IT Support for Accountants: How We Helped a Manchester Accountancy Firm Prevent an Office Fire
Most of the time, good IT support is invisible. Computers work, printers print, and when something does go wrong, it gets fixed quickly. But every now and then, it's the thing nobody asked us to look at that matters most.
This is the story of Cloud Accountancy UK, and the day a strange smell in the office turned out to be far more serious than anyone expected.
About Cloud Accountancy UK
Graeme Morris is the Managing Director of Cloud Accountancy UK, based in Manchester. He has been an accountant for 36 years and has run his own business for around 25 of them.
The practice works with individuals and businesses on everything from bookkeeping, payroll and VAT to year-end accounts, tax returns, tax planning and company secretarial work. More and more, Graeme also advises businesses on how to grow. And, as he puts it, he sometimes even gets asked IT questions. When those are hardware questions, he refers them to us.
How First Contact supports Cloud Accountancy
When Cloud Accountancy moved into their current office, we installed the network infrastructure and set up their printers. Since then, we've managed all of their computers.
"If there's ever an issue with any of my computers, I just ring them and they come down very quickly, and they fix it." – Graeme Morris
Sometimes that means fixing things on site. Sometimes it means taking a machine back to our workshop, diagnosing the fault and fitting a replacement part, like the new power supply one of Graeme's computers needed when it stopped switching on.
The call that stood out
One day, Graeme noticed a funny burning smell near the office IT cabinet, where his network storage is kept. Worried that something inside was overheating, he called us, and our MD went round to take a look.
There was nothing wrong with the cabinet itself. But while checking the area, our MD noticed that the plug socket next to it was running very hot, even though it was switched off. His advice was simple: get that socket replaced, or you could have a fire.
Graeme had an electrician out that same day. The socket was replaced, and the electrician confirmed just how close a call it had been.
"The electrician confirmed that could have burst into flames that night." – Graeme Morris
Why it matters
Strictly speaking, a plug socket isn't an IT problem. But good IT support isn't just about fixing what's broken. It's about having people who know your setup well enough to notice when something isn't right, and who care enough to say so.
For a small business, that kind of partner means fewer disruptions, faster fixes and real peace of mind. Your IT, and sometimes more than your IT, is being looked after.
"I highly recommend First Contact." – Graeme Morris, Managing Director, Cloud Accountancy UK
Looking for IT support that actually turns up?
Whether you need a new office network, day-to-day computer support or someone to call when things go wrong, First Contact is here to help. Get in touch at fc4.co.uk.