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How We Transformed SMS Environmental's IT Support Experience

 

Introduction

SMS Environmental had a problem that many growing companies face. Their internal IT team was stretched with IT projects and daily support requests.

With 100+ employees across multiple locations, it was near impossible for one person to handle everything from password resets to major infrastructure projects.

As a leading water hygiene and environmental compliance specialist, SMS Environmental needed some solid IT support, but their setup was holding them back.

Here's how we fixed it.

About SMS Environmental 

SMS Environmental has been the go-to expert for water hygiene, legionella control, and environmental compliance since 2001. Founded by chemists, microbiologists, and engineers, they've grown to become one of the UK's top 5% water treatment companies.

Their success meant they needed IT that could keep pace with their growth while maintaining strict security and reliability standards.


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The Challenge

When SMS Environmental reached out, their IT challenges were crystal clear:

  • Internal Resources

    A small IT team handling IT for 100+ employees across multiple sites.

  • Skills Gap

    Modern IT needs diverse expertise. No single person can be an expert in everything from cybersecurity to cloud infrastructure.

  • IT Support

    Support requests needed a new process to improve team productivity.

  • Stalled Projects

    Important IT improvements were stuck in limbo because there simply weren't enough hours in the day.

Our Solution 

Rather than outsourcing all IT functions - We proposed something better: a partnership that would amplify their existing capabilities.

We designed a flexible model that would give SMS Environmental instant access to a full IT team while keeping their internal manager's valuable knowledge and oversight (and extra resources when they were needed).

 

What We Delivered

Multi-Tier Support

We set up a helpdesk with first, second, and third-line engineers. This meant:

  • Quick fixes handled immediately by front-line support
  • Complex problems escalated to specialists
  • Critical issues getting urgent attention
  • Full ticket tracking so nothing falls through the cracks

Flexible Technical Resources

We've got plenty of extra hands to keep you covered:

  • Project specialists for infrastructure upgrades
  • Emergency response for system failures
  • Extra capacity during busy periods
  • Expert consultants for complex implementations

Project Management

We got stalled IT projects moving with:

  • Proper planning and realistic timelines
  • Dedicated resources to actually execute
  • Regular updates so everyone stays informed
  • Post-implementation support to make sure everything works

Strategic IT Guidance

Beyond fixing problems, we help SMS Environmental make smart decisions:

  • Technology roadmaps aligned with business goals
  • Vendor evaluations and procurement support
  • Security assessments and recommendations
  • Performance optimisation and capacity planning



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The Results

Faster, Better Support

Staff get quick responses to IT requests. Most issues are resolved on first contact, and complex problems go straight to the right experts.

Higher Productivity

With reliable IT support and faster resolution times, the team can focus on their environmental compliance work instead of wrestling with tech problems.

Projects Actually Happen

Those stuck IT projects are now getting planned efficiently. SMS Environmental can finally implement the improvements they've been wanting.

Happy IT Manager & Team

The partnership took the pressure off their internal team, letting them focus on strategy instead of constantly firefighting.

Scalable Growth

SMS Environmental now has confidence that their IT support can grow with them, without needing to hire a whole IT department.

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The Bottom Line

This partnership shows what's possible when you stop thinking about IT as a necessary evil and start treating it as a growth enabler.

SMS kept their internal knowledge and oversight while gaining the resources and expertise to actually execute on their IT vision.

As SMS Environmental continues expanding their market-leading environmental services, we'll be right there with them, evolving our partnership to meet their changing needs and providing the technical foundation for continued success.

Facing similar IT resource challenges?

Get in touch to explore how we can enhance your IT capabilities and support your business success.