TL;DR: If you’re a Bristol-based business still stuck in spreadsheet land, these 10 tech tips will help you work smarter, not harder. Save time, boost security, and get more from the tools you already use.
10 tech tips to help Bristol businesses work smarter in 2025
Bristol’s full of brilliant businesses, creative, practical, and growing fast. But too many still waste hours on manual tasks, clunky tools, or old devices that slow things down.
If that sounds familiar, don’t worry. Small changes to your tech setup can unlock serious time savings and help your team do their best work, whether you’re in Clifton, Bedminster, or working from a beach in Cornwall.
Here are 10 simple, practical ways to work smarter with technology in 2025.
1. Get more out of Microsoft 365
Already using it? Make it work harder.
Most Bristol businesses have Microsoft 365, but few make the most of it. Tools like OneNote, Planner, Loop, and Power Automate can replace messy spreadsheets and manual tasks. Copilot (Microsoft’s built-in AI) can summarise meetings, draft emails, and speed up everyday jobs.
👉 Businesses using Copilot report up to 30% productivity gains.
Benefit: Less admin. More output. Better value from tools you already pay for.
🔗 Explore Microsoft 365 support
2. Turn email signatures into marketing space
Hundreds of emails go out every week. Use them wisely.
With centralised tools like Exclaimer, you can add branded signatures to every outgoing message, complete with a banner, social links, awards, or even your latest blog post.
Plus, consistent email signatures help spot spoofed emails, reducing phishing risks.
Benefit: Look professional, promote consistently, and reduce email-based scams.
3. Upgrade devices before they become a problem
Still running a 2017 laptop in 2025?
Old devices cause slowdowns and open up security risks. The Federation of Small Businesses says 30% of UK businesses suffer downtime due to ageing tech. Newer devices are faster, more secure, and ideal for hybrid teams working across Bristol and beyond.
Benefit: Boost morale, reduce downtime, and improve cyber security.
4. Stop wasting money on unused software
If no one’s using it, cancel it.
Bristol businesses are just as guilty as anyone else, UK SMEs waste £1.7 billion a year on tools they don’t use. Audit your Microsoft 365 licences and third-party apps. Spot unused logins, duplicate services, or features nobody touches.
Benefit: Save money, clean up your tech stack, and stay efficient.
5. Automate repetitive admin
Copying and pasting? Still?
Use tools like Power Automate and Copilot to handle recurring tasks, invoice approvals, form entries, or email follow-ups. Read our blog: 16 ways to boost productivity with power automate and copilot
Businesses that automate save up to 40 : % of time on day-to-day admin.
Benefit: Free your team to focus on what matters, like growth.
🔗 Find our how we we can help your business be more productive
6. Roll out Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
It takes 5 minutes to set up, and it’s worth it.
MFA stops 99.9% of account hacks, yet many Bristol businesses haven’t switched it on. If you’re using Microsoft 365, it’s easy to enable MFA using app codes, biometrics, or security keys.
Benefit: Fewer risks, stronger protection, and better client trust.
🔗 Learn about cyber security training
7. Manage devices beyond the office
Who’s watching the laptops when your team’s in a café?
If your team works remotely, you need mobile device management (MDM). Tools like Microsoft Intune help you set rules, track usage, and remotely wipe lost devices, without slowing anyone down.
Benefit: Stay secure and compliant wherever your team logs in.
8. Use Microsoft Teams as your digital HQ
No more endless email chains.
Microsoft Teams isn’t just for calls. It can be your whole workspace, chat, file sharing, task management, and real-time document editing, all in one place. Great for collaboration across sites or with external partners.
Benefit: Clearer communication, better teamwork, and no more “which version is this?”
9. Ditch dodgy passwords for good
If you’re still using “Summer2023!” it’s time.
Weak passwords are behind 81% of breaches. A password manager like Keeper helps you create, store, and share passwords securely, making onboarding and offboarding far easier too.
Benefit: Tighter security, fewer login headaches.
10. Use cloud tools to stay flexible
From Stokes Croft to St Andrews, work from anywhere.
SharePoint and OneDrive keep your files backed up, organised, and accessible from any location. With clear permissions and version control, cloud storage is ideal for businesses working with freelancers, clients, or hybrid teams.
Benefit: Collaborate securely, work flexibly, and stay in control.
🔗 Secure cloud backup solutions
Ready to upgrade your tech setup?
You don’t need to do all 10 right now. But picking just one could save your team hours every week.
If you’re a Bristol business that wants to simplify IT, improve security, or just work a bit smarter, we’re here to help. Friendly faces, plain English, and real support from a team who knows your area.
Cloud & More – IT Support Bristol
📍 Visit us at The Old Bakery, Canford Lane, Bristol BS9 3DB
📞 Call 0333 577 0966
🌐 www.cloudandmore.co.uk
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