IT and cyber-security firm steps up its recruitment drive
A cyber-security and managed IT provider which has more than doubled its workforce since moving to The Deep Business Centre, Hull, less than three years ago is set for further expansion.
Think Cloud co-founders Scott Clark and Leon McQuade say growth is down to changing working habits, which they say may persist beyond the pandemic.
McQuade said: “Things have changed, cyber-attacks are way up. As a result we have re-tooled the business to help our customers protect and grow what matters most – their revenues.
“The vast majority of managers expect more flexible work from home policies post-pandemic, and they want to be sure their systems are secure.”
The pair have welcomed the launch of the Humber Local Digital Skills Partnership as something which will help them build their team to 20 by the end of 2023. This will be the 20th anniversary of Clark launching his then one-man business from a bedroom of his parents’ home.
Think Cloud only had five staff when Clark relocated his original business, Virtual Networking Ltd, to The Deep in late 2018. He joined forces with McQuade whose own business, Profound Inc, specialised in digital transformation for businesses.
Between them they added services for clients in accounts and finance, manufacturing, engineering and digital marketing. They now have 12 staff as well as a team of outsourced specialists.
From starting with a suite of 750 sq ft at The Deep they have added 500 sq ft, creating space to welcome additional clients and colleagues.
Freya Cross, head of business and corporate at The Deep, said: “Think Cloud are another example of a company coming to our business centre and making the most of the flexibility and support we offer to expand when they need to, without having to begin a search for new premises.
“They have progressed extremely well during the pandemic and they have done that by helping other businesses with essential IT support in difficult times.”
Against a background of data from the Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2021, showing an increase in cyber-crime and a decline in preparedness, Think Cloud has looked at helping SMEs implement new technologies, with advice on hardware and software and on enhancing cyber-security.
McQuade said: “The launch of the Humber Local Digital Skills Partnership shows digital technology is seen as being critical in getting businesses back up and running during the restart phase and thriving as the recovery takes hold.
“Our approach is to work with companies to develop new ideas on how to adapt, change their operations and customer journey, identify new opportunities, attract customers and develop cyber resilience.
“We continue to offer free advice with webinars and masterclasses on our website because most small businesses are low-hanging fruit for hackers due to their lack of adequate security systems.”
