60 seconds with… Philip Lee, Partner Acquisition Manager at Access4 UK

What have been your business highlights of the last 12 months?
Joining the UK team at Access4 has been a standout moment for me. After years immersed in channel connectivity, I’m genuinely excited to dive into the UC space. It’s a fresh challenge and a brilliant opportunity to bring something new to the market with a team that’s full of energy and ambition.
What is currently having the greatest impact on your business?
The UK launch of SASBOSS is, without a doubt, the biggest driver of impact right now. It’s a game-changing platform that’s shaping everything we do, from building market awareness to onboarding partners and supporting their success. It’s a huge opportunity, and it’s keeping us laser-focused.
Where do you see the next big opportunity for your channel partners?
SASBOSS entering the UK market is a major opportunity for channel partners. It’s going to simplify operations, unlock new revenue streams and genuinely shake up the way things are done.
Did you get into IT by accident or design?
Definitely by accident! It all started with a chance phone call asking if I’d ever considered a role in IT. After a couple of weeks of thinking it over, I decided to take the leap, and I’ve never looked back.
If you could swap your current job for any other, what would it be?
Growing up, I was fascinated by the idea of being a Bin Man. These days, I’d trade it all to be a professional golfer. That would be the dream.
Which business leader do you most admire and why?
Dave McGinn (CEO of O2 Daisy) stands out for me. He’s got that rare ability to balance vision with a genuine focus on people. He’s clear, approachable and leads with purpose, always keeping culture and relationships front and centre. Plus, he’s got great book recommendations and once swam the channel, which is just nuts!
What’s the best bit of business advice you’ve been given? ‘
Brilliant basics’. It’s simple but powerful. Nail the fundamentals, answer your phone, reply to emails promptly, and be available. Most people overlook the basics, but if you excel there, everything else tends to follow. It’s something I really pride myself on.
What advice would you give a young person considering a career in IT?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially the ones that feel ‘too obvious’. Everyone starts somewhere, and the best way to learn is by being curious and getting stuck in. Also, find a mentor (like Dave) who’s willing to guide you. And, most importantly, learn how to fix the printer. You’ll be a hero forever.
What’s on your playlist at the moment?
I’m mostly indie-focused, with James on heavy rotation. Every now and then, Shaggy sneaks in just to keep things interesting!
What’s the most used app on your phone and why?
Outside of work apps, it’s Twitter. As a Burnley fan, it’s a great place to stir the pot, especially when defending tactics that rattle an entire fanbase!
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I’m a Burnley FC season ticket holder and a very keen (but not very good) golfer. Recently, I’ve managed to get my daughters into both, which earns me serious brownie points at home and means more time on the course and at the stadium!
Favourite holiday destination?
Riviera Maya, Mexico, where I got engaged. That one’s a winner, especially if my wife ever reads this!

 

ST Tech Consultancy Launches Free Webinars to Help Dealers Unlock Growth Through Technology

ST Tech Consultancy has announced free live webinars aimed at helping business supplies dealers take their first steps into the technology market and build new revenue streams with confidence.
Titled: Unlocking Growth Powered by Technology, the session addresses a clear challenge facing many dealers: recognising the need to embrace technology but lacking a clear starting point. The webinar is designed to provide clarity on why technology is the natural evolution for the business supplies channel and how it can complement existing business models to create high-margin growth opportunities.
The first session takes place on Wednesday 15 October at 11:00am – followed by bi-weekly sessions. If this is something you’d like to know more about, register now to secure your place.
“Technology offers a powerful opportunity for dealers to grow their business but it’s still widely underdeveloped across the channel,” said Suzanne Tiernan, Founder of ST Tech Consultancy. “It’s not about replacing what dealers already do well – it’s about expanding it. With the right support, they can build profitable new revenue streams and do it fast.”
With more than 25 years of experience in both the technology and business supplies sectors, Suzanne brings a proven track record of driving sales growth, launching brands and building successful partnerships. Her structured, step-by-step approach gives dealers the direction and confidence they need to act.
The session is not a training course but a launchpad for growth. Attendees will gain insight into untapped revenue potential, understand where they may already be leaving opportunities on the table and leave with a clearer view of their next steps.
Register here: https://www.st-tech.co.uk/free-webinar-registration
About ST Tech Consultancy
Founded by Suzanne Tiernan, ST Tech Consultancy helps business supplies dealers identify and capture growth opportunities through technology. Drawing on extensive industry experience, Suzanne provides practical strategies, structured roadmaps and expert support to help partners strengthen their offer, build new revenue streams and drive sustainable growth.
For press or partnership inquiries please contact:
Email: Suzanne.tiernan@st-tech.co.uk
Website: https://www.st-tech.co.uk

 

How AI is changing the cybersecurity game… and what you can do about it: Ricoh provides practical answers to the most common questions UK organisations are asking

As a leading provider of integrated digital services, Ricoh brings together people, processes, and technology to help organisations work smarter and more securely. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern; it’s a business-wide priority and one of the biggest factors reshaping it right now is artificial intelligence (AI).
Q&A: AI and cybersecurity
 
Q: Why is AI suddenly such a big factor in cybersecurity?
A: AI is no longer a future threat; it’s here now. Cybercriminals are using AI to launch dynamic, hard-to-detect attacks that adapt in real time. These attacks can learn user behaviour, mimic language patterns for convincing phishing attempts, and even create deepfake scams that trick experienced employees.
Q: How vulnerable are UK organisations to AI-powered cyberattacks?
A: More than half of UK organisations still lack basic cybersecurity awareness, according to the State of UK Digital Transformation 2025 report. This leaves businesses increasingly exposed at a time when threats are evolving faster than ever.
Q: Aren’t traditional defences like antivirus and firewalls enough?
A: No. While they still play an important role, traditional tools aren’t designed to handle the adaptive nature of AI-driven attacks. They can’t spot unfamiliar threats before they take hold, adjust in real time, or interpret subtle behavioural signs of a breach. Manual processes are also often too slow to respond effectively.
Q: How exactly are attackers using AI?
A: Common tactics include:

Learning and adapting to user behaviour
Mimicking writing styles to create believable phishing emails
Producing realistic voice or video deepfakes to impersonate senior leaders
Launching highly targeted social engineering attacks

Q: Can AI also help defend against these threats?
A: Absolutely. AI is becoming a powerful ally in cyber defence. Forward-thinking organisations are using it to:

Monitor systems 24/7 and detect anomalies instantly
Automate detection and response workflows to reduce human error
Run simulated phishing attacks to boost employee awareness

By combining human judgement with machine precision, businesses can build far stronger defences.
Q: Where should an organisation start?
A: Four proven steps can help:

Run a cybersecurity awareness audit – Identify current gaps in your team’s knowledge and processes.
Deploy AI-powered protection tools – Use automation to spot and stop attacks faster.
Train for tomorrow’s threats – Simulated attacks and interactive training can build staff confidence and speed of response.
Align security across the business – Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility, not just IT’s.

Q: What’s the main takeaway for business leaders?
A: AI has changed the cyber security game – for attackers and defenders alike. Businesses that act now can get ahead, protect their data, and create a secure foundation for future growth.

 

Live and disruptive from Access4

With its SASBOSS platform now live, Access4 is inviting MSPs to rethink how they deliver voice. We ask Jonathan Walker, CEO of Access4 UK, how SASBOSS differs from other solutions and how it can help partners unlock new revenue streams without the complexity that has traditionally deterred MSPs from moving into voice services
Technology Reseller (TR): Jonathan, for those unfamiliar with Access4, what is your core focus?
Jonathan Walker (JW): Access4 UK is a channel-only provider of unified communications and voice services. We are built specifically for service providers who already deliver IT and cloud solutions and want to add voice to their portfolio in a way that is scalable, profitable and easy to manage.
Our flagship platform is SASBOSS. It is a voice automation engine that simplifies everything from provisioning and billing to vendor management and stock ordering. What makes it unique is that it is vendor-agnostic.
Partners can offer multiple best-of-breed voice solutions, including Microsoft Teams, Netsapiens and others, through a single interface. That flexibility is critical for partners who want to tailor solutions to customer needs without being locked into one vendor or having to manage multiple systems. SASBOSS is not just a portal.
It is a business enabler that gives partners the tools to deliver voice services with the same efficiency and control they bring to IT. And because it supports whitelabelling, partners can deliver branded voice services under their own name, strengthening customer relationships and reinforcing their value.
TR: What is your go-to-market strategy in the UK?
JW: We are 100% indirect. Everything we do is through our partner network. That means no channel conflict, no direct sales and no competing with partners for customers. Our role is to make it easy for our partners to sell voice.
We provide the platform, the training, the support and the commercial models that make sense for their business. Whether you are new to voice or already selling UCaaS, SASBOSS helps you do it faster, smarter and more profitably. We also offer a comprehensive partner programme that includes onboarding, enablement and ongoing commercial support. Every partner gets access to Strive, a learning management system packed with training modules, certifications and product walkthroughs, designed to help partners ramp up quickly and confidently.
TR: How does Access4 differ from other vendors in this space?
JW: There are three key areas where we stand out. First, SASBOSS is vendor-agnostic. Most platforms lock you into one vendor. SASBOSS lets you choose the right solution for each customer and manage them all from one interface.
That means more flexibility, more control and better outcomes both for partners and end users. Second, SASBOSS includes a fully integrated billing engine. Billing is often the Achilles heel of voice. SASBOSS automates it, so partners can invoice accurately and on time, with minimal admin. It also supports automated provisioning and stock ordering, which reduces operational overhead and speeds up deployment.
Third, we are built for MSPs and understand the MSP business model. SASBOSS fits into existing workflows, with minimal training required. It is not just another UCaaS platform – it is a commercial tool that helps MSPs build scalable, profitable voice businesses. And with full white-labelling support, partners can deliver voice services under their own brand, giving them complete ownership of the customer experience.
TR: Access4 has been operating in Australia and New Zealand for almost 10 years. When and why did you expand into the UK?
JW: Earlier this year, Access4 acquired Luminate Wholesale, a provider of whitelabel telecom services to channel partners, giving us a strong local foundation and a team with deep channel experience. Since then, we have been investing in UK‑specific product development, expanding our team and preparing for the launch of SASBOSS.
The UK market is exciting because it is mature in IT services but still developing in voice. That presents a significant opportunity. Many MSPs want to offer voice but are held back by complexity, vendor lock-in or lack of automation. SASBOSS removes those barriers and gives partners a clear path to growth. We are here to support MSPs who want to add voice to their portfolio without adding risk or overhead.
TR: Why is SASBOSS a game-changer for UK service providers?
JW: There are so many portals out in the market, but SASBOSS is much more than that. It is a full automation platform that handles provisioning, billing, vendor management and stock ordering – all in one place. That means MSPs can deploy voice services quickly, accurately and at scale. You don’t need telecoms expertise.
You just need a desire to grow. SASBOSS gives partners full control over the customer relationship, the billing and the brand experience. It simplifies operations and improves margins. As part of our roadmap we are investing in AI technology, embedding it deeply within SASBOSS to help partners leverage the latest in intelligent automation.
From predictive provisioning and smart billing reconciliation to customer insights and usage analytics, AI will play a key role in helping MSPs deliver faster, more personalised services while reducing operational overhead. This is not just about keeping up with technology. It is about giving partners a competitive edge and future-proofing their communications offering.
TR: What support do you offer partners beyond the platform?
JW: Our partner programme is designed to help partners succeed at every stage. It includes onboarding, technical enablement, sales training and marketing support. Partners get access to our LMS (learning management system), which offers structured learning paths, certifications and product walkthroughs.
As I mentioned, we also run Strive, our partner success programme. Strive is focused on helping MSPs accelerate growth. It includes access to marketing resources, sales enablement tools, strategic account management and performance incentives. It is not just about learning. It is about winning together. We believe that when our partners grow, we grow. That is why we invest heavily in partner success.
TR: What’s next for Access4 in the UK?
JW: We are just getting started in the UK and will be making a significant investment to drive further innovation and help our partners build sustainable, highmargin businesses. Over the next 12 months, UK partners can expect new vendor integrations, across CCASS, UCasS and UX, as well as dedicated partner enablement programmes.
We will also be investing in local support, account management and marketing. Our goal is to make SASBOSS the go-to platform for MSPs delivering communications services. Not just voice, but the full UC stack.
TR: Where can MSPs find out more about Access4 and SASBOSS?
JW: Visit https://uk.access4.com/ or reach out to me directly at Jonathan. walker@access4.co.uk. We are running onboarding sessions and partner briefings throughout October and beyond, so now is the perfect time to get involved.
 

 

Midwich expands Edinburgh Hub – bigger space, stronger partnerships, enhanced customer experience

Midwich is pleased to announce the official launch of its expanded AV Hub in Edinburgh on 9th October 2025.
Located at Westcott House, Ferrymuir in South Queensferry, the new 3,000sqft facility builds on the success of its previous site to create a larger, more versatile customer experience centre. Bringing together leading technology from across the Midwich Group – including DVS, Nimans Security, Invision, Pulse and Midwich – the Hub offers a central destination in Scotland for hands-on demonstrations, events and training.
By providing vendors with a permanent showcase for their latest solutions, the AV Hub enables them to connect directly with customers, demonstrate innovations in real-world scenarios and gather valuable feedback. This closer collaboration not only strengthens relationships but ensures customers benefit from the very latest technology and tailored support.
Russell Taylor, account director at Midwich UK&I, said:
“The AV Hub has always been about creating a space where customers can experience the best technology, backed by the strength of our vendor partnerships. This new, larger location allows us to showcase more solutions than ever before, helping our customers explore innovations that can transform their projects. The AV Hub has become a trusted destination for the Scottish AV community, and we’re proud to build on that reputation with this exciting next chapter.”
With Russell’s strong relationships across the Scottish channel, the AV Hub is set to become the go-to location for discovering new solutions and building business opportunities.
Ross Floyd, commercial director at Midwich UK&I, said:
“The expansion of our Edinburgh AV Hub marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to supporting customers across Scotland and the wider northern region. We know that travelling to London to experience the latest technology isn’t always practical, so we’ve brought it closer to home. This new, larger facility allows our customers and partners to see, test and compare cutting-edge AV, UC and security solutions in real-world environments – helping them make confident, informed decisions.”
With more than 70 guests already registered for the opening, spaces to book one-to-one demos are expected to fill quickly – customers are encouraged to secure their visit early.
For more information, please visit: www.midwich.com

 

From Lancashire to the global stage: Sytronix’s record-breaking servers

When James Walsh set up Sytronix in Lancashire in 2021, few would have predicted that within three years the company would be holding a world computing record and making a name for British engineering in high-performance computing.
The milestone came when Sytronix topped the Blender benchmark with its dual 9965 and 9755 systems still holding the record today, albeit by narrower margins than at launch, but by a significant lead, nonetheless. Blender is widely regarded as a gold-standard performance test by film studios, game developers and animation houses worldwide.
James Walsh, Sytronix, Founder
For Walsh, the achievement is about more than numbers. It reflects a belief that advanced design and intelligent engineering can put the North West on the map in an industry often associated with Silicon Valley and Asia.
“People told me serious computing hardware only came from overseas,” said Walsh, founder of Sytronix. “We’ve shown that isn’t the case. Britain has the talent and the ideas to compete.”
Innovation over brute force
While major global firms invest billions in R&D, Walsh and his team have built their success on smarter engineering rather than brute force. Instead of pushing hardware to its limits through overclocking, Sytronix focuses on design efficiency, delivering both performance and energy savings.
“Some of our biggest breakthroughs have come from everyday conversations over a brew,” Walsh explained. “It’s about asking the right questions, not having the biggest budget.”
A North West success story
Sytronix’s growth is also a story of regional opportunity. Based in Lancashire, the company designs and assembles its systems end-to-end under one roof, prioritising high-quality parts from the UK and Europe instead of high-volume production suppliers in East Asia; something rare in today’s global market. Many of its engineers and specialists are local lads, united by the belief that British manufacturing has a key role to play in advanced technology.
Clients from across industries — from research labs to creative studios — are already switching to Sytronix systems, with some able to halve energy usage and dramatically reduce server footprints as a result.
Looking ahead
Sytronix is now expanding into AI systems and advanced computing platforms, with the aim of establishing itself as a trusted British alternative to global incumbents.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but this is only the beginning,” Walsh said. “Every step forward is proof that innovation doesn’t have to come from a select few global businesses; it can and does come from right here in Lancashire.”
Founded in 2021 by engineer James Walsh, Sytronix is based in Lancashire and holds the world #1 position on the Blender CPU benchmark with its dual 9965 and 9755 systems. The company designs and manufactures high-performance computing solutions for the entertainment, research and technology sectors.
To learn more Visit: https://www.sytronix.co.uk

 

Mdee named BT/EE Partner of the Year 

Leading mobile airtime and services distributor, Mdee has been recognised as Partner of the Year by BT/EE, in a major industry accolade that highlights the strength and success of their longstanding partnership.

The award was presented to Mdee during BT/EE’s annual Partner Conference, held in Birmingham in September 2025. The event brought together key players from across the channel to celebrate performance and collaboration.

Tanny Jeffrey commented, “Our partnership with BT/EE is central to our business, as well as the services we provide our partners and their customers. To win Partner of the Year is an incredible accolade. It’s a reflection of the team’s hard work and distinctive way we support and empower partners. We are extremely proud to have this award on display.”

Mdee received this award shortly before going on to win Best ICT Distributor and Best Partner Programme (over £10m) at the Comms National Awards 2025.

Mdee specialises in helping channel partners build profitable mobile and connectivity solutions, while allowing them to retain full control of their customer relationships and operations. With more than 35 years of experience in the mobile industry, Mdee continues to play a central role in the UK channel and is part-owned by BT/EE.

To learn more please visit: https://www.mdee.co.uk/

 

Kaseya Acquires Leading AI-Powered Email Security Provider INKY

Acquisition strengthens Kaseya’s end-to-end cybersecurity platform and advances Kaseya 365 User with next-generation, AI-driven email protection.

Miami, FL – October 7, 2025 – Kaseya, the leading global provider of AI-powered IT and security management software, today announced the acquisition of INKY, a pioneer in modern, generative-AI-based email security for managed service providers (MSPs) and small to midsize businesses (SMBs). 
“Kaseya is committed to being the indispensable partner that helps MSPs lead in this next chapter of IT and security,” said Rania Succar, CEO of Kaseya. “No one else has our scale, data advantage, and end-to-end platform to deliver enterprise-grade protection to small and midsize businesses. With INKY joining the Kaseya family, its powerful AI-driven email security becomes even more effective — informed by our platform’s data, integrated across our ecosystem, and available through Kaseya 365 User. Together, we’ll deliver the most connected and proactive security experience in the industry.” 
INKY brings a singular approach to email protection — combining generative AI, behavioral analysis, and real-time user coaching to stop even the most sophisticated phishing and impersonation attacks. Rather than simply blocking messages, INKY’s contextual intelligence helps users make safer decisions by alerting them to potential risks directly within their inbox. This AI-assisted design, paired with the ability to adapt to emerging threats like conversation hijacking and QR-code phishing, has made INKY one of the most advanced and trusted email security platforms in the market. 
As part of Kaseya’s platform, INKY will become even more powerful with the scale and data of Kaseya’s global ecosystem, enabling deeper threat correlation, faster response, and smarter AI-driven insights over time. Together, Kaseya and INKY will redefine how MSPs and IT teams protect users — turning one of the most common attack vectors into a powerful line of defense. 
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built at INKY — a product that has consistently stayed ahead of attackers by understanding intent, not just content,” said Dave Baggett, Founder and CEO of INKY. “Joining Kaseya allows us to take that innovation to the next level. Kaseya’s scale, data, and commitment to R&D amplify everything we’ve created, helping us bring our technology to more customers and make email communication safer for everyone.” 

 

Xeretec Group Appoints Rod Tonna-Barthet as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

Wokingham, UK — 7 October 2025 — Xeretec Group, the UK’s leading provider of IT software, hardware, cloud, cyber, and technology services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rod Tonna-Barthet as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.
Rod brings 30 years of executive leadership experience across Banking, Finance, and ICT. His appointment adds further strategic perspective to an accomplished Board and leadership team, helping Xeretec to accelerate the growth already being delivered.
In the past year, Xeretec has seen record results, underpinned by sustained investment in transforming the business from its print roots into a diversified, technology-driven solutions provider. At a time when many print businesses have struggled, Xeretec’s investment and commitment to reinvention and innovation has delivered momentum.
Rod’s appointment intends to build on this success to help Xeretec scale even faster.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rod to Xeretec,” said Steve Hawkins, CEO of Xeretec Group. “His track record of transforming businesses and driving strategic growth is perfectly aligned with our mission to help our customers harness technology to work smarter, safer, and more efficiently.
I’ve known Rod for over a decade, and in that time, we’ve built a strong relationship of trust and mutual respect. Along with our Board and leadership team, I couldn’t be more excited to be working alongside him in this next chapter to take Xeretec to the next level.”
Rod had two decades in Banking and Finance before joining the board of Annodata in 2008. He helped transform that business into one of the UK’s leading MSP’s across ICT, Cloud, Print, and Cybersecurity.
Appointed CEO in 2015, after the sale of Annodata to the Kyocera Corporation, he became President & CEO of Kyocera Document Solutions UK.
He oversaw the integration of both companies and consolidated Kyocera’s position as a leading print and ICT services provider whilst also joining the main board of Kyocera Document Solutions Europe to support further transformation and growth across the continent.
“I’m honoured to join Xeretec Group at such a dynamic time,” said Rod Tonna-Barthet. “The transformation this business has driven in recent years has been remarkable — a real stand-out in an industry where many others have failed to adapt. That investment is paying off with real growth, and the energy and momentum in the company are clear.
I have been hugely impressed by the calibre of the Board and leadership team, whose vision and execution have underpinned Xeretec’s success to date. Over the many years that Steve and I have known each other, we have developed a deep trust, respect, and belief in what this company can continue to achieve.
We will seek to further enhance relationships with our existing key partners, who have supported the growth of Xeretec over many years. In tandem, we are excited to continue building new strategic relationships with key vendors, distributors and service providers, to ensure we always deliver the best outcome-based solutions and services for our customers.
I very much look forward to supporting Steve and his team with strategic guidance and perspective, helping to rocket-fuel the progress already made and drive the next phase of growth.”
Rod’s appointment reflects Xeretec’s continued investment in strengthening its leadership team and reinforcing its mission to help organisations harness technology to achieve better outcomes.
About Xeretec Group
Founded in 1991, Xeretec Group delivers cutting-edge IT services and solutions, including Managed Print Services, IT support, cloud services, cybersecurity, and digital transformation tools.
With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and a customer-first approach, Xeretec empowers organisations across the UK and Europe to reduce costs, improve compliance, and unlock new levels of productivity.
For further information, please visit: Website – xeretec.co.uk

 

Tre purchased Telavox platform…..

Tre purchases Telavox platform to strengthen its offering to the business market. Through this partnership, Tre’s strong mobile offering is combined with Telavox cloud-based PBX platform to create a flexible and user-friendly experience.
The collaboration enables Tre to package and deliver a complete business communications service on the Telavox platform. Customers are offered an intuitive solution for communications and collaboration that is easy to deploy, manage, and scale according to the company’s needs.
“At Tre, we like to challenge and think differently – and now we’re doing it again. By bringing together the best of both worlds, we’ve created a powerful solution for Swedish business customers with the sharpest offer on the market. We are now taking our customers to the next level,” says Johan Hörberg, CCO at Tre Business Sweden.
Tre will continue to own the customer journey and market relationships, while Telavox contributes with a proven, future-proof platform and continuous innovation to accelerate growth in the business segment.
“We are proud that Tre has chosen Telavox as a partner. In Sweden, Tre has been the fastest-growing mobile operator over the past year, and internationally, they are part of a group with over 100 million communications users. Our goal is to support Tre in delivering even more value to its business customers and to continue growing at a rapid pace,” says Viktor Karlsson, CEO of Telavox.