Moving a 200-user business to the cloud
- What I did
- Moved the business onto Microsoft 365 and its SQL databases to the cloud, with disaster recovery and backups put in place as part of the move.
Proper IT leadership, without the full-time hire.
I'm Mark Noble, an independent IT director based in Leeds, working with businesses across Yorkshire. After more than 30 years in IT across several industries, I help small and mid-sized businesses get their IT working, keep it working, and get through big changes like acquisitions and system upgrades.
When businesses call me
We've outgrown our IT.
What worked at 20 people is creaking at 80. Nobody owns IT strategy, the budget is a guess, and you're not sure what your suppliers are doing for the money. I've set up helpdesks for a manufacturer with 300-plus users and for a 200-user business.
We're buying, or being bought.
Two businesses, two sets of systems and a deadline. I've been through it from both sides: the business I worked for was bought twice, and I've helped move acquired businesses onto a larger group's systems.
Our main system is old, or doesn't join up.
An ERP version that's no longer supported, servers in a cupboard, orders typed in twice, backups nobody has tested. I've upgraded ERP systems, linked them to websites and automated ordering and invoicing in manufacturing and distribution. I'll tell you what matters, what can wait, and what it will take.
What I do
Part-time or interim IT director
Senior IT leadership for the days you need it: strategy, budget, suppliers and projects.
IT health check
A short, honest review of what you have, what could hurt you and what to fix first.
Cloud, security and recovery
Microsoft 365, backups, disaster recovery and Cyber Essentials, planned properly.
ERP and business systems
Upgrading, replacing or moving your ERP, CRM or main business software, from choosing what to do to running the project.
Acquisitions and integration
Bringing a bought business onto your systems, or being bought, without stopping the day job.
Selected work
Bringing acquired agencies onto Gallagher's systems
- What I did
- Acted as deputy to the Assured Partners CIO, covering day-to-day IT across the group's agencies. Worked with Gallagher's M&A teams on moving the agencies onto Gallagher's systems, advising on the existing legacy systems and infrastructure. Kept local IT running through both transitions and worked with Gallagher's service teams on service issues.
Keeping the main business system current, and connected
- What I did
- Upgraded the company's main ERP system twice. Introduced EDI to automate ordering and invoicing. Built trade and retail e-commerce websites linked to the main system.
What colleagues say
“Knowledgeable, approachable and someone you can rely on.”
“Good manager with a sound grasp of the technologies and issues.”
“He isn’t a ‘yes man’ and yet he is able to bear the responsibility for the necessary improvements.”