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We were in Leeds last week for the Network Group Momentum event, previously titled ‘Summer Fun’, but that didn’t mean we had any less networking, gaming, and fun!
We started Day 1 with an introduction from NG Chairman Perry Ashby, with some business updates, and a welcome to three new members Apex Computing, Blue Click IT, and Epoq IT. We’re delighted to have you with us!
Our Inspire Partners joined us for the rest of the afternoon to deliver their workshops to members. Datto and Ingram Micro Cloud were up first, with Datto showing members how to get the most out of their account team. IMC brought their AWS team in to share with members how to take advantage of the UK AWS market opportunity.
One to the second set with Threatlocker and Pax8, Team Pax8 delivered an Azure special on how they’re helping partners, with Threatlocker sharing how to prevent ransomware with zero trust.
Ready Player One
We were out for the evening, joined by Partners: AppRiver, Datto, Emsisoft, Egnyte, Grenke, Inbay, Ingram Micro Cloud, N-able, Pax8, Teknov8,Terra, ThreatLocker, and Zomentum for some friendly competition at Arcade Club Leeds. With a huge array of games from classics Pacman & Space Invaders to a variety of pinball machines, shooters, racing rigs, and everything in between, there was something for everyone.
Take a look at some of our favourites from the Arcade:
Ready, Set, Go
We kicked off day 2 with some NG Business, and an update from N-Able / MSP Advisor Dave Wilkeson as to the benefits of measuring operational and financial metrics for Network Group Members. Following this our Benchmarkers went off for the day to take part in the second cohort. Andrew Rosamond of Cara Technology had this to say about the programme:
“The session was without doubt the most thought-provoking session I have ever sat in at any NG event, and there has been plenty of competition over the 3 years. I am incredibly excited at the prospect of joining the group and know it will probably be the most challenging thing we have ever done as a business.
My head is quite literally exploding this morning and I have had some great conversations with my management team about the concept andthey already get it.”
Whilst our Benchmarkers were off in their session, we were joined by Chris Ward of Vermont, Chris Morrell of Pro-Drive IT, Myles Day of Quest HR, and Tara-Jane Sloane of Teknov8 joined via Zoom from the Maldives, with NG Exec Melissa Rambridge moderating. The Future of the Workplace: Strategies to Deal with Staff Recruitment & Retention Challenges was the topic, with our panellists discussing how they’re tackling recruitment challenges, working from home, and where do we go from here.
Level-Up!
Accelerate Partners AppRiver, Egnyte, Grenke, Terra, Zomentum, and N-Able took part in our Table-Hop session, a speed-dating style quick fire roundtable with the Members, giving Partners the chance to present to the Group in bitesize sessions.
Moving into our breakout sessions, Matt Takhar, CEO of Inbay delivered his ‘tough at the top’ talk, a session on challenges he faced during his first year as CEO and what he’s learned as a result.
NG Member Uptech went through how to be successful with Telco as an MSP, sharing their journey and processes and what to avoid.
NG Partner Egnyte did a technical deep dive into Egnyte’s Secure and Govern platform, showing Members how they can leverage the tool to manage risk. Our final breakout of the day was led by Danielle Healy from The National Cyber Resilience Centre Group, and Chris Blunt from Blunt Security, talking Members through the NCRCG, the CRC Network, what a small business will receive and the benefits of a close working relationship with them.
After lunch we were joined by Keynote Speaker Jon Alexander, author of ‘CITIZENS: Why The Key to Fixing Everything is All of Us’. Jon spoke about key insights from his book, offering inspiration and challenge in equal measures. NG Member Chris Ward said the session left his mind in a whirl!
We wrapped up the event with a final closing session from Perry before heading back home.
Our next event is the Exhibition, Gala & Awards which will be held at Twickenham Stadium on 13th October 2022. Award entries are now open, closing date Friday 29 July at 5pm. Make your entries here!
