Help Desk Group Aims to Offer Simple IT Solutions

By Kate Bowman

BUSINESSES without in-house IT support and whose budgets cannot stretch to long-term contracts are being offered a simple solution by a start-up company.EuroHelpDesk Limited aims to provide a cost- effective answer to the IT issues faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with five or more computers and a server-based network.Based on a pay-as-you-go system, the company has developed bespoke software for a web-based portal that allows businesses to control how much IT support they receive, as and when they need it.Nigel Groser, the managing director of EuroHelpDesk, based in Gateshead, said: “There are many SMEs in the region that cannot justify a full-time IT manager or having a retained consultant on a long-term contract.”However, they do need to be able to call for help when required, and to have an engineer they can trust to carry out the repair, upgrade or install new equipment.”EuroHelpDesk worked with GreyRidge Software, in Newcastle, to develop the portal, which is at the heart of the service.Mr Groser, who has ten years’ experience in IT management and worked at Sunderland University’s Centre for Electronic Commerce, said: “It puts businesses in control by giving them an online account which they manage.”Through the portal, they can book their engineer, log the time he arrives and leaves, manage their budget and, importantly, see the standard timescale for the task being carried out.”It means there is no advantage to an engineer making a job last longer to get paid more.”This level of transparency makes it unique, as well as the fact that there is no additional charge for callout or travelling time, and 24/7 telephone support is standard.”The company has attracted private investors to become established at its base in Swan Street and to fund the development of the software and the establishment of a call centre. Mr Groser said it was also developing a disaster recovery service called EuroLifeline, which will support small and medium-sized firms that have suffered a fire or major burglary, by setting up key members of staff with computers in 24 hours.

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