After a decade in the UK accounting sector, Daren Oliver (pictured) took a bold leap in 1999 by founding Fitzrovia IT. As its CEO and co-founder, his carefully crafted strategic ambition is guiding the company upward among the ranks of the UK's fastest-growing MSPs.
Oliver established the business to address a market gap, providing affordable IT support services to SMEs who could not fund their own internal IT infrastructure. This filled a crucial need when very few companies were catering to this segment.
Guided by his visionary leadership, Fitzrovia IT is now on track to achieve an approximate turnover of £10.1 million, subject to audit, supported by a dedicated 70-member team.
“As a business, one of our key accomplishments is our entirely organic growth,” he says. “We haven't expanded by acquiring other businesses; everything we've achieved has been done organically.”
Investors in People
Fitzrovia IT's guiding principle is to deliver customised IT solutions to businesses throughout the UK, with the goal of enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
The main catalyst for its success, according to Oliver, is the company's considerable investment in its team, whom he regards as 'the company's most valuable asset and the cornerstone of its growth'.
“We’re investors in people,” he says. “We've invested a lot in our team, but also our marketing side and sales account manager side as well. Each year we've invested in the team, and if you invest in your team, you will certainly get the rewards in terms of attracting clients.”
He conveyed that, as a business rooted in valuing its people, it ardently promotes personal development and skill enhancement among its team, empowering them to attain their maximum potential.
“We are one of only a few MSPs in the UK with advanced accreditations such as Investors in People (IIP) Gold Standard Accreditation and are a Microsoft Solutions Partner.”
The Microsoft and Apple partner is also accredited with ISO27001, ISO9001, ISO45001 and ISO14001 certifications. “This involves a comprehensive 360-degree audit of all our staff, examining their training levels as well as the career trajectories, and assessing the overall workplace dynamics within the company.”
Moreover, the company's new Microsoft security badges—held by only a small number of MSPs in the UK —underline the essential role of staff development and training in Fitzrovia's strategic plan, he says.
Despite Microsoft recently overhauling its traditional gold and silver approach to its partner programme, he states, "We have achieved certification as a Modern Workplace Solutions Partner, we are an Infrastructure Azure Solutions Partner, and now, we have also acquired security credentials.
“We have a head for Azure cloud services, along with a dedicated team. Similarly, we have a head for cybersecurity, a Chief Information Officer, and a security team. We also have a lead for Office 365 services and compliance. Additionally, we maintain a versatile team to address any potential gaps.”
With Microsoft revamping its entire accreditation process, he emphasises the importance of training, saying, "Most of our team needs to qualify, they need to pass exams, thereby accumulating points. To earn the Microsoft badges, significant investment in team training is essential, as is ensuring that your team can proficiently support those products, otherwise the badges are unattainable,” he says.
Overall, he emphasised that the company's Microsoft security badges, combined with its dedication to employee training through initiatives such as ISOs and IIP, have not only fuelled its growth significantly but also distinguished itself from other UK-based MSPs that don’t possess such accreditations.
Cybersecurity and AI
With its new Microsoft security badges, he says the focus, as always, remains on continuing to provide cybersecurity services, alongside emerging technologies such as AI.
“Our focus also extends to compliance matters, particularly data compliance and business intelligence,” he says. “We are implementing several systems in terms of AI."
He emphasised that AI is a tool, with the potential to “improve not just our business, but also others' processes and operational effectiveness.”
He stated, “Many discuss AI without comprehending its application. We're implementing systems within our help desk that review your entire data. When someone calls, it initiates a comprehensive check through all the firm's notes and provides a solution."
He stated that the goal of utilising AI is to assist its clients in the financial, oil, property, and retailer sectors in propelling their business and ensuring long-term growth.
Fuelling growth
Recognising the importance of AI, he suggests that to achieve growth in a saturated managed service market, one must prioritise employee development.
"Investing in your staff, understanding your goals, and examining your firm's structure to truly comprehend what you're aiming to deliver to your clients is essential to drive growth."
He also emphasised the importance of impeccable governance, noting, “Whether you choose to put your resources towards IIP standards, ISOs, Microsoft badges, or like us, all of them, investment is key in these areas.”
