IT Support for Manufacturers: Why a Manchester Heat Pack Maker Has Trusted First Contact for Over a Decade
Some IT problems don't announce themselves. The internet drops. A booster box stops working. A CCTV camera quietly loses its connection. For a busy business, that's the moment you find out whether your IT partner actually turns up.
This is the story of Jonny Cohen, who runs a heat pack manufacturing business in Prestwich, and why he hasn't looked at another IT provider since he started working with us.
About Jonny's business
Jonny owns and runs a manufacturing business in Prestwich, Manchester, making heat packs. He's known our owner, Jeremy, for many years through local charities and family connections.
How it started: CCTV at the warehouse
Around 10 to 12 years ago, Jonny decided the warehouse needed CCTV. He knew Jeremy's background in security, so he gave him a call.
It didn't stop there. Once the cameras were in, we sorted out his internet and broadband, his junction boxes and his intercom system. Today we look after Jonny's business, and his home too.
"He's been looking after us at work and me at home now personally for many years." – Jonny Cohen
When things go wrong
For Jonny, the problems that matter are the ones that stop the business: the internet going down, a booster box not working, or a CCTV camera losing its connection.
When that happens, he doesn't have to chase anyone. Jeremy sends one of the team out, and it gets sorted.
"Any problem with CCTV, if it's lost connection, they'll come out and sort it for us." – Jonny Cohen
He's used other IT providers in the past. He hasn't needed to since.
"They're always there if there's an issue, it's never too much trouble, and they seem to know the solutions to all the issues that I have, so there's no need for me to go elsewhere." – Jonny Cohen
Two cameras, not three
Asked what he'd say to other business owners who are on the fence, Jonny gave two reasons. The first is the personal touch. The second is trust, and for Jonny, trust starts with not being oversold.
"He would never sell me three cameras where he thinks two will suffice." – Jonny Cohen
That matters more with security than almost anything else. Whoever looks after your CCTV can usually see into your building remotely, so you need to know they're on your side.
"When it comes to CCTV, because they do have remote access, you've got to have trust and faith in them. And I trust Jeremy implicitly." – Jonny Cohen
Why it matters for manufacturers
In a manufacturing business, the broadband, the cameras and the door entry aren't nice-to-haves. They keep orders moving and the warehouse secure. You want them looked after by people who answer the phone, turn up when something breaks, and only recommend what you actually need.
"I would highly recommend Jeremy over others if anyone's on the fence." – Jonny Cohen
Looking for IT support that tells you what you actually need?
Whether it's CCTV for your warehouse, broadband you can rely on or someone to call when things stop working, First Contact is here to help. Get in touch at fc4.co.uk.