The New Year isn’t just for personal resolutions (like finally tackling Clifton’s steepest hills on your bike). It’s also the perfect time for Bristol businesses to freshen up their IT strategy. Whether you’re running a trendy café on Gloucester Road or a fast-growing SME in Temple Meads, starting the year with a strong IT plan can set you up for success.
Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide (complete with a downloadable checklist) to keep your Bristol business running smoothly and securely in 2025.
1. Review your IT setup
Start by assessing what you’re working with—think of this as spring cleaning for your tech. Bristol is known for its innovative spirit, so make sure your setup keeps up:
- List all hardware (computers, laptops, mobile devices). Are they still fit for purpose?
- Audit your software licenses—are you paying for tools you don’t even use?
- Check warranties and plan replacements for ageing devices.
2. Strengthen your cyber security
SMEs in Bristol are just as vulnerable to cyber attacks as big-city businesses. Protect your company with these key steps:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager (no more ‘Bristol123’).
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security.
- Train your team to spot phishing attempts with cyber awareness training, delivered through Cloud & More.
- Assess your overall security with a professional IT review from Cloud & More, your local Bristol IT experts.
3. Back up your data
Whether it’s customer records for your Clifton yoga studio or invoices for your Bedminster bakery, your data is crucial. Make sure it’s backed up securely:
- Test your current backup systems—are they working?
- Check your storage capacity—do you need an upgrade?
- Work with Cloud & More to ensure your backups are compliant and protected.
4. Consider your IT support
Does your IT support match the hustle and creativity of Bristol businesses? If your IT strategy is just “call Gary when something breaks,” it might be time for a change. Cloud & More offers proactive, personalised IT support tailored to Bristol SMEs.
5. Keep systems up to date
Bristol’s vibrant business community is all about staying ahead of the curve. Don’t let outdated tech slow you down:
- Schedule updates for operating systems and software.
- Replace unsupported devices before they cause trouble.
- Automate updates where possible—Cloud & More can help!
Why is a strong IT strategy important for Bristol SMEs?
In Bristol, where innovation meets community spirit, having a solid IT strategy ensures your business is secure, scalable, and ready to adapt. Plus, with cyber attacks on the rise, staying proactive protects your reputation and keeps costs down..
Download your New Year IT checklist and let’s get started!
Get your Bristol business ready for 2025
Make IT the simplest part of your New Year’s resolutions. With Cloud & More so you can focus on growing your Bristol business while we handle the tech.
