UK-based medical communications agency InterComm faced IT challenges common to many smaller businesses: reliance on outdated onsite infrastructure, limited operational flexibility, and a growing burden of internal IT management. To address these issues, they partnered with ctm to migrate to a cloud-based environment that enabled remote work, enhanced cybersecurity, and ensured business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
By streamlining InterComm’s IT setup and providing reliable, expert support, ctm have helped InterComm de-risk their business and freed up Managing Director Ben Greeves to focus on business growth rather than IT troubleshooting.
“You do business with people, not companies, and we gelled with the ctm team from the start. We work with the same individuals consistently, so they understand our systems and resolve issues quickly.”Ben Greeves, Managing Director
Back in 2019, InterComm’s IT infrastructure was entirely office-based, relying on a physical server running Microsoft Small Business Server 2011. Ben recalls:
“Our server, telecoms, and files were all physically based in our office. I recognised that if anything went wrong with the premises, we’d be in trouble.”
In addition, Ben’s time was being sidetracked by IT management. “Requests for IT support from team members kept drawing me away from my key role of running the business,” he explains. “We were doing backups the old-fashioned way and I was carting them home each night.”
Realising the need for change, InterComm engaged ctm to modernise their IT setup and manage it going forward. “We wanted to de-risk the business and free up time by outsourcing IT management,” Ben says.
“ctm understood our needs, took a granular approach, and didn’t try to upsell more than our requirements.”
In winter 2019/2020, ctm migrated InterComm’s system to the cloud, moving email to Microsoft 365, files to SharePoint Online, and PC management to Microsoft Intune. Ben found the process easier than expected.
“Transitioning from a largely office-based, server-based environment to working 100% remotely is a massive upheaval for a business. But with ctm’s support it all went very smoothly.”Ben Greeves, Managing Director
The timing couldn’t have been better, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced office closures. “We finished the first stage of implementation just as the government announced the first lockdown,” Ben explains.
“Our team switched to working from home, and all the technology worked seamlessly. That was a massive win, because the pandemic was a busy time for us in healthcare communications.”
Being freed from dependence on a physical office has brought significant operational benefits for InterComm.
“While we still have some office space, it now serves as a central hub if team members want to interact face-to-face. Otherwise, the team works entirely remotely, thanks to reliable, well-managed technology.”
InterComm now recruits from a wider talent pool, unconstrained by local geographical proximity, and several staff have relocated further afield. “Our team is now far more geographically dispersed, yet we’ve maintained the same level of communication and productivity with Microsoft Teams.”
The flexibility of InterComm’s cloud-based infrastructure also makes it easier to add features and licenses as the company expands.
ctm’s reliable IT support has enabled the InterComm team to focus on business growth rather than day-to-day IT troubleshooting.
“Previously, team members came to me with IT problems. Now, they know ctm can handle it. That’s freed up my time, allowing me to focus on growing the business, which is a major benefit.”
The new IT setup is also more cohesive and streamlined. “We’re no longer juggling multiple different systems that don’t always interact well. I hear about IT problems far less frequently, which is a testament to how well ctm set things up and manages them.”
As InterComm continued working remotely and new cyber threats emerged, Ben recognised the need to strengthen the company’s cybersecurity. In 2024, InterComm extended their partnership with ctm to include ongoing cybersecurity support, moving towards adopting a full zero-trust security architecture.
“Keeping client data secure is vital, especially with a remote team. ctm have done a great job of understanding our needs and implementing a cybersecurity plan that gives us confidence.”
Personal connections between InterComm and ctm have been key to the success of their partnership. “I'm a great believer that you do business with people, not companies. Good personal connections are essential,” Ben says. “We gelled with the ctm team from the start.”
“It’s important to me that we’re not dealing with a faceless organisation. We’ve got to know the ctm team as individuals, and we work with the same people consistently, so they understand our systems and resolve issues quickly.”
By partnering with ctm, InterComm has modernised its IT infrastructure, enabling flexible work, strengthening cybersecurity, and freeing up leadership time. This trusted relationship has enabled the business to thrive during a challenging period and positioned it for continued growth.
As InterComm looks ahead, Ben is confident that their partnership with ctm will continue to support the evolving IT needs of the business.
“We are happy with ctm, and I see that continuing into the future. We have business expansion plans, and I know ctm will be able to support us as we grow.”
“The real benefit of working with ctm is having a trusted partner who takes care of our IT and cybersecurity. Knowing our systems will keep running smoothly means we can focus on delivering great work for our clients.”Ben Greeves, Managing Director
