I can’t quite believe how quickly 2023 has flown past, but I’m pleased to say that this year has proven to be equally as exciting and fast-paced for Node4 as the last.
2023 has been all about embracing change and growth and I’ve been delighted to see how the power of Node4’s newly enhanced, end-to-end portfolio of technology and services is helping us drive change that matters for everyone we work alongside.
As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take time to reflect on some of the highlights of the last 12 months – and to thank our valued clients, partners and dedicated teams for each playing a part in this important step in Node4’s journey. We couldn’t have done it without you.
jANUARY – A STRENGTHENED LEADERSHIP TEAM
Back at the very start of this year, we were thrilled to welcome Iain Shearman as Chief Commercial Officer and Hannah Birch as Managing Director, Digital. Together, Iain and Hannah brought with them vast skill and many years of experience, and they’ve each played a crucial part in creating a new vision, mission and ethos for Node4 as we know it today.
January also saw the launch of our annual Mid-Market Report. This year, the report highlighted how rising energy costs, fuel price increases and across-the-board inflation was set to put additional strain on IT budgets. (Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for our 2024 Mid-Market Report, launching soon.)
FEBRUARY – A DIVE INTO LOCAL GOVERNMENT’S DATA CHALLENGES
In February, our Practice Director, Data, Julian Boneham, delved into the world of local government, taking a look at the various data management challenges faced by local authorities today. In a dedicated blog post, he shone a light on some of the most impactful ways local authorities can tackle these challenges and take critical steps towards better-managed data and insight-led decision-making.
MARCH – 4WOMEN: HONOURING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Addressing gender inequality in the workplace – especially in the tech sector – remains an important part of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda.
It was an absolute pleasure to host our first ever 4Women event in honour of International Women’s Day on 8th March 2023. We welcomed female colleagues from across the business to listen to inspiring and insightful talks on imposter syndrome, tech pathways, balancing motherhood and careers, and women in senior management.
APRIL – PLEDGING OUR COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING THE CLIMATE CRISIS
At Node4, we’re committed to achieving net zero (and helping our client’s do the same) by 2050. This April, we officially became a member of Tech Zero – a group of technology companies united by a commitment to reduce their impact on the environment by measuring, reducing and removing their emissions.
MAY – NODE4 MAKES IT TO THREE BEST COMPANIES’ SHORTLISTS
In May, Node4 achieved Best Companies accreditation for Q2 2023, as well as making it onto three of the organisation’s ‘best workplace’ lists: Top 25 Best Companies in the East Midlands, Top 50 UK Tech Companies and Top 75 Best Large UK Companies.
Our Chief People Officer, Dave Birchall, commented: “Everyone across Node4 contributes to our workplace culture and our sense of community, so it’s incredibly gratifying to see that effort recognised” – and seven months later, I echo this sentiment.
Our Exceptional Service as a Standard applies to the way we treat each other at work, as well as the services we deliver for our clients, and it’s been amazing to see how well that ethos has been embraced by all at Node4, even as we’ve grown to the size we are today.
JUNE – CLIENT COLLABORATION SUCCESS
It’s always great to see your clients – and your team – get the recognition they deserve for their collaboration and hard work spent bringing a project to life.
Mid-2023, we were proud to see valued client, ArrowXL, honoured at the DCS Awards. An annual celebration of data centre industry innovation, the ArrowXL team picked up Best Managed Services/Colocation Project of the Year alongside Node4, thanks to an incredibly successful partnership which transformed the organisation’s operations and led to thousands of pounds worth of savings.
This summer, we were also delighted to be named Gold Solution Partner of the Year at the NetApp UK&I Partner Awards. Congratulations to all involved on both counts!
JULY – A NEW ACQUISITION AND UNVEILING CHANGE THAT MATTERS
July was a particularly exciting month, as we finally lifted the curtain on our new brand video, showcasing some of the many ways ‘the new Node4’ can deliver change that matters for clients across the public and private sectors.
Our expanded set of capabilities really is quite impressive, so be sure to give the video a watch over on our homepage if you missed it back in summer.
July also brought news that we’d grown our expertise and offering through the acquisition of award-winning information security and technology risk specialist, ThreeTwoFour.
AUGUST – NODE4 SECURES PLACE ON CROWN COMMERCIAL SERVICE’S NETWORK SERVICES 3 FRAMEWORK
In August, we shared news that Node4 had secured a place on the Crown Commercial Service’s Network Services 3 (NS3) framework – a critical win for any Managed Services Provider wanting to support certain activities in the public sector.
As an NS3-approved supplier, we’re able to evidence our ability to drive modernisation and efficiency across the public sector by supporting organisations in enhancing their network connectivity, communications and contact centres.
SEPTEMBER – A SPOTLIGHT ON OUR PRESENCE IN POLICING
This September turned into an incredible showcase of everything Node4 has to offer clients in the policing sector, thanks to our attendance at the Emergency Tech Show (ETS) and the Policing Digital Summit (PDS).
From our work streamlining processes to enable more efficient handling of digital forensics, to our app dedicated to enhancing support provided to victims of burglary, I’m proud of how much we’ve got to shout about in this space – and these events certainly served as the perfect platform to do exactly that.
For us, the ETS and PDS couldn’t have come at a better time, following on from the success of our own policing event (the inaugural Policing First 2023), and cementing Node4 as a partner of choice for police forces up and down the country.
OCTOBER – TISSKI MAKES IT TO MICROSOFT INNER CIRCLE (AGAIN!)
In October, we shared exciting news that Tisski, a Node4 Company, has secured a place in Microsoft’s Business Applications Inner Circle for the fourth consecutive year, placing them in the top 1% of Microsoft Partners in the BizApps arena yet again.
We were also delighted to announce Ashley Butcher’s appointment as Node4’s new Channel Sales Director. Ashley is taking the reins on our Channel strategy and leading a dedicated team to deliver an expanded suite of products and services for MSPs, VARs, ISVs, SIs and Carriers.
Finally, in what was seemingly a bumper month for news, we partnered with long-standing client, The Lowry, to showcase the outcome of more than ten fantastic years working together.
NOVEMBER – A NEW LOOK FOR NODE4 CHANNEL
Following on from news of Ashley Butcher’s appointment, we were pleased to unveil a fresh look and feel for the Channel arm of our business, as well as a brand-new website highlighting our portfolio of products and services tailored specifically for our Channel Partners.
This transition to Node4 Channel demonstrates our commitment to growing relationships with our partners and we’re excited to see what 2024 brings.
DECEMBER – SUPPORTING THE TRUSSELL TRUST
As ever, we’re honoured to be able to support the Trussell Trust. This December, we’ve made a donation to this remarkable charity to support those going hungry around the UK. We’ve also kickstarted an initiative which allows members of the Node4 team to volunteer their time at a local food bank.
Please take a moment to find out more about the Trussell Trust’s mission and make a donation towards their urgent Christmas appeal.