Latest news from Orchid IT

Orchid sponsors the latest Panthers win over the Steelers

Orchid sponsors the latest Panthers win over the Steelers - 9/3/2010

Nick Gall from Orchid IT presents the man of the match award

Orchid IT sponsored the latest GMB Nottingham Panthers home game against the Sheffield Steelers.

The thrilling encounter was eventually won 4-3 by the Panthers.

Nick Gall, account manager from Orchid IT was on hand to present the man of the match award (pictured above).

Orchid IT - shirt sponsors for the Notts Outlaws

Orchid IT - shirt sponsors for the Notts Outlaws - 8/3/2010

Brett Crichley and James Twigg from Orchid IT (centre) with representatives from Notts Outlaws

Orchid IT are proud to announce a one year shirt sponsorship deal with Friends Provident t20 team, Notts Outlaws.

The new look club shirt sporting Orchid ITs logo will make its first appearance in the game against Worcestershire Royals on June 10th at their New Road ground.

Orchid will take all responsibility for all IT support at Trent Bridge during the term of the deal and have the option to extend the agreement.

Managinng Director, Brett Critchley said "Having the company crest on the Notts Outlaws shirt is quite simply a dream come true for me as a Nottingham lad".

Important business continuity advice from your local IT services expert

Important business continuity advice from your local IT services expert - 3/3/2010

Areas of your business plan you cannot ignore:

1. Internet connectivity

How important is your internet connection, what would happen if it went down for a whole week? This is very possible if you are just using a standard ADSL connection without any service level agreements. Speak with your account manager for more details about upgrading your line or putting in a back up connection.

2. Backup tapes

Your tapes can deteriorate with age, when was the last time you bought new tapes? Orchid recommends that you change your tapes every six months. Did you know the lifecycle on DDS tapes is 12 months if they are used daily?

3. Backup

It is very easy to assume that just because your back up report says your back up has worked that all of your data is backed up. Have you ever checked to see exactly what you are backing up? It is your responsibility to make sure you are backing up the right data. If you are unsure about this speak with your account manager.

Do you take your tapes off site daily? Even if you lock your tapes up in a safe they are still vulnerable, the only safe place is off site.

4. Warranties

Do you keep a record of when your server warranties expire? Without an adequate warranty should a hardware failure occur you could be left waiting for some time for replacement parts.

5. Server room

Is your server in a well ventilated area? Overheating often causes serious system crashes, make sure it is not kept in a small cupboard or in a room with no ventilation. Cool air conditioning is key to keeping your servers running at the right temperature. Did you know that if the server temperature runs too high it invalidates your server warranty?

6. Disaster recovery strategy

Do you have a DR plan? How quick could you be up and running if the unthinkable happened? Did you know that some business insurance companies insist on seeing an up to date DR plan? Speak with your account manager about working with you to put in an adequate disaster recovery plan.

Orchid sponsors the latest Nottingham Panthers game

Orchid sponsors the latest Nottingham Panthers game - 19/2/2010

Richard and Scott from Bridge Thermoplastics pictured with the Nottingham Panthers man of the match

The Hull Stingrays were convincingle beaten by the Nottingham Panthers 9-1 at the Trent FM arena on the 6th February.

The match sponsored by Orchid IT was attended by Richard and Scott from Bridge Thermoplastics (pictured).

Orchid sponsors two Derbyshire Business Awards for 2009 graduates

Orchid sponsors two Derbyshire Business Awards for 2009 graduates - 2/2/2010

Dean Goodman, winner of the Orchid IT Award for Best BA (Hons) Business Management

Orchid IT were proud sponsors of two awards for the Derby Business School (part of the University of Derby).

Daan Goodman (pictured) won the award for for Best BA (Hons) Business Management while James Greasby won The Orchid IT Award for Best BA (Hons) Business Management Independent Study for 2009.

Brett Critchley, Orchid ITs Managing Director said "Orchid IT are extremely proud to sponsor these prestigious awards. They are a testament to the academic and business skills rife in the area. We wish Dean, James and all the graduates for 2009 the very best for the future."

A full list of award winners can be viewed here:

2009 Derbyshire Business School award winners

A video of the day including highlights of the ceremony follows:

Orchid IT scores with Nottingham Forest contract

Orchid IT scores with Nottingham Forest contract - 20/1/2010

Pictured above: Brett Critchley and Brandon Furse

Orchid IT, the Midlands leading provider of IT support and services, has cemented its move into Nottingham after signing an exclusive contract with Nottingham Forest FC.

The firm will be supporting and maintaining the IT infrastructure at the City Ground to ensure that it continues to run as smoothly as possible. This includes remote support of the Clubs IT systems, supply of hardware and support on any new IT projects.

Orchid, which is one of the main sponsors the Nottingham Panthers, has also become a sponsor of the Championship club, in a deal which will see the distinctive Orchid logo emblazoned at the entrance to the City Ground and around the perimeter of the ground.

Commenting on the new contract, Orchids managing director Brett Critchley, a life long Nottingham Forest Fan, said: "Im delighted to be working with the team at Nottingham Forest and we look forward to ensuring that the Club runs as smoothly off the field as it does on it!

"Our previous experience in the football sector will enable us to provide the Club with the equipment and infrastructure that they need, both now and in the future."

Commenting on the contract, Brandon Furse, operations manager at Nottingham Forest said: "Im very pleased to be working with Orchid; they have an excellent reputation and I know that our IT systems will be in safe hands. Im looking forward to a long and successful partnership with the team."

Orchid was established in Nottingham in 1996 and is now one of the UKs leading providers of IT services and support. Orchid currently employs more than 40 staff at its 7,500 ft2 purposed-designed headquarters on Pride Park in Derby and offers nationwide coverage.

The company now supplies IT products, cabling and services to more than 1,000 companies, ranging from small start-up business to large corporates. It also specialises in a number of sectors, including healthcare, education, local government and the non-profit making sector.

Ockbook School benefits from a new ICT suite

Ockbook School benefits from a new ICT suite - 14/12/2009

Orchid sponsors the latest Nottingham Panthers win over the Coventry Blaze

Orchid sponsors the latest Nottingham Panthers win over the Coventry Blaze - 8/12/2009

Orchid ITs Financial Director James Twigg & daughter Leia with Panthers Man of the Match, Kevin St.Pierre

The first of two games between rivals Nottingham and Coventry this weekend ended in success for the GMB Panthers with a final scoreline of 6-2.

Elsewhere, new league leaders Belfast lost at Newcastle (2-1) while Cardiff beat Edinburgh (5-2) and Sheffield won at Hull (1-5).

The game in Nottingham had to be delayed because of road closures imposed around the arena and fans who braved the elements and persisted through the traffic were rewarded with a super game.

GMB Panthers showed great team work and were deserved winners although coach Corey Neilson admitted afterwards it was a "strange" game and the scoreline could just as easily ended up 10-8. In reality first and third period successes, each by three goals to one, added up to a four goal margin.

Coventry took the lead with a rebound on the powerplay but Jade Galbraith played a massive part in two powerplay goals, finished off by Kevin Bergin and Sean McAslan to take the lead which was stretched when Cameron Mann poke checked on penalty-kill duty in his own zone and took the puck all the way to finish his one-on-one through the five-hole.

No scoring in an end to end second period and tension grew when Blaze got one back in the third before a late blitz rounded off the scoring with three more well-worked efforts from McAslan, Marc Levers, and Corey Neilson.

The sides meet again in Coventry on Sunday night.

Next up in Nottingham its the Hull Stingrays, next Sunday. The GMB Panthers players will be in the foyer after that one to personalise Christmas gifts with autographs for the fans. See you there!

Orchid IT - part of the RAM FM countdown to Christmas

Orchid IT - part of the RAM FM countdown to Christmas - 1/12/2009

Orchid IT and other established Derby businesses are supporting RAM FMs countdown

Orchid IT are lining up alongside some of Derbys most established businesses in celebrating RAM FMs countdown to Christmas.

Click here to find out more

The countdown to Christmas has begun with the chance to win fantastic prizes behind every door thanks to Marketing Derby.

Forget the tiny chocolates you normally find behind the doors, we can do so much better than that this Christmas!

How would you like to be winning meals out, cinema tickets or overnight stays, fantastic gifts like an iPod Nano or gift vouchers and more. all from businesses in Derby.

Make sure you check back here every day right through till Christmas Eve, open the correct days door and enter your details for the chance to win, its as easy as that!

Orchid nominated for National IT awards - Sophos Parner Awards 2009

Orchid nominated for National IT awards - Sophos Parner Awards 2009 - 25/11/2009

Orchid IT, the Midlands� leading supplier of IT support and services, has been recognised as a top performing UK business by IT security and control firm, Sophos.

Derby-based Orchid IT were nominated in two of the most coveted categories in the Sophos Partner Awards 2009, which recognise the achievements and commitment of top channel business partners over the previous year.

Orchid was nominated as UK Partner of the Year, whilst Darren Wagstaff, Sales Manager at Orchid was nominated for the Outstanding Individual Award at the glittering awards ceremony, which took place at the Bicester Country Club in Oxford in May of this year.

The awards ceremony rounded off a day of strategy talk, as well as an interactive panel, and provided Sophos with the opportunity to thank its channel partners for another successful year and recognise noteworthy achievement.

Commenting on the two nominations, Brett Critchley, Managing Director of Orchid, said:

�To be nominated for such a prestigious award is testament to the hard work of our fantastic team. Special congratulations must also go to Darren, who truly deserved this nomination for his exceptional work over the past year.�

James Vyvyan, director of channel sales at Sophos, added:

�With many security vendors struggling to grow their business this year, Sophos has sailed through, thanks to fiercely competitive offerings and a fantastic partner base,�

�We take our hat off to those partners who went the extra mile - and with the recent launch of our new partner programme, which offers deal registration and protection as well as exceptionally competitive margins, we expect the competition for next year�s awards to be seriously tough!�

Success of Orchid ITs mobile communication division

Success of Orchid ITs mobile communication division - 23/11/2009

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Successful first six months for Orchid�s Mobile Communications division

Just six months after being launched, Orchids new Mobile Communications Division is proving a huge success - saving our customers both time and money.

A fluent bolt-on to our existing IT support service, it offers customers in the business to business sector with a range of mobile IT support services.

Our helpdesk team actively supports Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Symbian devices and also connects, services and account manages your mobile devices too � enabling you to focus on running your business.

Commenting on the success of the new division, managing director Brett Critchley said:

�Mobile communications are now as essential to businesses as IT support itself, so it makes sense for our customers to be able to source both services under the same roof.

�We also offer a bill review service to make sure that our customers aren�t paying more than they need to for their mobile devices, which is of particular significance in the current economic climate," added Brett.

Business from across the UK are taking advantage of the new service and customers are keen to sing the praises of mobile communications manager Marc Allen and his team.

For further information about Orchids new mobile communications service, contact Marc Allen on 01332 360099.

�

Orchid sponsors the latest Nottingham Panthers game

Orchid sponsors the latest Nottingham Panthers game - 24/9/2009

Brett Critchley from Orchid IT with guests and Panthers player Matic Krajl

Orchid proudly sponsored another Nottingham Panthers ice hockey game against Newcastle Vipers where the Panthers won 4-3 in the dying seconds.

Orchid entertained 25 of their clients including Sally and Shaun and their children from Ioda, Jenny and her partner from Delta Rail, Robert and family from Morley Hayes, Alan and family from BemroseBooth, Lisa from Smith Cooper, Michael and friend from Derby College and Mark and Felicity from Orbital.

The night was a huge success and a big thank you goes out to all the Panthers staff who made it a fantastic evening.

Derby businesses back Mayors campaign for Skegness holiday home

Derby businesses back Mayors campaign for Skegness holiday home - 24/9/2009

Brett Critchley, MD of Orchid, with the Mayor Of Skegness

Businesses from across the city have thrown their support behind the Mayor of Derby�s campaign to raise awareness for a centre, which provides holidays for disadvantaged children.

The Mayor, Councillor Sean Marshall, invited representatives from local businesses on a trip to the Derby Children�s Holiday Centre (DCHC) in Skegness, which provides holidays for more than 450 Derbyshire children every year.

Brett Critchley, managing director of Derbyshire Business of the Year, Orchid IT, Benjamin Benn, director of Silver Pride Software, Simon Dixon from Bright Advice and Hannah McCuaig, Mrs England 2009, all visited the centre to meet the staff and children and find out more about how they could help.

The group were given a tour of the facilities, which include a TV lounge, arts and crafts and games room, along with a large sports hall, theatre, and outdoor barbecue facility.

They then experienced a typical day at the centre, which included lunch with the children, followed by an afternoon spent playing games and participating in a wide range of activities.

As a result of the trip, all of the organisations concerned have decided to become involved with the charity and are urging other local businesses to do the same:

Commenting on the trip to the DCHC, Brett Critchley, managing director at Orchid said:

�I can honestly say the trip to the Derbyshire Children�s Holiday Centre was one of the most memorable days of the year for me.�

�The Centre is such a fantastic place to stay and it was amazing to see such happy children - I wish I could have stayed longer! Orchid is going to provide IT support, as well as with get involved with fundraising and I would encourage anyone who can help in to support this vital local cause,� added Brett.

Benjamin Benn from Silver Pride Software, added:

�When we heard that the Mayor was looking for businesses to support the Holiday Centre, we jumped at the chance. We were very impressed with the facilities and the hard and dedication of all the staff.

As a result of this visit, Silver Pride will be helping the centre develop its website and create an on-line donation facility.�

�It was a day of mixed emotions for Simon Dixon at Bright Advice, who said:

�The children were lovely; they made us laugh and enjoyed wearing the Mayor�s chains and Hannah�s tiara. Yet when the carers tell you that some of the children�s don�t want to go home, it underlines what a fun, safe environment has been created. We are thinking about how we can help and hope that other people will consider helping the Centre too.

I think its fair to say that we are still thinking about it now and how we can help. I just hope that other people think about helping us too as every penny counts.�

Hannah added:

�This place really is a gem and the light at the end of a very dark tunnel for some of these children; I am committed to supporting this cause in my forthcoming fundraising event in October.�

The Derby Children�s Holiday Centre was established in 1891 and provides more than 450 disadvantaged children from across Derbyshire with a holiday in Skegness each year.

The Centre aims to provide exciting, happy and memorable holidays for the children in a safe and structured environment. It also promotes personal and social development, improved self-esteem, attitude and behavioural issues in children.

Midlands Business Insider IT feature

Midlands Business Insider IT feature - 24/9/2009

BRETT CRITCHLEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ORCHID IT

At a time when many businesses may be more inclined to hang on to their cash and wait until the recovery comes before investing in an upgrade to their IT systems, getting the right IT infrastructure in place could actually save you money in the long term - that�s the message from Brett Critchley, founder and managing director of Derby-based Orchid IT, the Midlands� leading suppliers of IT support and services:

�Whilst it might not seem like the best time for small businesses to invest in IT, many IT vendors are offering substantial deals on their products and even services at the moment. Providing you have the cash to spend, then there are some good deals to be had.

Cash flow has been the watchword for most businesses this year, so if the funds aren�t available and there is a business requirement for investing in IT, then leasing would be a good option � and again, there are deals to be had at present.

Here at Orchid, we are finding that businesses of all sizes are willing to invest in the area of IT, but only if they feel that they can lever a tangible business benefit from it.

Whilst there has been a decrease in the spend on IT hardware, there has been a marked increase in the number of businesses taking out product warranties. A relatively small investment in an extended warranty is clearly cheaper than buying new kit and gives businesses the peace of mind that their operation will be relatively unaffected if the worst does happen and their IT systems fail.

Mobile e-mail is another growth area. The current economic climate is forcing people to work harder and longer hours to make sure that their businesses can survive.
With flexible working and mobile communications on the increase, we are installing more and more Windows Mobile and Blackberry devices.

Orchid�s new mobile communications division ensures that companies have the most cost effective mobile solution, with the right phones and the most appropriate mobile tariffs for their needs. And once you have the right the devices, setting up a mobile communications system is simple.

More and more businesses now need to be equipped for remote working and have the ability to work from a remote location, whether it�s a home office or while they are on holiday.

People want the ability to use all their standard applications and have access to all the company�s systems � just as if they were at their desk. Installing a terminal server will enable this to happen and the benefits far outweigh the costs.

Document collaboration is another growth area for Orchid. A common issue that we come across is the way that businesses use and share information. Staff frequently use the wrong quote forms and templates and save information to non backed up-devices. This means that they can�t share information effectively and have no single way of doing a task that is universal for the company.

Orchid has recently become a reseller for Microsoft SharePoint, a fantastic new platform, which provides the answers to all these issues and more. Such has been the level of interest in the new solution that we are currently holding a series of seminars with Microsoft to promote the many benefits to businesses.

Regardless of the economic climate, it is always important to ensure that your IT systems are performing to their full potential. Poor IT can result in poor productivity, so it�s beneficial to review your system on a regular basis, and upgrade when necessary.

A solid, well-supported IT infrastructure is vitally important for small businesses for when the economy is both weak and strong.

Orchid IT and the GMB Panthers

Orchid IT and the GMB Panthers - 9/9/2009

Image courtesy of www.uniqueimages.co.uk

The GMB Nottingham Panthers and sponsors Orchid IT are joining forces again next season and the deal includes an exciting new addition to the club�s annual awards.

Orchid IT will be sponsoring the match night magazine, games and other aspects of the operation INCLUDING the Man of Match Awards after every home game.

As per normal practise these awards will be presented by the individual match sponsors but will be branded as the ORCHID IT MAN OF THE MATCH awards.

Furthermore, ORCHID will be putting up a laptop to be presented at the end of the season to the player who has contributed the best home match performance of the season.

Coach Corey Neilson said today : �This is an innovative idea which has evolved from discussions between the management of the two organisations, and whilst we are and always will be essentially a team game, a further incentive to do well every time the guys step onto the ice can�t do any harm. I like it, and I could do with a new laptop myself!!�

Added Chris Tate, Technical Director of ORCHID IT : �We became involved with the club for the first time last season and everything they have done for us has been professional and stunning. We�re getting more involved next season and as IT suppliers wanted to do something that might help produce even better performances on the ice.�

A special panel of judges will keep an analytical eye on the man of the matches throughout the season and the ORCHID IT MATCH PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON will be presented along with other club awards at the end of the 2009-10 campaign.

Forklift truck specialists ABEX - going places with Orchid

Forklift truck specialists ABEX - going places with Orchid - 4/8/2009

ABEX Forklift Truck Specialists

Abex Ltd was founded in 1966 and over the years has established itself as one of the UK�s leading independent suppliers and hire providers of forklift trucks, with an enviable reputation for customer service and support.

The Birmingham-based company specialises in the supply, hire, service and repair of forklift trucks and associated materials handling equipment. It is the exclusive West Midlands dealer for the Nissan range of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment and also has dealer and distribution agreements with Combi Lift, Logitrans, Tecna and other respected manufacturers.

As a result its customer list includes everything from major household name PLC�s to single forklift truck users.

Director Martin Connop made the decision to switch the company�s IT support and services to Orchid 18 months ago, after previously outsourcing its IT services to another company.

Martin had previously worked with Chris Tate, Orchid�s technical support director, and chose Orchid to handle Abex�s IT based on Orchid�s excellent track record across a diverse range of market sectors.

Commenting on Abex�s decision to switch to Orchid, Martin said:

�After an initial meeting with technical director Chris Tate, I decided that outsourcing all of our IT to Orchid would be a very sensible decision and free us up to concentrate on running our business.

�The switch-over from our previous supplier was incredibly smooth, and was handled with minimum disruption to our business.

�We�re not an IT savvy company, so it was important that our chosen supplier should make our IT as hassle-free as possible � which is why we chose Orchid. We find them efficient, proficient and easy to deal with. There are rarely any problems with our system, and any issues we have are corrected immediately.

�Orchid supply us with full hardware support as well as non-specialist software, as we currently run a special piece of forklift industry software on our machines.

�Every thing about Orchid is perfect � the only thing that takes the edge off it is the fact that we have to pay them every month!�

Orchids new out of hours IT support service

Orchids new out of hours IT support service - 16/7/2009

Orchid bowls over yet another local sports team

Orchid bowls over yet another local sports team - 24/6/2009

The Marehay Crown Green Bowls Club

Orchid are proud to announce another sponsorship deal involving a local sports team.

The Marehay Crown Green Bowls Club will be sporting the Orchid logo on their shirts for the upcoming season.

Orchid Financial Director James Twigg said of the endeavour, "We are proud to be associated with another local Derbyshire based sports club. It demonstrates our commitment to developing relationships with sporting organisations in the community whilst at the same time offering them access to our considerable IT knowledgebase."

As part of the deal, Orchid will be providing the club with IT support and consultancy as well as shirt sponsorship.

ORCHID GOES MOBILE WITH NEW COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

ORCHID GOES MOBILE WITH NEW COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - 3/6/2009

Marc Allen, Mobile Communications Manager

Pride Park-based Orchid IT has strengthened its new mobile communications division with the appointment of Marc Allen as head of mobile communications.

Marc joins Orchid from the Corporate Team and will head up the new division, which will offer customers in the business to business sector with a range of mobile IT support services.

Marc has a wealth of experience in the mobile communications field and in his new role, he will be responsible for handling a range of platforms including Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Symbian devices.

Commenting on Marc�s appointment, managing director Brett Critchley said:

�I�m delighted to welcome Marc to Orchid; his experience and unrivalled knowledge in this field will be invaluable to us as we grow this area of our operation.

�We�ve been planning to add mobile communications services to our portfolio for some time and given the range of services that we already offer, mobile communications seemed the natural next step.

�Mobile communications are now as essential to businesses as IT support itself, so it makes sense for our customers to be able to source both services under the same roof.�

Marc added:

�It�s fantastic to be joining Orchid at such an exciting time; I�m looking forward to exploiting my skills and experience to provide an unparalleled mobile communications service to Orchid�s customers.�

ORCHID STRIKES GOLD WITH PRESTIGIOUS ACCREDITATION

ORCHID STRIKES GOLD WITH PRESTIGIOUS ACCREDITATION - 3/6/2009

Brett Critchley and James Twigg from Orchid

Orchid IT, the Midlands� leading supplier of IT support and services, has been awarded the prestigious HP Official �Gold Preferred Partner� status.

Pride Park-based Orchid, which was recently crowned �Business of the Year� at the 2009 Business Awards Derbyshire, has been awarded Preferred Partner status by HP in recognition of the company�s continued commitment to a strategic relationship with HP.

To gain this highly sought after award, which showcases the top tier of IT resellers, Orchid was required to achieve a strict level of criteria, including reaching high training standards and levels of revenue generation.

Orchid is one of just 139 IT resellers in the UK to have achieved this elite status, allowing exclusive access to regular to pre-released HP information, empowering Orchid to offer its customers unprecedented access to the newest HP technologies.

Alongside this, Orchid will continue to offer a large range of IT services and unparalleled levels of customer support tailored to fit around individual business specific needs.

Commenting on this latest accreditation, managing director Brett Critchley said:

�To achieve Gold Preferred Partner status is a fantastic achievement for Orchid and reflects our commitment to providing our customers with the highest possible levels of service and support.

�Our customers can rest assured that the team at Orchid has a wealth of knowledge and expertise at their fingertips that will enable us to give our clients the competitive edge they need in today�s market.

�We look forward to our relationship with HP continuing long into the future.�

ORCHID SUPPORTS PROJECT UGANDA

ORCHID SUPPORTS PROJECT UGANDA - 3/6/2009

Orchid IT, the Midlands� leading supplier of IT support and services, has thrown its support behind a Derbyshire-based project aimed at rebuilding schools in Uganda.

Pride Park-based Orchid, which was recently crowned Business of the Year at the 2009 Business Awards Derbyshire, has donated a laptop computer and created 200 CD�s for Project Uganda, which will see eight students from Woodlands and Ecclesbourne schools travel to Uganda in July to help with the building of two schools in the Mukono District about two hours outside of Kampala.

The trip, which is organised by Cllr Pauline Latham and is now in its second year, provides young people with the opportunity to travel to Uganda to help with a whole host of projects including supplying educational equipment and building materials to Mirembe Secondary School and Kiringo Secondary School. Money raised by the students goes towards providing equipment for the schools.

So far, this year�s group of hardworking students have raised �6,000 towards their trip through various fundraising activities, including a charity fashion show, cake sales and packing shopping bags at supermarkets.

Orchid�s donation of a laptop will be used as the main prize in a raffle, which is expected to raise around �1,000, whilst the 200 promotional CD�s will be used to advertise Project Uganda to potential sponsors.

Commenting on the donation, Orchid�s Managing Director Brett Critchley said:

�I�m delighted to be able to support this very worthwhile project. The students have worked so hard towards their fundraising, and their enthusiasm is incredible. I hope that the donation of this equipment will enable the students to reach their fundraising total and enable them to carry out their excellent work in Uganda.�

Derby City Councillor and Project Uganda leader Pauline Latham added:

�I�d like to thank Orchid for their generous donation of equipment to Project Uganda. I�m incredibly proud of the hard work that the students have put into their fundraising, and I hope that the support from Orchid will spur the students on to raise even more money for this wonderful cause.�

The group will leave Derby on 10th July for the nine day trip.

Midlands Business Insider July � Moving Feature Brett Critchley � MD, Orchid IT

Midlands Business Insider July � Moving Feature Brett Critchley � MD, Orchid IT - 3/6/2009

Who do you need to speak to at each stage?

When you�re considering moving your business, the level of IT support you�ll need will depend greatly on the level of IT that your business uses. If a business has several simple computer systems, then a move can be fairly straightforward, however if a business has multiple servers, video conferencing, CCTV and state-of-the-art facilities, it is always advisable to bring in an IT support provider to ensure that a change in premises causes minimal disruption to the business.

Firstly and most importantly, before you do anything, you must prioritise your telephone connections and internet connectivity, as these are areas that you have no control over. BT, your telecoms provider or your IT company will handle your telephone lines and activate them for you, and it�s important not to forget your analogue lines for your fax, Redcare and ADSL.

You should also plan for any potential issues with your internet connections. Your internet line will be set up either by your ISP or your IT provider, and it is important to check how good your connection is, as some areas, even large cities have poor internet connectivity. Make sure you have back-ups in place for your telephones and internet i.e. all of your workforce has access to a mobile phone or 3G cards for internet connectivity, just in case there are any glitches. Make sure your internet connection has been tested before you move in.

Before you move your business, it is also vital that you have considered important issues such as what is the data cabling like where you are moving too? Is it already in place? If so has it been FLUKE tested to make sure it works? Are the communications in place adequate enough for your needs? Are points in place for each user? Is the area for your server well ventilated and easy to access? Will you need a rack installing?

If you can plan out in detail exactly where people are going to sit and how you see the business growing, it is an ideal time to add or amend any data cabling within the building before you move in. You may want video conferencing or CCTV at some point, so it�s a good time to consider adding in data cabling whilst the building is empty.

It is crucial to put the correct procedures in place before you move to ensure a smooth transition of your IT. Obvious things like doing a back-up the night before the move (and testing the back up to make sure it is working and your data is safe) is critical.

If you�re concerned about moving your IT systems, this can be the ideal time to bring in a professional IT company, who can safely shut down your systems and move the equipment for you without damage or loss of data.

Ideally most businesses would shut down at the end of the business day, preferably a Friday so that the move can be carried out during the night and over the weekend. Prior to the move it�s advisable to contact your IT company to make sure all of your system passwords are written down. This will enable them to complete the move as smoothly as possible.

If a move is correctly carried out, a business should suffer only minimal downtime, if any at all. Provided everything is correctly managed and properly set up at the new premises, disruption to the business should be minimal and the move should be fairly straightforward.

The potential pitfalls of moving?

The common pitfalls of moving businesses are generally issues involving forward planning � for instance not ordering the Internet and telephone connections early enough. The moving of IT and the set-up in the new office are generally straightforward, it�s the communications such as phone lines and internet that are the most vital.

A useful checklist of things to remember to do when moving?

� Early installation of the internet
� Test the internet strength
� Telephone lines
� Data Cabling
� Telephone Numbers
� Passwords
� Routers
� Data backup and testing

It�s good to remember that as long as your phone lines and internet connections are pre-planned and working properly the rest of a move can be very simple. However, I would always advocate seeking the advice of an IT company � an initial spend can result in a problem-free move, and mean that your business can be up-and-running almost immediately, saving you money and time later on.

Treetops 6 a side cup

Treetops 6 a side cup - 27/5/2009

Teams from Orchid (in orange) and Flint Bishop (in black) battle it out at Pride Park Stadium

On Wednesday 20th May Orchid I.T and Flint Bishop Solicitors jointly hosted a 6-a-side football tournament at Pride Park Stadium. It was a fairly cold and wet night but despite the rain all the teams showed an extremely high level of enthusiasm and the skill and determination on show made it a fantastic night for all of those involved.

The teams were made up of players from Greenbank Group, HL Plastics, Metal Improvement Company, Derby County, The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, Derby Quad, Brownhills Technology College, Swindell & Pearson, Lubrisol, Rugeley Power Station, YHA and Smith Cooper.

The eventual tournament winners were Flint Bishop who beat Orchid I.T 1-0 in the final with a great free kick scored by Ross Matthews. A goal which would have easily graced any final! The final followed victories in the semi finals for Orchid over Rugely Power Station on penalties and for Flints over their B team 1-0.

The evening ended with a meal in the Toyota Suite which gave all the players a chance to reflect on their own performances.

Treetops Hospice Ripple Appeal also benefitted from the tournament as each team has paid a �100 donation for playing. The Treetops Ripple Appeal is raising funds for a new building at the hospice in Risley which provides specialist palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease.

A special thank you goes to Sophie Levey of Orchid I.T who helped enormously on the night with her organisational skills. Also a thank you to all at Derby County who helped put the tournament together.

ORCHID GOES MOBILE WITH NEW DIVISION

ORCHID GOES MOBILE WITH NEW DIVISION - 22/5/2009

Marc Allen, James Twigg and Brett Critchley from Orchid IT, sporting the latest mobile communication devices

Pride Park-based Orchid IT, the Midlands� leading supplier of IT support and services, has added to its portfolio of service offerings with the launch of a new mobile communications division.

The company, which was recently crowned Business of the Year at the 2009 Business Awards Derbyshire, has announced that it will now be offering customers in the business to business sector with a range of mobile IT support services.

The decision comes after growing demand from existing customers for a bolt-on to their existing IT support services.

The new division will handle a range of devices, including Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Symbian. The team will also offer the remote support of mobile devices.

Orchid will exploit its extensive IT knowledge and unparalled levels of service to offer a service that will enable clients to make the most of their mobile communications and save money.

Commenting on the new division, managing director Brett Critchley said:

�We have been planning to add mobile communications services to our portfolio for some time and given the range of services that we already offer, mobile communications seemed the natural next step.

There remains much scepticism surrounding the operators within the mobile communications sector and many of our customers often comment that their providers provide insufficient levels of customer care.

At Orchid we consistently provide unrivalled service to our customers across our entire product offerings, whether it is our IT support, data cabling or product supply. We aim to bring this philosophy to our new mobile communications division and also look at saving our clients money.

Mobile communications are now as essential to businesses as IT support itself, so it makes sense for our customers to be able to source both service under the same roof.

Our helpdesk team already actively supports Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Symbian devices so it seemed a natural development for us to offer the service to connect, service and account manage mobile devices too.

We will also be offering a bill review service to make sure that our customers aren�t paying over the odds for their mobile devices,� added Brett.

Orchid now offering offsite data storage

Orchid now offering offsite data storage - 7/4/2009

Orchid Launches New Mobile Communications Division

Orchid Launches New Mobile Communications Division - 30/3/2009

Orchid Launches New Mobile Communications Division

Orchid IT is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new division to add to its portfolio of offerings.

Why launch a mobile communications division?

We believe that there is much scepticism and uncertainty surrounding the operators within the mobile communications sector. Many of our own customers often comment on their providers giving them insufficient levels of customer care. At Orchid we consistently provide unrivalled service to our customers across our entire product offerings, whether it is our I.T Support, Data Cabling or Product Supply. We want to bring our philosophy of dedication to our customers needs to our new mobile communications division and also look at saving our clients money.

A bolt-on to our existing IT Support Service

We will be operating solely in the business to business sector and view this decision as a fluent bolt on service to our I.T Support service. Our helpdesk team already actively support Windows Mobile, Blackberry and Symbian devices so it seems a natural development for us to offer the service to connect, service and account manage your mobile devices too.

Extra support and peace of mind

To back this service up we now have some excellent software in place to allow us to remotely support your devices free of charge when you connect through Orchid. We can literally takeover your device when you are out and about as long as you can get a connection to the internet. Mobile communication devices are becoming more and more business critical and we will be able to offer you that extra support giving you more peace of mind and allowing you to concentrate on running your business.

And cash-back for you to spend on whatever you like!

When we connect phones to networks the mobile operators pay us commission based on the tariff we connect you on. Rather than keep this fund we aim to supply all of your devices and apply a credit to your Orchid account for you to spend on whatever you like. Orchid can supply you with a wide range of products which you can offset your credit against. We see this working in two ways, you get an extra benefit with no additional cost to you and we get your extra sales through you using the credit for our supplies.

Even if you are in a contract we are more than happy to offer you a bill review service free of charge. We will simply check that you are on the correct tariff and advise you of any savings that you can make.

Alternatively you may just want your mobile email devices supporting and we can offer that too. Just speak to your Account Manager for details.

�

Orchid sponsors latest Panthers win

Orchid sponsors latest Panthers win - 20/3/2009

Kevin Bergin receives the man of the match award

Pictured above - Brett Critchley, Managing Director of Orchid and Simon Gillett CEO of Donington Park present the Nottingham Panthers player Kevin Bergin with the man of the match award following his sides thrilling 3-2 win over the Edinburgh Capitals.

The game was held at the Nottingham Ice Arena on Saturday March 14th 2009 which Orchid IT were the sponsors of.

Also pictured is Bretts daughter Lillie and Simons daughter Abby.

Orchid had over 50 guests at the match in attendance.

Orchid crowned Business of the Year

Orchid crowned Business of the Year - 4/3/2009

The Orchid team with Brian Blessed

Orchid IT, the Midlands� leading supplier of IT support and services, is celebrating after being crowned �Business of the Year� at the 2009 Business Awards Derbyshire.

Pride Park-based Orchid beat the challenge from Hilton-based John Bowler Eggs and XJF Plastics in Chesterfield to scoop the award at a glittering awards ceremony, which took place at Pride Park Stadium.

Founder and Managing Director Brett Critchley was presented with a limited edition trophy by actor and TV personality Brian Blessed in front of more than 400 of the region�s leading business people and entrepreneurs.

Brett started Orchid in 1996 from his spare bedroom and since then the company has enjoyed phenomenal growth, with turnover reaching the �10 million mark.

Orchid now employs 50 staff at its purpose-built 7,500 ft2 headquarters on Pride Park. The company supplies IT support and services to more than 1,200 businesses across the UK, ranging from large corporates to SME�s. Orchid also supplies IT support and services within healthcare, education, sport and public sectors, and has several many high profile clients including Derby County Football Club.

Commenting on his win, Brett Critchley said:

�Winning the title of Company of the Year is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our 50 strong team, who work consistently hard to make sure that we provide our wide client base with a level of service that is unrivalled in our industry.

James Twigg added:

�This award represents what can be achieved through a commitment to excellence and a team that delivers on its promises.�

Our challenge now is to build on this success and continue to offer the levels of quality and service for which we have become renowned,� added Brett.

IT firm Blessed with top business award

IT firm Blessed with top business award - 2/3/2009

The Orchid team with Brian Blessed

A computer firm which began in the spare room of its managing directors home has won the coveted Business of the Year title at the Business Awards Derbyshire 2009.

At a glittering ceremony held at Derby Countys Pride Park stadium on Friday evening, Orchid Business Computing was named the countys top firm.

The Pride Park based company began life in the spare room of Brett Critchleys home 11 years ago. Today, the business supplies IT products, cabling and services to more than 1,200 firms.

Collecting the award, which was sponsored by Natwest, Mr Critchley said: "Winning this is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our 50 strong team, who work consistently hard to make sure that we provide our wide client base with a level of service that is unrivalled in our industry."

The awards, which were co-sponsored by the Evening Telegraph and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, were hosted by actor Brian Blessed.

Orchids Chris could be a national hero

Orchids Chris could be a national hero - 18/2/2009

A Member of staff at a Derby IT firm has been shortlisted in a search for the UKs most dedicated employee.Chris Tate, technical support director at Orchid Business Computing, at Pride Park, is one of 20 finalists in the Office Heroes competition, run by electronics company Brother and Growing Business Magazine.

He was nominated by Orchid managing director, Brett Critchley who said: "Since he joined Orchid in 2005, Chris really has revolutionised the way we support our clients."

Why let the economic climate postpone your IT projects?

Why let the economic climate postpone your IT projects? - 16/2/2009

Are you finding that your customers are holding onto their cash longer than they used to? Perhaps your bank has tightened the reins on your finance facility or maybe you�re just not getting as many sales as you were?

Orchid has joined forces with Syscap the UK�s Leading Independent IT Finance and Leasing Provider.

Fund your IT purchase from Orchid with Syscap and not only will you be working with the most innovative, customer focused specialist IT providers in the business, you will also benefit from the considerable business advantages associated with flexible financing from Syscap.

This means that you can buy the equipment you need in order to make your business function more efficiently and pay for it over the useful life of that equipment.

And of course, leasing offers lots of other benefits, including tax savings.

So, whether you need a couple of laptops or a full blown IT solution, leasing can help you get the equipment you need NOW!

Find below an IT package, with an illustration of how the leasing can work for you.

For an initial project spend of �4,000.00:

1 monthly payment of �135.99 + VAT in advance, followed by 35 subsequent monthly payments of �135.99 + VAT, with a facility fee of �165.00 + VAT. Typical rate of *6.13%

We can also install any kit you buy and this can be added to the lease

And remember, you can lease any IT equipment that you buy.

ORCHID ALSO OFFERS IT SUPPORT ON MONTHLY INTEREST FREE TERMS

We have more than 140 supported customers and an amazing 99% of our clients renew year after year.

*6.13% is a typical flat rate for finance agreements through Syscap. Syscap will review your past credit history and other personal details and the actual rate Syscap offer may be higher depending on their assessment of your business circumstances and financial behaviour.

These indicative figures are subject to underwriting and credit application, they do not provide and constitute an offer of finance and are subject to factors covering Syscaps business.

Syscap can be reached on 01606 338026.

Stuck at home? Worried about your business?

Stuck at home? Worried about your business? - 10/2/2009

Dont allow your business to suffer when you cant get into the office.

Why not let Orchid setup your home PC or laptop so you can dial into your business network as if you were sitting at your desk?

Dont lose contact with customers, suppliers or staff and allow your business to carry on trading as normal.

We have extended our support hours

We have extended our support hours - 29/1/2009

During difficult times like this we all need to work harder and sometimes that means longer hours.

We dont want you to feel isolated when youre working late so weve extended our helpdesk hours to 07:30 to 18:30 Monday to Friday.

Its not often you get something for nothing so give us a call.

Our IT support helpdesk number is 01332 547150.

Did you know that:

- An amazing 99% of support calls are responded to within just 1 hour

- We now have over 140 supported customers in the local area

- 99% of our support customers renew year after year

For more information, please call us on 01332 360099.

Orchid IT are finalists in the 2009 Derbyshire Business Awards

Orchid IT are finalists in the 2009 Derbyshire Business Awards - 29/1/2009

Orchid IT are proud to announce we are finalists in the 2009 Derbyshire Business Awards.

The Business Awards Derbyshire 2009 will take place on Friday 27th February 2009 at Pride Park Stadium, Derby.

The finalists and winners will be announced following a gala black-tie dinner hosted by Brian Blessed and additional surprise entertainment.

The evening promises to be a glittering occasion and probably the single social event that business leaders and key decision-makers mark in their diaries as not to be missed.

Expansion Continues At Orchid Business Computing

Expansion Continues At Orchid Business Computing - 3/10/2008

Mike Donoghue, Orchid Services Sales Manager

Derby-based Orchid IT, one of the Midlands� leading providers of IT and support services, has continued its expansion with the appointment of Mike Donoghue as services sales manager.

Mike joins Orchid after being one of the company�s clients for the past decade. He was previously the head of UK infrastructure for online dating agency uDate.com, and prior to that was IT manager for a large regional property advice bureau.

Mike has 20 years� experience in the fields of IT management and consulting, both in the UK and US.

His expertise includes IT infrastructure, account management, pre-sales, web development and IT project management.

In his new role, Mike will be working with the team at Orchid to analyse market trends and grow the company�s substantial service business by increasing the breadth of IT services that the company provides.

Mike will also be focusing on penetrating Orchid�s key target sectors, including healthcare, local government, sport and education and expanding these areas further.

Commenting on his appointment, Mike said:

�Having been a customer of Orchid�s for the past 10 years in various IT management roles, when the opportunity arose to join this incredibly dynamic business, I jumped at the chance.

He added:

�Orchid is without doubt, the Midlands� leading IT supply business and it is a pleasure to play my part in this exciting period in the company�s history.�

Brett Critchley, Managing Director of Orchid said:

�I�m delighted that after ten years as a client, Mike has decided to join us. His experience will prove invaluable as we embark on the next phase of our expansion programme.�

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Orchid was established in 1996 and is now one of the UK�s leading providers of IT services and support. Orchid currently employs more than 40 staff at its 7,500 ft2 purposed-designed headquarters on Pride Park in Derby and offers nationwide coverage.

The company now supplies IT products, cabling and services to more than 1,000 companies, ranging from small start-up business to large corporates. Its services range from a simple computer support issue to a complete outsourced IT function - and from building a whole IT infrastructure to supporting and maintaining that structure with a comprehensive support package.

It also specialises in a number of sectors, including healthcare, education, local government and the non-profit making sector.

Is Your Business Greener Than It Was A Year Ago?

Is Your Business Greener Than It Was A Year Ago? - 29/9/2008

�A year ago, we didn�t recycle as much as we do today, but now that we have moved into a new, more efficient and environmentally friendly building on Pride Park, we have begun recycling our paper and printer cartridges and actively encouraging our employees to car share to work.

We currently use a greener technology with blade servers and virtualisation, which dramatically reduces the amount of electricity we use for our in-house IT.

In actual fact, being �green� is what we�re all about. Technology can help save your business money and improve your performance as well as helping the environment.�

BRETT CRITCHLEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DERBY-BASED ORCHID IT,

INSIDER MAGAZINE�S POWER OF TEN FEATURE

The Importance Of IT In Business

The Importance Of IT In Business - 29/9/2008

�The term �IT� is often frowned upon by businesses, especially those that don�t embrace technology and fully exploit the business benefits that it can bring. When it comes to upgrading a PC or renewing a support contract it can almost feel as if you are throwing money away.

Today, technology is the hub of most businesses. Just think how many emails you send and receive every day and how you process information and store records? Imagine if all this was taken away; how would your business run?

One of the area�s that remains overlooked is how safe your data is. Many businesses have no idea of how much data they actually have and how crippling it would be if their data were to be lost. How often do people check whether their back-up tapes are actually recording the data? Do you actually test your back-ups?

Those companies who truly value their data have additional cover with off-site storage, so not only do they back up data on to tape, they make an additional back-up over night at a totally separate location.

Spam and virus protection is taken much more seriously today than it was only two years ago. Due to massive system crashes most businesses understand the need to install up-to-date software to protect their systems, but again it is not until these problems really hit home that business owners actually invest money in these areas.

If business owners took the time to plan an IT strategy, they would realise the true business benefits of IT.

The first area you should address is the backbone of your internal systems, such as how old your servers are, do they have warranties, are your PC�s so slow that they reduce efficiency? If you had a power cut, would your systems keep running long enough or run at all? Do you keep your anti-virus and spam software up to date? Does your staff store their information centrally or on their own PC�s? If they left would you know where their work was?

More and more companies are realizing that an IT disaster recovery plan is critical to their business. Just as you have an evacuation plan in case of a fire, you need a plan of what you do should you have a disaster that affects your IT. Until something happens you don�t actually realise the devastating effects can have.

You should have a written document that covers all eventualities in the case of a disaster. This document should cover everything from how you get your systems back up and running to how you actually work. This seems like an arduous task but definitely a worthwhile one.

In parallel to this another area that is often overlooked is your actual data cabling within your building. Many companies spend a lot of time and money trying to upgrade systems to make them faster when in fact more often than not data cabling is letting you down. A badly installed network point, or a kink in the cable or even old cabling can severely let the system down.

Have you ever Fluke checked your network? Some companies spend thousands upgrading hardware when actually the problems may just be a simple network point.

For most businesses getting on top of your existing set up is an important start but then when you have done this what next?

IT and telecoms have in the past been two separate areas within a business. You would ring your IT provider to set up your IT systems then contact BT to put your phone system in. What companies should be looking at now and for the future are bringing them both together.

Buzzwords like VoIP have been around for a while now but do people actually know what it means? Today you can make your IT and telephone systems one. Do you have the ability to allow your staff to work from home, do you want full control over your lighting in the office, do you want to view your CCTV from anywhere in the world, do you have many locations that need to communicate on a regular basis, but don�t want to spend the money on separate systems and expensive phone calls?

A business now has the ability to run from any location as if it were in the same building. Many people like the ability to work from home- using VoIP you can make a phone call from your home office as if you were at work, you can even turn the lights off via your phone in your office should you wish. Lets say you had a break-in during the night, as the alarm goes off you can be alerted to it by an email or phone call and then view your building from your PC at home. The footage recorded could be instantly emailed to the police. If an employee got locked out of your building and couldn�t get in they could ring you at home and you could open the doors from your remote pc.

Schools for instance may have issues around security and behaviour, but using technology, staff can be alerted as to who accesses what areas and who has removed a book from the library. Even if a piece of IT equipment leaves a particular area a photo could be taken and emailed to a member of staff instantly. If pupils are made aware of this then the likelihood of them doing something is minimal.

Technology is about business benefits and is certainly far more affordable today than it has ever been. Business owners can have problems understanding exactly what is right for them as a business.

The main issues are people actually being willing to invest money in ensuring their current IT set up has the right building blocks in place to be able to grow their business. In the past there have been too many IT companies putting in �make do� systems without actually planning a future strategy and explaining what they are doing.

At Orchid IT we deal with over 600 businesses within Derby and the East Midlands, the majority of those are businesses with less than 50 employees where budgets are often extremely tight.

The hardest task we face is convincing people that IT is actually a way of leveraging more business for the company. We have on too many occasions had to rebuild a company�s server because they have had it stolen or fire damaged where they haven�t had any kind of disaster recovery plan.�

To discuss your IT requirements, call Orchid on 01332 360099.

BY BRETT CRITCHLEY
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ORCHID BUSINESS COMPUTING

My Week - Chris Tate, Technical Director At Orchid

My Week - Chris Tate, Technical Director At Orchid - 29/9/2008

MONDAY

I live over in Calverton, Nottinghamshire with my wife Gaye, so I�m up at the crack of dawn every morning to leave the house by 6.45am and be in the office on Pride Park by 7.30am.

The office is usually quieter at this time, so it gives me a chance to catch up on any emails that have come in overnight and sort out my schedule for the day.

Mondays are generally about getting the on-site and off-site engineers organised for the week ahead. In the morning I meet with our services administrator, Julie Mills and the help desk team, who provide our customer support, to give them feedback on their response times from the previous week and address anything that needs changing as a result. This is extremely important because how quick we respond to our customer�s problems is important to them.

In the afternoon I sit down with the off site engineers to discuss up and coming jobs and assign any new maintenance clients. As most of our engineers are out seeing clients, some are not present, so I tend to catch up with them throughout the day.

I walk in the house to the smell of a great dinner. I think I�m being treated before being forced to sit through America�s Next Top Model on TV.

TUESDAY

In the office for 7.45am and straight into an early meeting with my managing director, Brett Critchley, and finance director, James Twigg.
We meet once a week to discuss any general business matters, go through any issues in the individual departments and discuss new products and services.

We have recently introduced a new off site data storage facility, which allows us to back up and store our client�s data within our on-site data centre. The service hasn�t been running long but it has already proved very popular with SME�s in the area.

This afternoon I am working with the engineers to test the new version of Microsoft Small Business Server 2008, which is due to be released in November. We already have the software prior to the launch so that we can work with it in house and be fully prepared to provide a service for the program when the changeover takes place.

I don�t usually get home until 7pm and as manly as it sounds, my time this evening is monopolised by our new kitten, Lovejoy!

WEDNESDAY

I�m out of the office for most of the day, so come in a little earlier to make sure all my emails are sorted beforehand.

I�m at QUAD, the new arts centre to oversee the installation of the MAC suite there. We are working within the centre a lot at the moment to make sure all the hardware we have provided is installed properly for the opening on 26 September.

The British Film Institute will be sending films of local interest through to QUAD, which will be played in their BFI Mediatheque suite, so one of our biggest jobs there at the moment is making sure everything is configured in time.

We�ve bought a Nintendo Wii recently, as has every other member of staff on the helpdesk at Orchid. As a result, a full-scale tournament has broken out this evening and we�re all battling it out online at Super MarioKart - Lee wins as usual!

THURSDAY

First thing I�m at a meeting at Derby County to discuss plans to implement a wireless system throughout the stadium and conferencing facilities. I spend the rest of the morning reviewing the existing system to allow me to put a proposal together for them.

This afternoon I meet with the promotions team at the Nottingham Panthers to finalise the details for our sponsorship deal. I working on a couple of sponsorship deals at the moment, one of which is with my beloved Nottingham Forest!

We don�t fancy cooking tonight, so we have to have a bit of a treat and get a curry and a DVD in.

FRIDAY

Brett and I have a meeting this morning to discuss ideas for a proposal to implement the IT for Derby Cathedral. They are already customers of our support system but we are recommended they update their hardware as well.

This afternoon I spend some time with the engineers working on the project management of BMI Healthcare�s IT. We are currently responsible for updating their hardware and servers for more than 70 hospitals nationwide, so there is an awful lot to manage.

Conscious of the curry last night, I nip out for a jog around Calverton before dinner!

SATURDAY

Saturday is all about Nottingham Forest. I�ve had a season ticket for as long as I can remember, so as usual I am down at the City Ground today!

In the evening Gaye and I go for dinner with James and Claire at The Famous Lord Nelson in Burton Joyce. We�ve never been before but the food and company is great!

SUNDAY

Sunday is spent visiting our parents in Nottingham and Codnor. However I try and spend as much of Sunday doing as little as possible in preparation for a busy week ahead!

Expansion Of Technical Team At Orchid

Expansion Of Technical Team At Orchid - 29/9/2008

Pride Park-based Orchid IT has expanded its technical team with the appointment of Daniel Moore as a field engineer.

Dan, who is a qualified Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, joins Orchid from Cooper Parry, where he spent six years as a member of their client IT team.

Dan has considerable experience in IT systems and support and joins Orchid during a period of tremendous growth.

In his new role, Dan will be working closely with the 20 strong Orchid technical team to provide support to both new and existing customers from across the UK. He has experience across a broad range of platforms, including Mircosoft Small Business Server (SBS), Exchange and Active Directory.

Commenting on Daniel�s appointment, managing director Brett Critchley, said;

�I�m delighted to welcome Daniel to our highly skilled and hugely enthusiastic team; his experience and expertise will prove invaluable to us as we embark on the next phase of our expansion programme.�

Daniel added:

�I�m really excited at the prospect of working for Orchid; my new role provides me with the opportunity to use my broad range of skills, across a diverse client base.�

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Orchid was established in 1996 and is now one of the UK�s leading providers of IT services and support. Orchid currently employs more than 40 staff at its 7,500 ft2 purposed-designed headquarters on Pride Park in Derby and offers nationwide coverage.

The company now supplies IT products, cabling and services to more than 1,000 companies, ranging from small start-up business to large corporates. Its services range from a simple computer support issue to a complete outsourced IT function - and from building a whole IT infrastructure to supporting and maintaining that structure with a comprehensive support package.

It also specialises in a number of sectors, including healthcare, education, local government and the non-profit making sector.

Expansion For Derby Based Orchid

Expansion For Derby Based Orchid - 29/9/2008

Pride Park-based Orchid Business Computing is flying in the face of the current economic downturn with the announcement that it set to increase its workforce by 25%.

At a time when many of its rivals are reducing staffing numbers, Orchid is set to create around 15 new jobs across all areas of the company�s operation.

This follows the two best months in Orchid�s ten year history, which has seen turnover up almost 150% on its average monthly figures and a record number of new clients from across the UK.

This dynamic growth is the result of an increased spend from the 250 plus schools and colleges that the company supplies, together with a whole host of new contracts from the healthcare and local government sectors. Another growth areas for the company is the SME sector.

The company has now launched a recruitment drive and is looking to recruit staff across all levels of its operation. The majority of the vacancies are in the technical support and data cabling department, but vacancies also exist in the account management team and finance division.

Orchid was established by Brett Critchley in 1996. His philosophy was simple � he wanted to banish the myths behind IT and offer customers a fresh approach to dealing with an IT company.

Since then, Orchid has expanded rapidly to become one of the UK�s leading providers of IT services and support. The company celebrated its 10th anniversary last year by achieving a turnover of �8.7m and continues to exceed even its own ambitious targets despite the uncertain economic climate.

Turnover is set to exceed the �10 million mark during the current financial year, with a corresponding increase in profits, which is a tremendous achievement for an independently owned company that started life in Brett�s spare room at home.

Orchid currently employs more than 40 staff at its 7,500 ft2 purposed-designed headquarters on Pride Park and offers nationwide coverage.

The company now supplies IT products, cabling and services to more than 1,000 companies, ranging from small start-up business to large corporates. Its services range from a simple computer support issue to a complete outsourced IT function - and from building a whole IT infrastructure to supporting and maintaining that structure with a comprehensive support package.

It also specialises in a number of sectors, including healthcare, education, local government and the non-profit making sector.

According to Brett Critchley, much of the company�s continued success can be attributed to the fact that unlike many of its competitors, 45% of its workforce is technical:

�We pride ourselves on the calibre of our staff and employ some of the most knowledgeable staff in the industry. All of our technical staff have considerable expertise in commissioning and installing a vast array of networks and systems.

�Our move to Pride Park has been the catlayst for the next phase of our expansion programme. We are especially pleased with the number of businesses on Pride Park that we are now working with.

�Our order book continues to grow, thanks to an increasing number of contracts from the education and healthcare sectors, coupled with an increasing amount of business from the SME sector, which has long been neglected by our regional and national competitors alike.�

�It is an exciting time for the company and we will continue to evolve by strengthening our partnerships with global names such Microsoft and Hewlett Packard and remaining at the forefront of technological advances. To do so, however, we need talented and committed individuals to join our team,� added Brett.

Anyone interested in applying for any of the new posts, should contact Chris Tate on 01332 360099.

Orchid Moves To Pride Park

Orchid Moves To Pride Park - 21/9/2007

After an extremely successful 9 month build project Orchid are now fully up and running in our high-tech offices on Pride Park. From start to finish Melbourne Developments, ran by Errol Prime, managed and built our new offices to perfection, for what was thought to be a difficult job turned out to be reasonably simple! ?

Already in our first week the new building has made a very positive effect on the company not only for staff but our customers too. With our new training facilities and demo area we are able to offer the customer more where they also give us the ability to let our customers use our facilities for their own use. We also have a new build area which gives us flexibility to support even more customers continuing our high quality of service

In this article we would like to thank some of those that helped the project run extremely smoothly and for anybody looking to do something similar I have listed some trusted contacts.

Build � Melbourne Developments � Errol Prime
Financing � Yorkshire Bank � Dave Simpson
Solicitors � Flint Bishop � Bev Simms
Office Fit Out � Trent Storage & Design � Dave Camm
Phone System � Dataphone � Paul Radford
Signage � Sign Design � Steve Flanagan
Office Cleaning � Office Care � Martin Booth

If you would like any of the details please don�t hesitate to email me at bcritchley@orchidbc.com

To Celebrate Orchids 10th Anniversary Year We Thought We Would Do Something Special For Derbys School Children.

To Celebrate Orchids 10th Anniversary Year We Thought We Would Do Something Special For Derbys School Children. - 1/7/2007

Mousemat Designs

So we ran a design a mousemat competition.

We asked all the Derby city kids to design a mousemat to show us how they think technology will be used in the future. We didnt count on the phenomenal response! Over 400 children from 30 local schools entered.

Needless to say, judging was very difficult even with the help of Hewlett Packard and The Derby Evening Telegraph.

Weve attached the winners and runners up for you to look at - they won laptops and all-in-one printers respectively. The two schools will get 100 mats showing their winners design. Theyll be receiving their prizes at todays Derby City Digital Media Awards (which Orchid proudly sponsors).

Hope you like the Childrens ideas! - please click on the thumbnails to view larger images

Wireless Risks Unproven Say Local Network Specialists

Wireless Risks Unproven Say Local Network Specialists - 1/6/2007

Fears that wireless networking systems in schools could harm children are unproven and probably completely unfounded according to one of the regions leading IT companies.

Orchid Business Computing works closely with dozens of schools in Derbyshire, installing both wireless and cable networks to give local youngsters access to online computers that now play a vital role in education.

Scott Lea, Orchid General Manager, believes that reports of potential dangers may have been exaggerated and, to date, no evidence exists that wireless networks pose any risks to health.

"The media has reported that in the past 18 months, 1.6 million Wi-Fi terminals have been sold in Britain for use in homes, offices and a host of other buildings," said Scott.

"By some estimates, half of all primary schools and four fifths of all secondary schools have installed them and recent studies have suggested that radiation levels emitted by this technology may exceed up to three times the levels emitted by that of mobile phone masts.

"However, so far there is no real evidence to suggest these networks have caused any harm and even the theoretical risks to health are infinitesimally small."

Scott goes on to say that despite Orchids reservations about the scare stories, it does take the concerns of parents and teachers seriously.

As a result it is offering local schools the chance to explore alternatives to wireless systems.

Continued Scott: "Our engineers are currently visiting a number of schools in the area to assess their IT requirements and to provide expert advise on the most appropriate system for their needs.

"We will also provide a free estimate on the cost of replacing wireless points with network cables," he added

Orchid Are Awarded Investor In People For The Second Time

Orchid Are Awarded Investor In People For The Second Time - 3/5/2007

For the second time running Orchid Business Computing continue to meet the requirements of the Investor in People Standard.

The conclusion written by the IIP assessor John Flewitt said;

Orchid Business Computing has seen both staff changes and substantial growth since the last assessment, however the �culture� of involving people and valuing their contribution to the business is still very much evident and more formal approaches are steadily evolving. You felt you gained some useful feedback from the original assessment and your reaction to and implementation of these suggestions demonstrates a genuine will to improve and develop. It is, in my experience, unusual to see such commitment to (and awareness of the benefits of) investing in people in a business of this size: you are to be commended for the way you have embraced the good practice of Investors in People in a very natural and practical way without succumbing to the temptation of forms and bureaucracy for their own sake.

Orchid Celebrates Birthday With Award From The Worlds Most Famous Software Company

Orchid Celebrates Birthday With Award From The Worlds Most Famous Software Company - 1/3/2007

A leading Derby-based IT company has received the highest of accolades from the worlds largest computer software company.

Orchid Business Computing has become one of just a handful of Microsoft Gold Partners in the East Midlands, enabling it to provide a wider range of products, services and customer support to its clients.

Gold Certified Partners also represent the highest levels of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies, and have the closest working relationship with the global software giant.

Explained Orchid General Manager Scott Lea: "Being a Gold Partner will give us access to the very latest products from Microsoft as well as additional training to further improve the help and advice we provide to our customers.

"We will also be able to use the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner logo in our marketing materials.

"These logos are graphic symbols that indicate that a company has a significant level of industry experience providing services, software, or support for Microsoft technology. It is also a signal to customers that we are reliable, experienced, and endorsed by Microsoft."

Orchid Business Computing was founded 10 years ago by its current Managing Director Brett Critchley and it is now one of the regions fastest growing IT companies.

It provides a complete service to customers of all sizes - from one-man-bands to large multinationals. In addition to selling computer hardware and software, the company specialises in delivering system design, installation, management and maintenance as well as cabling solutions.

To become a Gold Partner, businesses need to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge of Microsoft products. To do this they need to employ Certified Microsoft Professional and prove themselves capable of delivering a wide range of complex IT solutions.

Continued Scott: "Receive this award is an ideal 10th birthday present for us and we are delighted to have satisfied all of Microsofts requirements.

"Our customers, both large and small, will benefit from our closer working relationship with the world leader in computer software," he added.

Orchid Lands Contract For New Paramount Hotels Data Centre

Orchid Lands Contract For New Paramount Hotels Data Centre - 12/1/2007

For the second time running Orchid Business Computing continue to meet the requirements of the Investor in People Standard.

Fast growing IT Solutions provider Orchid Business Computing has successfully won another large tender in the local area.

On this occasion they are supplying and installing an entire new IT infrastructure to the Paramount Group of Hotels.

Andy Bramley, Orchids Services Sales Manager quoted The relocation and upgrade of their existing IT systems is essential to ensure that Paramount stays abreast of latest technology and can provide leading edge solutions to both its customers and employees.

To facilitate this, a large Hewlett Packard SAN and Blade solution has been installed in a brand new purpose built data centre in Leicestershire. With a total of 32 HP BL460c blade servers and an MSA1500 providing well over 5 terabytes of data; they have enough power for considerable growth over the coming years. Attached via multiple fibre channels and utilising multiple HP Procurve 4200 chassis based switches they also have the power to ensure that data is transferred around the network at incredible speeds.

This will provide Paramount with a central hub for all hotels; allowing single points of administration and ensuring that all hotels can communicate with each other. Working with both Microsoft and Citrix Thin-Client software, all hotels within the chain will be reliant on this to provide everything from point of sale to accounts systems for all employees throughout the group.

Perry Thomas has quoted this as a major breakthrough both in terms of technology and allowing us to perform operations and functions that would have previously been impossible

Orchid are currently in the process of implementing the new system, with an expected launch date of April 2007.

�1.7 Million Healthcare Contract For Orchid

�1.7 Million Healthcare Contract For Orchid - 17/12/2006

Over the next three years, Orchid Business Computing will be updating, extending and supporting computer networks belonging to the General Healthcare Group with the latest, state-of-the-art, Hewlett Packard Hardware and Novell Operating Systems.

Explained Paul Hayes, Healthcare Sales Manager at Orchid: "Over recent years we have developed an excellent reputation within the healthcare industry, particularly in the private sector.

"We have spent a lot of time with our healthcare clients, and have built up a comprehensive understanding of their IT needs, both now and in the future.

"With 88 hospitals across the country, the General Healthcare Group will need many more IT products over the next few years and we are delighted to be in a position to meet their needs at a competitive price whilst delivering first-class after sales support."

In addition to strengthening Orchids standing in the private healthcare sector, this latest contract enhances the companys position as a Preferred Partner of Hewlett Packard, one of the worlds largest computer manufacturers.

Preferred Partner status gives Orchid and the companys clients access to the HPs latest equipment at the best prices.

Continued Paul: "Without being a Preferred Partner it would be almost impossible to deliver a contract of this size and we are confident that the quality of the HP products, combined with our own installation expertise and after sales care will exceed their IT expectations."

As Orchid Business Computing continues to expand into larger national and international markets, the company is keen to retain its commitment to smaller - but equally important - clients in the East Midlands.

Orchid takes pride in delivering the same level of service to both large and small organisations. Every customer has their own account manager, whether they are buying a single, stand alone computer or an entire network with ongoing service and support.

Added Paul: "We never forget that small businesses have played a crucial role in our own growth over the past 10 years and we intend to continue to provide the same levels of professionalism and expertise to all our clients."

Orchid Supports Local School Leavers

Orchid Supports Local School Leavers - 15/12/2006

Derbyshire school leavers have been taken on by Derby-based IT specialists Orchid Business Computing Limited as it expands its extensive range of services in the East Midlands and nationwide.

Former Heanor Gate Science College student Nick Gall, 19, joins the company as a Customer Account Manager and will be part of a team providing IT support for a wide range of businesses in the region.

Nick left the college with A levels in ICT, PE and General studies as well as an A/S in Business Studies.

On his appointment Nick said: "I am delighted to have landed a position at one of the regions best known and well respected IT companies. I am sure I can learn a lot from the other staff at Orchid who are all experts in their individual fields."

Fellow Heanor Gate College student Isaac Radford, 16, also joined Orchid during the summer along with 19-year-old Liam Martin from Cannock.

As the companys Communications Co-ordinator Isaac will be undertake a range of training courses while assisting with day-to-day marketing activities. Liam also plans to complete a number of NVQs alongside his duties as a warehouse co-ordinator.

They will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of 18-year-old Joe Lisney from Ilkeston who joined Orchid from school at 16 and has since earned several qualifications including an NVQ in Customer Service and now works as a Junior Technical Engineer.

Said Orchid Managing Director Brett Critchley: "We are one of the fastest growing IT companies in the region but remain loyal to our roots in Derbyshire.

"Essential to this is the recruitment of local people and by spotting the potential of talented school leavers we will ensure that this growth, and our commitment to excellent customer service, is sustained for many years to come."

Patients Taken For A Supercar Spin

Patients Taken For A Supercar Spin - 4/10/2006

A group of young people at an East Midlands hospice have been treated to a spin in one of the worlds most glamorous supercars thanks to a Derby-based IT firm and a Midlands Lamborghini dealership.

Staff from Orchid Business Computing travelled to Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough in a fleet of borrowed sports cars that included a 200 mph Porsche 911 Turbo, a Tiger open topped race car and a high performance Audi RS4.

On arrival they were met by Dominic Mulvey, of Lamborghini Birmingham, who thrilled the young car enthusiasts by arriving in a stunning Gallardo.

Explained Orchids Managing Director, Brett Critchley: "We have worked with Rainbows for a number of years and our engineers have given their time free of charge to maintain IT systems at the hospice.

"Earlier this year we donated a Microsoft Xbox and a game every month to Rainbows, but some of the residents were more excited at the prospect of a ride in a Porsche loaned to a member of our staff who presented the console.

"it was then we decided that on our next visit we would lay on an extra treat by taking a whole fleet of supercars which we borrowed from generous business associates."

Commented Dominic Mulvey: "I have known Brett for a long time and when we heard what Orchid was planning we were more than happy to get involved."

Added Richard Porter, Facilities Officer at Rainbows: "Some of our older residents are really keen on fast cars it was a real treat for them to see the Porsche up close when they were presented with the Xbox.

"This time around it was even better - the arrival of the Lamborghini really was a surprise for the patients and a lot of the staff!"

"We are very grateful to Orchid and Birmingham Lamborghini for all their support. We rely heavily on the generosity of the business community for a lot of the work we do here."

Orchid Sign Contracts On The New �1.6 Million Move To Pride Park, Derby

Orchid Sign Contracts On The New �1.6 Million Move To Pride Park, Derby - 21/9/2006

To continue Orchids growth and focus in the Midlands they have signed contracts on their new high-tech offices to be built on Pride Park. The 3 story building will be built glass fronted with an ultra modern glass dome at the front of the building. There will be a brand new state of the art design and build area, demo suits, high-tech meeting rooms, training suits and fresh modern office space.

It is hoped that in conjunction with the move it will help Orchid continue its success, not just in Derby and Nottingham but throughout the midlands and nationwide.

The project is expected to be finished in the summer of 2007

World Cup Winner For Two Local Firms

World Cup Winner For Two Local Firms - 26/6/2006

The England football team may be finding it difficult to hit top form in the World Cup, but for two Derby-based firms the competition is already proving a winner.

Demand for replica shirts from England and around the world has proved unprecedented in the lead up to the world cup, prompting online sportswear retailer Kitbag to extend its operations.

In order to cope with demand, Ilkeston-based Kitbag needed to move its computer systems to a larger server in London and turned to IT specialists Orchid (UK) Limited to manage the transfer.

Explained Orchid managing director Brett Critchley: "We have enjoyed a long relationship with Kitbag which was founded in the same year as ourselves, 1996.

"The company has since grown into the UKs largest internet sportswear retailers - www.kitbag.com - and also provides online sales services to some of Europes largest football clubs including Manchester United and Barcelona.

"When they needed help in moving their data systems from Ilkeston to London we were their first choice when it came to managing the transition."

As part of a deal worth several thousands of pounds Orchid helped Kitbag to maintain its services throughout the transfer.

Added Chris Gibson managing director of Kitbag: "Orchid have always offered us a first class service and this was no exception.

"Moving to a new location was a major undertaking but Orchid ensured there was no disruption to any of our services during the run up to the World Cup, one of the busiest periods in our history."

Although Kitbag has outgrown its internal hosting facility in Derbyshire, the company will retain its head office in the county where it has established strong roots.

Orchid And IBM Support Sri Lankan Diabetes Project

Orchid And IBM Support Sri Lankan Diabetes Project - 4/3/2006

An East Midlands IT company has joined forces with one of the biggest names in the computer world to help people with diabetes in one of Southern Asias poorest countries.

Although it is usually associated with sugary Western diets, Sri Lanka has the worlds highest rates of diabetes prompting a major international effort to improve care for sufferers and raise awareness of the dangers of a sugar rich diet.

The Sri Lankan Diabetes Education Project already has the support of consultants at The John Pease Diabetes Centre at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, but now UK business, including Derby-based Orchid (UK) Limited, have joined the fight against the sometimes debilitating and often life-threatening condition.

Thanks to its close working relationship with IBM, Orchid has secured the donation of two computer servers from the global computer giant and undertaken the task of configuring them for use as part of the project.

Orchid has also helped to prepare old computers donated to the project by other UK companies including Ashfords Solicitors. These computers are now in use at three education and training labs in Sri Lanka and are linked directly to The John Pease Diabetic Centre at Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottingham.

There consultants Dr Devaka Fernando, who is from Sri Lanka and Dr George Thomson are closely involved in developing the project alongside the Sri Lankan Endrocrine and Metabolic Diseases Trust and the World Diabetes Foundation.

On his companys involvement in the project, Paul Hayes, Health Care Account Manager at Orchid UK, commented: "We work very closely with IBM and when we heard about this project we thought that one of our biggest and most important partners would like to join us in helping them out.

"In the end they supplied the equipment free of charge whilst our specialists at Orchid provided the expertise to configure the servers properly.

"We are delighted to play a part in such an important and worthwhile project.

"Sri Lanka has suffered a lot in recent years, not least from the effects of the Tsunami on Boxing Day 2004, but at least these efforts will go some way towards improving the lives of many people there and contribute to the long-term health care improvements in the country."

Charlie Sutton of IBM said: "We are always keen to work with our Silver partners such as Orchid and especially on such a worthwhile project as this."

Helping to install the equipment on the ground in Sri Lanka is healthcare IT consultant Julian Scott, himself a diabetes sufferer. Through his company Panacea-global he has provided ongoing support for the project and he is appealing for help from other firms in the East Midlands.

Julian explained: "We have now installed the computers but we desperately need audio-visual equipment. If anyone can help we would be delighted to hear from them and any support would be gratefully received.

"Both my wife and I are type one diabetes sufferers and insulin dependent, so we know better than most what an awful effect the disease can have on everyday life and that prevention is better than cure!

"Type two diabetes can be tackled by changes in diet and taking exercise - an important message throughout the world but critical in poorer countries such as Sri Lanka."

Anyone who can help provide audio-visual equipment for the project can contact Julian at Panacea-global on 07977 258521 or email panaceaglobal@ntlworld.com.