continue to provide ongoing support and advice and a quarterly IT audit, as part of the contract.
Nick commented: "We could have so easily been left high and dry. But we are confident that, with the support of Francis Clark Computing Technologies, we have a system that will allow us to work from the office and remotely, and that will not let us down."
Phil Mortimer, managing director of Francis Clark Computing Technologies, added: "Openshaws found itself in a situation which is faced by many small businesses, not through any fault of their own but because that is how their IT facilities have developed. We are delighted that we have been able to sort out the problem, and also provide ongoing advice and support to ensure it does not happen again."
Francis Clark Computing Technologies can be contacted on 01626 206296.
Pictured, from left: Phil Mortimer, Andrew Wallace, Nick Openshaw