Ryan has his head in the cloud after completing remote learning
Staff at HOLKER have gone back to the classroom – after enrolling all our staff on additional training courses to keep their knowledge sharp and ahead of the competition.
HOLKER, a Microsoft Gold Partner, have enrolled all staff on the MS-900 accreditation in Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, to ensure all departments understand the benefits of cloud services as more businesses migrate to an off-site model.
Ryan Allen, 22, who has worked at Holker as Service Desk Engineer for two years, has successfully completed the remote learning alongside his day-to-day duties.
He said: “A lot of businesses are transitioning to cloud services, so the course has given me a better idea of how the cloud services work, which platform is best suited to different types of business, and how to transition clients.”
Modules include understanding cloud concepts, benefits, business operations, costs, Microsoft cloud services and what each of them do, cost structures and licensing and different deployment options.
Matthew Metcalfe, MD of HOLKER, said: “The world of technology is always changing and it is imperative that we continue to keep our skills up to date to ensure we can continue to offer the best advice, solutions and support.
“Our company culture is to encourage all staff to go on training courses to teach them new skills that can add value to the business and to our customers.
“Congratulations Ryan on your achievement.”
HOLKER - saving the planet one laptop at a time
HOLKER has sold 222 remanufactured laptops in partnership with Circular Computing.
Our carbon neutral remanufactured HP, Dell and Lenovo laptops deliver up to 40% cost savings compared to brand new latest models, as well as significant sustainability benefits.
The benefits include 1,110 trees being planted on HOLKER’s behalf overseas in countries like India and Africa working with reforestation partners, 266,400kgs of resources preserved, 42,180,000 litres of water saved and 133,200kgs of sequested carbon emissions.
The hardware is completely remanufactured and tested to BS 8887 standards by a trusted, Kitemark certified business.
Martin Brelsford, our Business Development Manager, said: “The Circular Computing remanufactured laptops are ideal for environmentally aware businesses and schools who want to reduce their carbon footprint without impacting on the performance of their technology.
“The hardware is ideal for general office users and pupils but comes at a fraction of the cost.”
As well as taking delivery of our first electric vehicle, we have taken steps to make our offices more environmentally friendly. Not only have we fitted our offices with LED lighting, but we have had two electric charging points installed for staff and visitors.
We also work with fellow Burnley business Recycle IT, a hardware recycling company passionate about electronic waste reduction.
Luke Doneghan, Sales Director at Circular Computing, said: “Congratulations to Holker and its customers who have helped to lower CO2 emissions by 133,200 kgs through the purchase of 222 remanufactured laptops.
“The Circular Computing initiative not only reduces carbon emissions, but also supports clean energy projects, boosting local economies, protecting woodland and helping to cool the Earth, all without asking the end customer to compromise on their IT requirements.”
Martin said the company has pledged to further support to improving Holker’s green credentials.
“We are delighted that 1,110 trees have been planted on behalf of Holker and our customers – but we’d like to take a step further. We will plant a tree for every 5 Circular Computing devices sold on our premises, or on the premises of our customers.”
A planting day will take place later in the year at our Network 65 headquarters.
For more updates, take a look at our NEWS page.
Marcus passes exams with flying colours
Congratulations to Marcus Farran – who has passed his Integris exam less than two months after joining HOLKER.
Integris is a software solution used by schools to manage data such as register, grades, addresses, and other student data.
Marcus, 33, Support Engineer at Holker, is now an RM Integris support partner and can proficiently support customers and answer their queries.
Marcus said: “I didn’t know anything about the platform when I started at HOLKER but the training was appealing when I applied for the job.
“I have undergone an intensive training programme, carrying out lots of research and online videos and I was really happy to pass with 83%.”
The exam consisted of an online test in exam conditions, overseen by an examiner.
Marcus added: “I put a lot of effort into studying for the exam and I’m really proud that I’ve managed to pass it first time.
“The accreditation now enables me to provide help and information around best practice to customers when they have questions on how to use the software.
“I have already had a lot of calls that have put my knowledge into action. I’ve been able to answer all the queries I’ve had from customers so far. I’m going to continue to develop my knowledge and become even more proficient in the application.”
Marcus was praised by Matthew Metcalfe, MD of HOLKER.
Matthew said: “Marcus has shown a real flair for learning. The Integris test is intense – and passing the exam with flying colours just weeks after learning about the platform is a real testament to his dedication.
“Here at HOLKER, we place a great amount of importance in keeping our skills sharp and learning through accreditations and peer to peer support. This approach ensures all members of the team are knowledgeable and offer best in class support for our customers.”
Matthew gets Pretty Muddy for charity
Matthew Metcalfe and his family took part in the Race for Life Pretty Muddy event in Preston – raising over £630 for Cancer Research.
Matthew, MD of HOLKER, along with son Joshua, 13, partner Jeanette and her sister Laura scrambled over A-frames, crawled through the mud pit and had lots of fun on the obstacle course all in the name of charity. It was a dirty job, but someone had to do it.
In fact, it was so good they completed two laps after taking a wrong turn.
Matthew said: “Cancer is happening right now, which is why I took part in a Race for Life Pretty Muddy to raise money and save lives.
“It was a great day out and my family enjoyed taking part – and in the process raising a good amount of money for a charity close to our hearts.”
Cancer affects one in two people during their lifetime. Money raised from sponsorship at these events helps Cancer Research continue their ground-breaking work to see more people surviving cancer.
If you would like to donate to Matthew’s JustGiving page is still open. To donate, click here.
For more news and updates about Holker, visit our NEWS page.
HOLKER welcomes three familiar faces to the team
Holker has made three new appointments to strengthen its sales and support teams.
Graham Jackson, Matt Phillipson and Lindsey Ryan bring an additional 47 years of IT experience. In fact, all of them have worked here in the Crown House building on the Network 65 Business Park when it was Lanway then Chess – the same place our MD, Matthew Metcalfe, worked as an engineer.
Matthew founded Holker IT in 2009 after spending more than 10 years learning his trade. He has continued to identify and recruit talent and grow the business – but with an emphasis on providing the best and most secure solutions to meet customer’s needs.
Graham, from Whitefield, joins the team as Senior Account Manager. He has years of expertise in managed services, cyber security, IT infrastructure and virtualisation – with corporate clients in the manufacturing and food and hospitality sectors.
Matt, from Burnley, has been working in IT since leaving college. Recruited as Head of Service, Matt brings additional leadership, structure, strategies and engagement, and a desire to drive further improvements within the growing business.
Matt said: “It’s good to work with Matthew again. He’s a passionate character and you want to work with driven people who want to make a difference.”
Lindsey, from Padiham, has been brought in to look after renewals and leads on the quoting, pricing, licences and warranties. Lindsey is the lynchpin between sales and technology – ensuring customers are happy and that their equipment and services are working as they should be.
Matthew Metcalfe, MD of Holker, welcomed the familiar faces to the team.
He said: “Graham, Matt and Lindsey have already fitted well into the team and each is a great asset for Holker and join at a very exciting time for us.
“We are an ambitious company. We are on the right path and putting the right people in place to come with us on the journey.
“Unlike many companies, it’s not just about the profits. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We are small enough to care, but large enough to make a real difference.”
To find out how we can help you, call the team today on 0333 305 2020.
What’s a cyberattack got to do with a turkey factory?
Good question…
There was an example in the media recently about the world’s largest meat processing plant that had to stand down up to 7,000 workers in Australian abattoirs after a ransomware attack.
We know what you’re thinking, it will never happen to you, right? You can bet that’s what they thought!
The company was forced to shut down for two days. Their operations largely relied on technology – such as printing, weighing, labelling, packing, distribution – all of which were affected.
This is just one in a growing number of examples highlighting the impact remote attacks can have on a business.
Regardless of your size of organisation, you will have a piece of software that is more business critical than others.
When disaster strikes
Our security first solutions, including a full disaster recovery service are managed in-house, we don’t outsource to anybody. If a customer needs support, we’ll send the appropriate engineering resource and resolve the issue as soon as possible.
We want to leave you to do what you’re good at – running your business. You can leave us to worry about the IT.
To find out how we can help you, call the team today on 0333 305 2020.
