A Strategic IT Partnership

In the dynamic landscape of information technology, strategic partnerships are pivotal. This case study will explore precisely that as we focus on an exemplary alliance between Everyone Active SLM, a sports and leisure management leader, and Fifosys, a top-tier Managed Service Provider. 

Wes Dryden, Deputy Head Of IT at Everyone Active SLM, joins us to shed light on how this collaboration has revolutionised their IT services.

Everyone Active

With over 220 sports and leisure centres and over 3,500 staff, Everyone Active has vast IT needs spanning the country. 

In a partnership that has spanned over 14 years in some shape or form, a synergistic relationship has evolved beyond a typical client-provider dynamic, especially after a pivotal acquisition by Fifosys of Enforce Technology. 

For Everyone Active, uncertainty could've taken over, mainly as it occurred at the tail end of the pandemic, which proved a particularly challenging time for businesses in their sector. 

Yet, they quickly found a more extensive pool of resilience, engineering skills, and service desk support that propelled both organisations forward.

Overcoming Challenges 24/7/365

The challenges faced by Everyone Active SLM were not uncommon; IT limitations had the potential to impede growth and efficiency before engaging with Fifosys, whilst the potential for issues could crop up at any time, any place - or in any form.

As such, the strategic partnership was catalytic in remediating these issues, instituting a robust IT infrastructure and providing access to a 24/7/365 Service Desk that has scaled with their growing operational footprint.

The Positive Impact of Fifosys' Managed Services

Fifosys brought forth a transformation that improved performance and fortified security, all while managing cost efficiency. Speaking with Wes Dryden revealed insight into a partnership that has significantly relieved operational pressures, saying, "It's helped to take pressure off me and the team - helping us sleep that little bit easier at night."

With 3,500 staff to take care of, working with a business of this scale could seem daunting to many service desks - but that's not the case at Fifosys. 

Acting as a single point of contact, staff across the country for Wes' team knows there's a single number - or email address - they can use and contact someone 24/7/365. The Service Desk integrates with the internal and the Fifosys teams, depending on the issue and acts as a single point of call, which is seamless - and crucial.

"Fifosys understands our business, knows what they need and where to go," declares Wes, encapsulating the value of their flexibility, reliability, and the tangible benefits yielded from this collaboration.

Decision-Making Process and Selection Criteria

The decision to remain partners with Fifosys for so long has been driven by their proven expertise, unwavering reliability, and comprehensive support services. 

Wes emphasises the importance of selecting a Managed Service Provider that is not just a vendor but a partner who advocates for joint solutions without a "hard sell" approach, favouring Fifosys' more boutique solutions built with Everyone Active in mind.

Lessons Learned

One of the most powerful insights from this case study is the recognition of a Managed Service Provider as a co-management teammate. "In a co-managed scenario, it's really about making the time and effort to make sure you have that relationship in place; you can share ideas and work very closely. The more you evolve, the more benefit you get out of it", Wes told us.

Wes' advice to other businesses is to invest in building and maintaining relationships, share ideas, and work closely to maximise the accruement of benefits.

"Looking back over the best part of my two decades at this job, I see that it's constantly evolving, and the service has grown with that, too - it's different from what it was this time last year, for example. Fifosys is always finding ways to improve things for us, freeing up time for me and the team to focus on what matters most," he expressed.

The Last Word

This case study underscores the success of a well-sustained strategic partnership between a business and its Managed Service Provider. 

With Fifosys, Everyone Active SLM has seen its service grow and evolve, reflecting an adaptability that keeps pace with industry demands. The partnership continues to thrive, underpinned by proactive communication and a shared vision for excellence in IT service delivery. 

Wes concluded our interview by describing Fifosys in three words: "Flexible. Reliable. Beneficial." With that said, it's clear that Everyone Active SLM and Fifosys are set for a future of ongoing innovation and success.