Our Services
Technology Services
While all services are important, one of the most important services a business can introduce is the Technology Services and in particular the monitoring and support of their entire technological infrastructure. It is often misunderstood how critical it is when a business experiences a system failure, loss of data or the threat of being hacked. Recovery, if it is possible can be extremely expensive and of course, the cost of a hacker invading your system could destroy a business both financially and professionally. We can offer the most price competitive monitoring and support software system in the market today. This system will not just save you money but offer you peace of mind.
We supply the technological expertise to support and monitor your IT environment. However simple or complex your needs will be supported. We also provide monitoring, reporting, migration support, email protection, antivirus, Skype for Business and DNS Management. In short, everything you need to run your business effectively and efficiently.
We understand the effective management of technology is critical. Getting the right advice upfront can make a significant difference to your time, money and business productivity.
Digital & Social Media
Television, Radio, Newspaper’s and Magazines were always a very effective forum to promote your business, however, none of these could compete with the Digital and Social Media model of today. This type of service is, without doubt, a promotional game changer.
Social Media
Put simply, Social Media is the sharing of information. The more detailed reality is that the information is now shared via desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones via a plethora of social media websites from virtual communities based, to video and photo orientated formats. It is suggested that these social media websites have more than 100,000,000 registered users and growing daily.
The benefit of this form of media to businesses is that it enables a level of communication previously never experienced. Social Media enables the development of highly interactive platforms through which businesses and organisations can share relevant information, which has changed the way individuals, and large organisations communicate.
Social Media marketing is a critical element
of any online marketing strategy. Social Media is not just about advertising to customers, but connecting with them. This strengthens both your online visibility and therefore, your SEO results. The commitment is daily and can be very time consuming but this is without question the main ingredient to running and maintaining a strong and relevant Social Media.
Digital Media
Digital media can be an app on a smartphone or computer tablets, it can be a game on a game console, it can be photograph, video or audio and it can also be desktop publishing, blogging or news sites. Digital media covers a variety of disciplines and has had a significant, wide-ranging and complex impact on society and culture.
Digital Media is a blend of technology and content, and building digital media products requires teams of professionals with diverse skills, including technical skills, artistic skills, analytical and production coordination skills. All of these skills need to be balanced on a team, with all team members focused on creating the best user experience.
For the uninitiated, Social Media and Digital Media can be a very large learning curve and is without question an area of business building where you need to understand the how, when and where. We are the Initiated!
Marketing & Advertising
The difference between marketing with advertising has often been confused. While both of these are important they are still very different. When you learn the difference, it can put your company on the path to substantial growth.
So, what is the definition of marketing and advertising?
Advertising: A persuasive message that is a paid, public, non-personal announcement by an identified sponsor. This can be a non-personal presentation or the promotion of a firm and its products to existing and potential customers.
Marketing: Brings together both buyers and sellers to exchange or transfer products. This must advantage both parties via the systematic planning, implementation, and control of a variety of business activities.
Looking at marketing as a recipe is the best way to explain the difference between advertising and marketing. The recipe is marketing and advertising is an ingredient of the recipe. Other components of the recipe may be a media plan, product pricing, a strategy for sales the product, customer support structure, market research, the distribution of goods and services and public relations. All of these components work independently, while at the same time collaboratively with a targeted goal.
Like a recipe, marketing is the collective of ingredients and it is their strategic use that an organisation undertakes to encourage the consumer to engage with your company.
There are both diverse and dynamic alternatives to getting your message across to current and prospective clients and we can show you how.
Systems & Procedures
Let us start by understanding that a system is a procedure, it’s a process, a method, or a course of action designed to achieve an end result. The only way to attain results that are consistent, measurable, and ultimately benefit customers is to creating effective business systems. Every area of your business, whether it is in administration, the sales team, the factory, or the warehouse, it is part of an overall system that with the correct principles can be applied to improve the overall performance.
One of the most misunderstood issues that any organisation can experience is the departments within a business do not communicate with each other. There are simple and effective physical and digital tools that can successfully resolve these issues.
The only way to manage the important details of your operation is to have an effective business system. This can be as simple as a taking the time to create a checklist which could take anything from ten minutes to a few hours or you could implement a more complex system that could take takes days or even a week or two.
The way to developing a successful business system is to alleviate the waste and inefficiency from your business. The end result is that not only are your employees working in a more positive and productive environment, but your customers reap the benefits as well. The proof of this is that you have happier customers and employees of which, improves the overall performance and drives up sales growth, which in turn improves the cash flow, which strengthens profit margins.
Simply understanding that a systems approach to business is based on detailed procedures, performance standards, and accountability. Issues like employee discretion,generalised solutions and a ‘seat of the pants’ operation become a thing of the past and we can show you how to keep it there.
Software Management
Document development can be both time consuming and also can be an expensive exercise if you do not have experience in applications like Word, Excel, Power Point, to mention just a few. These are strong tools that are used many times every day by most businesses if not every business out there. The question that should be asked by all business owners is, “Are you getting the most out of the documents you use on a daily basis?” There would be very few business owners, managers or general staff that could answer yes to that question.
The reason for this are due to the general approach most people have to technology, we embrace the basics and only attempt the more details options when we are forced to by necessity. This is where the issues started to come to the surface. As stated earlier, the time that can be consumed trying to learn the complexities of Formatting, Layouts, Tables, Charts and SmartArt in Word which are also in Excel along with Formulas, Data, Review and of course Developer where Macros, Drop Down Menus and where you can learn about a plethora of buttons and there uses. If that is not enough, head over to Power Point where you can wrestle with Themes, Transitions, Animation and Slide Shows.
Now, this is not to say, that these applications are not worth using, quite the opposite as is proven daily around the world. It only becomes difficult when you need to operate out side of the box or beyond the standard uses that these application have available.
We are not just limited to Office applications. We can offer support in a variety of alternate applications in a just as varied selection of professions.
Video Production Final Cut Pro
Drawing Graphic by Autodesk, Graphic, Corel Draw, Adobe Suite, Sketch Book Pro, Canva,
Wacom Desktop, InkScape
Technical Design AutoCAD by Autodesk
Publishing iStudio, iBook Author
Music/Audio Production GarageBand, Audacity, Logic Pro X
Voiceover Script Writing, Recording, Production
Cartoon Production Doodly, Toonly
Microsoft Office Suite All Components, Specialising in Document Development in Excel
These are just a few of the applications where we can offer support and the expertise to assist you in getting the best out of your applications.
Application Development
App development is of paramount importance in modern business landscapes as it enables companies to effectively engage with their target audiences, streamline operations, and establish a seamless digital presence. A well-designed and user-friendly app not only enhances customer satisfaction by offering convenient access to products and services but also fosters brand loyalty and recognition. Through personalised experiences, real-time updates, and efficient communication, businesses can gain a competitive edge, optimise processes, and tap into new revenue streams. In a world increasingly driven by mobile devices, app development serves as a vital tool for driving growth, maximizing reach, and adapting to evolving consumer preferences.
International Representation
The internet has made the world of business seem almost local. While this is a positive benefit, it is still very much about knowing Who, What, Where and When if you are looking at exporting.
Like many progressive businesses around the world, they are looking outside of their own borders and setting their sites on the exciting prospect of selling their products overseas. This can be to say the least, a daunting prospect full of a variety of business highs and lows. There are many that have walked this path covering a wide variety of industries, products and services and all have a story to tell. Their are also many that have had enormous success in these endeavours and many more that have sadly fallen by the way side due mainly to a lack of knowledge, experience and preparation.
What we do know is that trying to sell a product in a foreign country that speaks a foreign language is just the start of the long list of important issues you will be faced with during this objective. What we offer is not the knowledge or the experience necessary to trade over overseas, it is the preparation that we can offer.
So how do you prepare to trade overseas? Well that can be answered in three words, Contacts, Contacts and Contacts. Introducing sellers to buyers and buyers to sellers is the most important platform you can have to start on the detailed journey of overseas trade.
It should be made very clear of the benefits of using the support that is offered through government departments and the many experienced import/export organisation based in most countries worldwide.
We can assist you in finding interested buyers and sellers for your products and services and then introduce you to organisations that will lead you through the finer points of overseas trade.
Bookkeeping
Our bookkeeping business (Astute Bookkeepers) provides a specialised financial service that assists organisations in maintaining accurate and organised records of their financial transactions. These transactions encompass a wide range of activities, including sales, purchases, expenses, payroll, and more. Our primary goal is to ensure that a company’s financial data is properly recorded, categorised, and summarised.
Key aspects of a bookkeeping business include:
1. Financial Record Keeping:
Bookkeepers meticulously record every financial transaction that takes place within a company. This includes invoices issued, bills paid, receipts received, and other monetary exchanges.
2. Data Entry:
Bookkeepers enter financial data into accounting software or spreadsheets, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
3. Categorisation:
Transactions are categorised appropriately to reflect different aspects of the business, such as income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This categorization is crucial for generating meaningful financial reports.
4. Reconciliation:
Bookkeepers reconcile bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial records to ensure that all transactions are accurately recorded and accounted for.
5. Financial Statements:
They generate financial statements, such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These reports offer insights into a company’s financial health and performance.
6. Payroll Processing:
Some bookkeeping businesses also handle payroll processing, ensuring that employees are paid accurately and on time while managing tax deductions.
7. Compliance:
Bookkeepers help companies stay compliant with tax regulations and financial reporting standards by preparing accurate records that can be used for tax filing and audits.
8. Financial Analysis:
Bookkeeping data forms the foundation for financial analysis, helping businesses identify trends, areas of improvement, and potential cost-saving measures.
9. Client Communication:
Bookkeepers often work closely with their clients, providing financial insights and helping business owners understand their financial standing.
10. Customization:
Bookkeeping services can be tailored to suit the needs of different businesses. Some businesses may require basic data entry and reconciliation, while others may need more complex financial analysis and strategic planning.
11. Outsourcing Benefits:
Many businesses choose to outsource their bookkeeping needs to specialized firms due to the expertise, time savings, and cost-efficiency this arrangement offers.
A bookkeeping business plays a pivotal role in a company’s financial management, providing the accurate and organised financial data necessary for informed decision-making and successful operations. By offering specialised expertise in financial record-keeping, categorisation, and reporting, bookkeeping businesses help other companies maintain financial transparency, compliance, and overall stability.
Voiceover
Our VoiceOver business (Sales On Hold) is a professional service that provides voice recordings for a variety of purposes, often involving narration, audio content creation, and vocal communication needs. In this type of business, skilled voice artists lend their voices to projects such as commercials, audiobooks, animations, documentaries, video games, corporate videos, phone systems, e-learning modules, and more. VoiceOver businesses bridge the gap between content creators and talented voice actors, ensuring high-quality audio that effectively conveys messages to the intended audience.
Key points about a VoiceOver business:
1. Voice Talent:
VoiceOver businesses employ or collaborate with a diverse range of voice artists who possess various tones, accents, and styles to cater to different project requirements.
2. Narration Services:
These businesses offer narration services for a wide array of content, from commercials and films to podcasts and instructional videos.
3. Script Interpretation:
Skilled voice actors bring scripts to life by interpreting them with the appropriate emotion, tone, and pacing to match the intended message or mood.
4. Studio Recording:
VoiceOver businesses typically operate or have access to professional recording studios equipped with high-quality microphones, soundproofing, and audio editing software.
5. Audio Editing:
After recording, the audio is edited to remove any mistakes, noises, or inconsistencies, ensuring a polished final product.
6. Project Diversity:
VoiceOver services are utilised across various industries, including entertainment, marketing, education, and corporate communications.
7. Customisation:
Businesses tailor their services to the specific needs of clients, offering options for accents, languages, genders, and vocal styles.
8. Remote Services:
The rise of digital platforms has enabled voice actors to collaborate remotely with clients and studios around the world, expanding the reach of a VoiceOver business.
9. Licensing:
Depending on the project, VoiceOver businesses may offer different licensing agreements, granting clients the right to use the recorded content for a specified purpose.
10. Quality Assurance:
Businesses ensure that the final recordings meet high standards of quality, clarity, and professionalism.
11. Collaboration:
VoiceOver businesses often collaborate with content creators, advertising agencies, production companies, and other entities that require professional voice recordings.
12. Cost Efficiency:
Outsourcing voice talent through a specialised business is often more cost-effective than hiring full-time voice artists.
In summary, a VoiceOver business acts as a hub for connecting voice talent with projects that require spoken audio content. By offering a range of vocal styles, recording capabilities, and post-production services, these businesses contribute to the success of multimedia productions and marketing campaigns by delivering clear, engaging, and impactful audio elements.