IT Strategy

Companies often approach us because it’s not clear how to connect their systems and digital strategy to their business objectives.

The big opportunities to really use technology to make a difference never get turned into a clear vision and plan. Opportunities to innovate using things like AI, mobile apps, and data analytics don’t seem to get onto the agenda.

Their IT agenda just seems to be run by the techies…

Technology as part of your business strategy

Each function of an ambitious business needs clear direction and ownership. This is especially true with your IT strategy, even though too often it’s merely seen as a day-to-day function.

One of our experienced, competent, and confident IT leaders can join your senior team to understand your business strategy and ensure that the IT strategy supports it.

Get technology innovation off the ground

Many CEOs we meet have a radical idea for technology-enabling their business but need a sensible experienced IT leader to make this happen (or to say honestly if it’s a bad idea!).

We often work with CEOs to transform their business using IT to boost their revenues or reduce costs.

The main points of IT strategic plans

Your technology should focus on your customers, growth, efficiency, risk, security, and value.

More specifically, your IT strategy needs to encompass digital, business applications, and IT infrastructure.

One of our people (we call them ‘Principals’) can get to grips with the issues and create a simple strategy within a few days.

We focus on creating a roadmap as the foundation for planning and action, rather than just having a document that sits on a shelf gathering dust.

Systems and digital strategy, delivered

Our Principal’s job is to work with you to maintain the strategy, evolve it, and most importantly deliver on it!

We’re not just consultants who deliver PowerPoint slides and then move on.

We aim to have a long-term relationship with all our clients and our Principals expect to be accountable for delivery of the strategy and for making a real difference to your business!

Below are some relevant briefings, posts, videos and stories from our clients.

All written in plain-English and suitable for CEOs and Board members.

Client Stories

We are trusted technology strategy providers for CEOs of mid-market businesses. Read our client case studies to find out more...

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Business insights

We have a wide range of experience in delivering business-focus and mid-market IT strategies that will help your business grow...

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Hybrid working is the strategic challenge of the decade. Why?

Hybrid working is the strategic challenge of the decade. Why?

Mid-market companies are facing enormous challenges. Customer expectations have shifted dramatically, and staffing shortages will be an ongoing problem. Freeman...

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Business Insight

Hydrock

'Freeman Clarke made IT a strategic enabler, aligned with our business strategy. Hydrock's systems now provide much greater support for staff, reducing wasted time, costs, and problems' Read more

Client story
3 Focus Points for Successful Systems Integration

3 Focus Points for Successful Systems Integration

Freeman Clarke co-founder Graeme Freeman explains the three areas you’ll need to focus on for a successful systems integration project...

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Business Insight
IR35

IR35

Here’s a brief video of one of our founders, Steve Clarke, explaining how the IR35 change is affecting small operators,...

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Business Insight
How to avoid a CRM car crash

How to avoid a CRM car crash

Any CEO knows that customer information is a very valuable asset. And how you manage customer relationships is vital. So...

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Business Insight
Custom software & digital

Custom software & digital

Custom software is an opportunity to build real competitive advantage, making your business unique and adding business value. But custom...

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Business Insight
How does a Freeman Clarke IT leader add value every day?

How does a Freeman Clarke IT leader add value every day?

At our recent conference we asked a few of our Principals how they see themselves adding value to their clients....

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Business Insight
Focus on private equity

Focus on private equity

Private Equity ownership in the mid-market is increasingly significant. And as you know, PE is all about driving business value,...

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Business Insight
Bitcoin – What is it and what does it mean to businesses?

Bitcoin – What is it and what does it mean to businesses?

What is Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a “crypto currency” that was created in 2009. It has many (or perhaps all) of...

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Business Insight
Team development & leadership

Team development & leadership

Your IT team and tech suppliers should be part of your growth strategy, helping to drive improvements in efficiency, customer...

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Business Insight
How to stop worrying about cyber security and compliance: Part II

How to stop worrying about cyber security and compliance: Part II

This article is the second in our two-part report designed to provide busy CEOs with a template for mitigating the...

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Business Insight
How to stop worrying about cyber security and compliance: Part I

How to stop worrying about cyber security and compliance: Part I

This article is the first in our two-part report designed to provide busy CEOs with a template for mitigating the...

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Business Insight
The benefits of working with a great team of CIOs, CTOs, and IT directors

The benefits of working with a great team of CIOs, CTOs, and IT directors

During our recent Freeman Clarke conference we talked to a few of our Principals and Regional Directors about the benefits...

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Business Insight
How to Get Started with an ERP Project – Part 2

How to Get Started with an ERP Project – Part 2

This is the second in a two-part series on how to launch a successful Enterprise Planning Resource (ERP) project. For...

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Business Insight
Get Real: How Does Tech Fuel Business Growth?

Get Real: How Does Tech Fuel Business Growth?

We recently launched Freeman Clarke in the US and hosted an event where three panelists discussed how technology fuels business...

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Business Insight
COVID 19: Urgent operational challenges from some of our clients

COVID 19: Urgent operational challenges from some of our clients

For every business, the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge to the wellbeing and safety of their people. For some businesses...

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Business Insight
ERP pearls of wisdom from our experts

ERP pearls of wisdom from our experts

This audio focuses on ERP pearls of wisdom from our experts. You can listen to the other audios in this...

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Business Insight
How to Get Started with an ERP Project – Part 1

How to Get Started with an ERP Project – Part 1

This is the first in a two-part series on how to launch a successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project. For...

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Business Insight
3 common problems with systems integration

3 common problems with systems integration

Integration challenges can be difficult to identify. In this video, Freeman Clarke Co-founder Graeme Freeman explains three of most common...

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Business Insight
A concise introduction to integration problems – Part II: How to solve them

A concise introduction to integration problems – Part II: How to solve them

This is the second of our two-part series on integration problems. Click here to read Part I: How to Spot...

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Business Insight
What Do You Love Most About Your Role at Freeman Clarke?

What Do You Love Most About Your Role at Freeman Clarke?

We get together every 6 months at our Freeman Clarke Conference to share ideas, experiences and knowledge and to let...

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Business Insight
ERP Explained: The Basics

ERP Explained: The Basics

At Freeman Clarke, clients frequently ask for our help with their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) projects. We’re not surprised, because...

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Business Insight
Board action plan: IT roadmap for growth

Board action plan: IT roadmap for growth

To download, save or print this CEO's Action Plan, click here Companies planning growth need to have a plan for...

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Business Insight
What Does a Fractional CTO Really Do for a Mid-Market Business? Plus 5 Tips to Make It Work

What Does a Fractional CTO Really Do for a Mid-Market Business? Plus 5 Tips to Make It Work

The use of fractional Board-execs in mid-market businesses is growing. More companies see and hear stories of successful engagements, more...

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Business Insight
Who are Freeman Clarke?

Who are Freeman Clarke?

We are the UK's largest and most experienced team of CIOs, CTOs and IT Directors and work exclusively in the...

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Business Insight
Why CTOs are on the rise in mid-market businesses

Why CTOs are on the rise in mid-market businesses

Many of our clients are using custom software and digital initiatives to drive sales, increase efficiency or improve service. Sometimes...

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Business Insight
A concise introduction to integration problems – Part I: How to spot them

A concise introduction to integration problems – Part I: How to spot them

A Concise Introduction to Integration Problems Part I: How to Spot Them Integration problems can cause your business quite a...

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Business Insight

AllTruck plc

'We needed an experienced IT Director to provide continuity and strategic thinking to address our IT issues' Read more

Client story

Sterling

'Freeman Clarke have been instrumental in implementing industry best practices around the management, support and financial management of the IT function' Read more

Client story

Palletline

'The Freeman Clarke fractional model has served us very well’ Read more

Client story

Amberjack

'It was vitally important that our IT strategy and delivery were led by an expert who understood our values' Read more

Client story

GRS Roadstone Group

'Having an IT Director with previous experience in the sector has given us the confidence to make significant investments in systems, putting us at the leading edge of our industry' Read more

Client story

Bonhill Group plc

'We needed best-in-class technology leadership in the US and the UK, and so we contacted Freeman Clarke' Read more

Client story

Future Biogas

'Engaging a Freeman Clarke Principal as our part-time IT Director, at Board-level, has proved extremely worthwhile' Read more

Client story

Immunocore

'The IT leader's ability to pick up on our industry's complex technology, combined with his capabilities, resulted in Immunocore being in a stronger, more secure IT environment' Read more

Client story

Rendall and Rittner

'Our Freeman Clarke IT Director made what felt like full-time impact even though he was in fact dedicated to us two days per week' Read more

Client story

Oxitec

'Our involvement with Freeman Clarke came at a crucial phase. We needed a serious IT director to review our IT and our IT suppliers, and to help us grow our production and distribution capabilities' Read more

Client story

J Tomlinson

'Our IT leader's knowledge and experience of business change with IT as a key enabler has added value to our project' Read more

Client story

Crown Golf

'I now have someone within the senior team who can explain the complexities of IT in business terms and has provided clarity and direction to my technology team' Read more

Client story
Cyber security and compliance strategy for non-technical board members

Cyber security and compliance strategy for non-technical board members

Cyber and compliance are huge threats, but for a non-technical board member it’s difficult to set direction and strategy if...

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Business Insight

British Pathé

'Having someone completely independent and trusted who understands both the business and the technology has proved to be a significant business enabler' Read more

Client story
How AEC can succeed with digital

How AEC can succeed with digital

How AEC can succeed with digital Introduction Our priorities, of course, should be to stay healthy and do everything we...

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Business Insight
Demystifying AI: a guide for mid-market CEOs

Demystifying AI: a guide for mid-market CEOs

There is suddenly a lot of urgency around artificial intelligence and what it will mean for the future of business....

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Business Insight
Using systems & digital to grow your business

Using systems & digital to grow your business

Companies planning growth need to have a plan for how their technology can support and drive this growth allowing them...

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Business Insight
CEO’s briefing: Technology roadmap for growth

CEO’s briefing: Technology roadmap for growth

As companies grow, their IT inevitably needs to change and develop. In reality, few companies follow a well planned path,...

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Business Insight
The Future of Digital Transformation

The Future of Digital Transformation

Let’s start with a definition. For us, digital transformation means using IT and technology to dramatically change your business for...

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Business Insight
Don’t get left behind. Start your Digital Transformation journey.

Don’t get left behind. Start your Digital Transformation journey.

Ambitious business owners will always look to improve how their organisation functions. Digital transformation is one great way. It enables...

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Business Insight
Cyber security is a leadership challenge

Cyber security is a leadership challenge

These days nearly half of all firms face some kind of Cyber Security attack. The usual response is to insist that...

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Business Insight
How to get Cyber Security on the Board agenda

How to get Cyber Security on the Board agenda

Cybercrime is a clear and present danger to mid-market companies. Here’s how to get your executive team to make it...

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Business Insight
How AEC can succeed with digital: Infographic

How AEC can succeed with digital: Infographic

To download, save or print this Infographic, click here Freeman Clarke is the largest and most experienced team of part-time,...

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Business Insight
Part IV: Next-gen technology

Part IV: Next-gen technology

Part IV: Next-gen technology Here’s the next instalment in our series on how midmarket AEC firms can succeed with a...

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Business Insight
5 Ways to create competitive advantage with IT

5 Ways to create competitive advantage with IT

1. Optimise your mobile teams Properly equipped and trained mobile workforces can be fully integrated with business processes, utilised effectively...

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Business Insight

CIOs, CTOs & CISOs

When do I need a CIO, CTO, or CISO? And how do I find the right one?

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Knowledge Centre
Technology fire triangle – Part 1: Integration

Technology fire triangle – Part 1: Integration

Our aim is for IT to actively contribute to our clients’ strategic success rather than being a drag and a...

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Business Insight
CEO’s briefing on IT risks, compliance and security

CEO’s briefing on IT risks, compliance and security

No doubt you worry about growing your business and being successful, but as the business grows and becomes successful, protecting...

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Business Insight
Successful IT in Digital & Creative Agencies

Successful IT in Digital & Creative Agencies

We have a large number of Digital and Creative Agency clients and they have specific IT challenges. For these clients,...

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Business Insight
Fintech Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)

Fintech Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)

In any Fintech company the CTO (Chief Technology Office) has a crucial role and finding the right person is a...

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Business Insight
How to get Your Business Past Email

How to get Your Business Past Email

We’re all overwhelmed by email and looking for alternatives - many businesses are interested in collaboration and social tools to...

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Business Insight
Hiring an Interim IT Director, Interim CIO or Interim CTO

Hiring an Interim IT Director, Interim CIO or Interim CTO

Hiring an interim IT Director, Interim CIO or Interim CTO is made more difficult when IT is not an area of...

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Business Insight
Scale-up an e-commerce business: strategic model.

Scale-up an e-commerce business: strategic model.

Many successful e-commerce businesses have been launched by entrepreneurs passionate about a product or market place, or who have spotted...

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Business Insight
6 Common IT Budget Blunders

6 Common IT Budget Blunders

1. No agreed IT strategy or plans No IT strategy means 'the IT guys' will come up with a new...

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Business Insight
Minimising the phishing threat: A CEO’s checklist

Minimising the phishing threat: A CEO’s checklist

To download, save or print this Infographic, click here Freeman Clarke is the largest and most experienced team of part-time,...

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Business Insight
5 steps to getting your IT budget under control

5 steps to getting your IT budget under control

We meet some companies who are constantly banging their heads against a brick wall when it comes to their IT...

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Business Insight
Technology fire triangle – Part 2: Data

Technology fire triangle – Part 2: Data

This is part 2 of our series of 3 briefings about the Technology Fire Triangle, a term we coined to...

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Business Insight
Ransomware: 5 Practical Steps for CEOs

Ransomware: 5 Practical Steps for CEOs

We’ve all seen the stats… ransomware is growing at an alarming rate. Our experience suggests that it’s even more common...

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Business Insight
When IT ‘Just Works’ incredible things happen!

When IT ‘Just Works’ incredible things happen!

When IT runs smoothly conversations become about things that matter — things that make a real difference to your business....

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Business Insight
Too late to get on the cloud?

Too late to get on the cloud?

Staff, suppliers and even your customers are asking ‘Why aren’t you using the Cloud?’ But if you’re a sceptic, concerned...

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Business Insight
Don’t Let a Disaster Ruin Your Day

Don’t Let a Disaster Ruin Your Day

The phrase 'disaster recovery' conjures up earthquakes, fires and collapsing buildings. But a disaster can be as simple as a...

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Business Insight
How Can ERP Deliver Transformation

How Can ERP Deliver Transformation

This audio focuses on How can ERP deliver transformation. You can listen to the other audios in this series here....

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Business Insight

Hybrid Working & Post-Pandemic

Businesses will be facing tough challenges over the months. Here is our best advice on mixing remote with office work...

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Knowledge Centre

Private Equity (PE)

Private Equity (PE) ownership of mid-market companies is increasing. Of course, PE firms are driven by valuations, and these days...

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Knowledge Centre

Financial Services & Private Equity

Companies in the Financial Services industry who get technology right will see great opportunities, those who hesitate will be left...

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Knowledge Centre

Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)

Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) But new collaboration systems and devices are making it much easier to overcome these problems...

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Knowledge Centre

Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation may just mean simple IT done well. Or it may mean genuine technology innovation, something that is breaking...

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Knowledge Centre

Cyber Security and Compliance

Cyber and compliance are huge threats, but more often than not it’s about getting the basics right to mitigate these...

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Knowledge Centre
Interim CIO – What is the best way to hire one?

Interim CIO – What is the best way to hire one?

Companies often contact us because they want to hire an Interim Chief Information Officer (interim CIO) and they are looking...

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Business Insight
Digital transformations – Wow your customers!

Digital transformations – Wow your customers!

All too often, IT is seen as an inward-looking function. The Board are exhausted and tired by issues and problems...

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Business Insight
Cyber, legal, compliance … How a CEO can sleep soundly

Cyber, legal, compliance … How a CEO can sleep soundly

It is not an exaggeration to say that most days we meet companies who have been hacked, their reputations damaged,...

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Business Insight
What does it take to stay at the top of our game?

What does it take to stay at the top of our game?

People are the most important part of any business. We run conferences where we hear from expert speakers and run...

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Business Insight
Why does blockchain matter to my business?

Why does blockchain matter to my business?

When the last page is written on the bizarre Bitcoin story, many people believe the conclusion will be that the...

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Business Insight
Bitcoin? Blockchain? I’m already lost!

Bitcoin? Blockchain? I’m already lost!

When the last page is written on the bizarre Bitcoin story, many people believe the conclusion will be that the...

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Business Insight
Infographic: The 6 must-haves for hiring ‘simply the best’ CTO!

Infographic: The 6 must-haves for hiring ‘simply the best’ CTO!

Only the sharpest applicants make the Freeman Clarke cut. They posses an enviable range of talents that make them 'simply...

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Business Insight
What is digital transformation and where do you start?

What is digital transformation and where do you start?

Everyone is talking about Digital Transformation…what does it actually mean? If you're interested in learning how Digital Transformation can transform...

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Business Insight
Software robots, revolutionary new technology automating admin tasks?

Software robots, revolutionary new technology automating admin tasks?

Look around an office and you will see plenty of people whose main work is dealing with systems and information....

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Business Insight
Hiring a CTO: What are the 6 Must-Haves?

Hiring a CTO: What are the 6 Must-Haves?

We hire more CIOs, CTOs and IT Directors than any other organisation in the UK, and we are often asked...

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Business Insight
Introduction to office automation with software robots

Introduction to office automation with software robots

Look around an office and you will see plenty of people whose main work is dealing with systems and information....

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Business Insight
How Can a Mid-Market Business Recruit a CTO?

How Can a Mid-Market Business Recruit a CTO?

Ambitious mid-market or externally funded start-up businesses are increasingly investing in custom software. Very simply they want to seize new...

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Business Insight
Using software robots to eliminate admin – really?

Using software robots to eliminate admin – really?

The consultancy, McKinsey, claim that 60% of jobs could have 30% or more of their constituent activities automated. Forrester (a...

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Business Insight
Board action plan: 10 ways to begin your digital transformation journey

Board action plan: 10 ways to begin your digital transformation journey

Ambitious business owners will always look to improve how their organisation functions. Digital transformation is one great way. It enables...

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Business Insight
Managing partner’s briefing on IT’s role in successful legal services

Managing partner’s briefing on IT’s role in successful legal services

The context for IT in the legal sector is changing but the winners are those with, amongst other essentials, a...

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Business Insight
Digital Transformations – Real World Examples of Market Breakthrough!

Digital Transformations – Real World Examples of Market Breakthrough!

Many mid-sized businesses simply see IT as a problem to be overcome or a beast that has to be fed....

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Business Insight
IT’s evolving role in an evolving legal sector

IT’s evolving role in an evolving legal sector

The context for IT in the legal sector is changing. Legal Aid cuts, new flexible legal service providers, referral fee...

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Business Insight
What really is digital transformation?

What really is digital transformation?

Many mid-sized businesses simply see IT as a problem to be overcome or a beast that has to be fed....

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Business Insight
COVID-19: Delivering effective homeworking

COVID-19: Delivering effective homeworking

  Visit our Hybrid Working & Post-Pandemic Knowledge Centre which includes all content related to this topic. Freeman Clarke is the largest and...

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Business Insight
COVID-19: A Message from our Co-founder Graeme Freeman

COVID-19: A Message from our Co-founder Graeme Freeman

  Visit our Hybrid Working & Post-Pandemic Knowledge Centre which includes all content related to this topic. Freeman Clarke is the largest and...

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Business Insight
CEO’s Guide to Strategic IT for M&A or Exit.

CEO’s Guide to Strategic IT for M&A or Exit.

UK M&A activity progressively increased during 2017 and is forecast to grow further during 2018. With growth in most economic...

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Business Insight
Real-World Advice to the Board About Meltdown and Spectre

Real-World Advice to the Board About Meltdown and Spectre

Another week and another story about malware, this time the attacks are called Meltdown and Spectre. These weaknesses are particularly...

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Business Insight
Preparing for strategic IT demands from corporate clients

Preparing for strategic IT demands from corporate clients

Providing services or product to corporate clients can be a lucrative opportunity. Large, stable clients can be a good market...

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Business Insight
Working with Wise (Wo)men

Working with Wise (Wo)men

It’s on Twelfth Night, or Epiphany – that many Christians celebrate the wise men arriving at the nativity scene. We...

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Business Insight

Companies also approach us about these areas

Bespoke Software Development

Online and digital are at the heart of most new opportunities, and custom software is often key.

Team Development and Leadership

Enable your IT team and suppliers to help drive efficiency, service, and innovation.

CIOs and CTOs for Private Equity

PE houses are driven by valuations, and IT and technology are now at the heart of business value.

IT Risk Management & Compliance

Get on top of cyberthreats, security risks, regulatory issues, and compliance problems.

IT Systems Integration and Reporting

Efficient and scalable systems and processes allow business to grow and flourish.

Knowledge Centres

 

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Graeme Freeman
Co-Founder and Director

Subscribe to our Business Insights

Plain English board-level briefings focused on technology strategies to deliver competitive advantage and business success.

* Please enter an email address
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You can unsubscribe at any time.

Thank you.

You’ll now receive regular expert business insights.

Call us on 0203 020 1864 with any questions.

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