News

On International Women’s Day, we take a moment to celebrate the achievements of women in technology, particularly in Managed Networks—a field that plays a critical role in keeping businesses connected and thriving. While technology has long been a male-dominated industry, we are seeing more women stepping into the space, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse skills, and innovation. Their contributions are shaping the future of tech, and their stories inspire the next generation of women looking to pursue careers in this field.  Breaking Into the Industry  Women in tech come from various backgrounds, each with a unique journey that led them into the industry. For some, the passion for technology was ignited early on by family influences or personal experiences, while others discovered it unexpectedly and found themselves captivated by its fast-paced and ever-evolving nature.  “I grew up around tech thanks to my dad, a tech enthusiast who believed in its future. He encouraged me and my sisters to pursue our passions, leading my younger sister to become a BT engineer and me to enter the tech industry,” shares Michelle Horan, Finance Director. “The constant innovation in tech excites me, and I love being part of an industry shaping the future. My dad would be proud.”  Others, like Constance Smith, Head of Marketing, found their way into technology by chance but stayed because of the industry’s significant impact. “In all honesty, I kind of fell into a career in the technology sector, but I stayed because it’s an industry that shapes the future. It’s long-lasting, impactful, and constantly evolving. But historically, we haven’t always seen as many women represented in this space.”  Advice for Women Entering Tech  For women considering a career in tech, the advice from those already in the field is clear—believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and find supportive communities.  “For women entering tech, I advise gaining experience in other industries to broaden your perspective,” says Michelle. “Be your biggest cheerleader, take on challenges, and surround yourself with inspiring people. Embrace your unique qualities—they are your superpower. Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to embrace the unknown.”  Constance adds, “Technology thrives on diverse perspectives, and there’s room for everyone to contribute and make a difference. The more we show up, support each other, and share our ideas, the more inclusive and innovative the industry becomes for future generations.”  The Most Rewarding Part of Working in Tech  One of the most fulfilling aspects of working in the tech industry is seeing the direct impact technology has on businesses and individuals. Whether it’s providing connectivity solutions, streamlining operations, or driving innovation, the work done in Managed Networks is powerful and transformative.  “The most fulfilling aspect of working in the tech industry, particularly in Managed Networks, is witnessing the tangible impact we have on businesses,” says Georgia English-Mather, Marketing Executive. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the connectivity infrastructure and tools we provide play a crucial role in helping companies not only operate smoothly but also thrive and grow in an increasingly digital world. What we do is incredibly powerful—we keep businesses connected, running efficiently, and ready for the future.”  Beyond the technical impact, the people and culture within the industry are equally rewarding.  “The most rewarding aspect of working in tech is witnessing its tangible impact on people’s lives,” shares Caroline Oxley, Head of People & Talent. “The industry is dynamic and ever-evolving, offering constant opportunities to learn and adapt to new challenges. Collaboration with diverse, talented teams is particularly enriching, especially in HR.”  The Evolving Role of Women in Tech  The representation of women in technology is steadily increasing, with more women stepping into leadership roles and contributing to groundbreaking advancements. While challenges such as unconscious bias and gender gaps still exist, progress is being made, and successful women in tech continue to pave the way for future generations.  “The role of women in tech is evolving positively, with increasing representation and leadership roles,” says Caroline. “More women are pursuing STEM education, which is essential for future innovation. While challenges remain, progress is ongoing, and successful women in tech inspire future generations, showing young women they can excel in the industry.”  Laura Drury, Service Desk Manager, adds, “It’s an incredibly exciting and fulfilling time to be working at Evolve in the tech industry, where opportunities for innovation and automation are constant. Each day brings something new, constantly challenging me to grow both personally and professionally, which I truly enjoy.  The tech sector once had a significant gap in women’s representation, but this is changing rapidly. I’ve never once felt out of place as a woman in this industry, which speaks volumes about the company I work for.  More and more women are stepping into leadership roles and thriving, proving that anything is possible regardless of gender. They’re not only bridging the skills gap but also driving continuous improvement. In today’s world, diversity and inclusion are more important than ever.”  Looking Forward  On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who are shaping the future of technology. Their resilience, creativity, and passion for innovation are not only driving the industry forward but also inspiring the next wave of women to step into tech with confidence.  As we continue to push for greater inclusivity and diversity, one thing is clear—technology thrives when different voices come together to innovate and create. To all the women in tech, whether you’re just starting your journey or are already making an impact, your contributions matter, and your presence is shaping the future of the industry.   

As retail technology evolves, businesses must ensure their payment infrastructure keeps pace with consumer expectations. A seamless, secure, and high-performing network is essential for smooth transactions, data protection, and omnichannel experiences. Managed Network Solutions, such as those offered by Evolve, play a crucial role in maintaining the security, speed, and scalability of retail payment systems. The Importance of Secure Networks in Retail Payments Retailers handle vast amounts of sensitive financial data, making them prime targets for cyber threats. A secure network infrastructure protects payment information from breaches and fraud, safeguarding both businesses and customers. PCI DSS-compliant environments, encryption, and authentication measures significantly reduce security risks and enhance consumer confidence. Enhancing Payment Speed and Reliability Customers expect fast transactions, whether in-store or online. Slow or failed payments cause frustration and lost sales. A robust network, reinforced by high-performance data centres, minimises latency and ensures real-time processing. Managed network solutions optimise connectivity across locations, delivering a consistent checkout experience. Supporting Omnichannel Payment Experiences Retailers must support various payment methods, from traditional cards to digital wallets and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options. A resilient network enables seamless omnichannel payment experiences, allowing customers to transition effortlessly between online, mobile, and in-store purchases. Preventing Downtime with 24/7 Network Support Even brief payment processing outages can impact revenue and customer trust. Proactive, round-the-clock network monitoring helps retailers prevent downtime and resolve issues quickly. Evolve’s managed solutions include real-time diagnostics, automated failover, and expert support to ensure uninterrupted payment operations. Future-Proofing Payment Infrastructure As retail evolves, businesses must future-proof payment infrastructure with scalable and adaptive network solutions. AI-driven fraud detection, automated network management, and cloud-based payment platforms keep retailers ahead of consumer trends and security threats. A secure, optimised network is essential for seamless, reliable retail payment experiences. By prioritising security, speed, omnichannel support, and 24/7 reliability, retailers can enhance the customer journey. With Evolve’s expertise in Managed Network Solutions, businesses can confidently build a payment infrastructure that meets modern retail demands.

Evolve is excited to announce its partnership with Evolve IP, which promises to increase operational productivity, business efficiency, revenue opportunities, and scalability in the more than 50 countries that Evolve IP serves. The tools that are often used in the office, such desktop apps and phones, are delivered by Evolve IP through a single portal that users can access on any device. One of the top fast food chains in the UK has already been successfully switched to one of Evolve IP’s state-of-the-art solutions by the two businesses. Commenting on the announcement, Ryan Stephenson-Brown, COO at Evolve, said: “The Evolve IP Partner Program offers a robust suite of cloud-based services that will empower us as a Managed Service Provider to seamlessly expand our portfolio, enhance customer experience, and drive additional revenue. This partnership highlights the collaboration between two top-tier providers focused on constant innovation and delivering outstanding value to their partners and customers. We’re already off to a strong start and I look forward to building on this in the new year.” Evolve, which was founded in 2005, has experienced rapid expansion since incorporating Connectivity, SD-WAN, and a variety of IT support services. It now operates in 12 countries as a fully-managed B2B network provider, providing dependable, secure, and resilient solutions to its clients. Evolve IP collaborates with IT specialists to combine their key tools for communication and productivity into a unified, safe cloud-based solution that is tailored for the hybrid workforce and provided as a service. It seeks to centralise technology management and enhance the experience for both consumers and staff by integrating these disparate platforms. Alex Finn, Global Partner Manager at Evolve IP added: “Today, the office is no longer confined to a physical space—it’s about connecting people wherever they are. Evolve shares the Evolve IP vision of transforming the workplace into a more efficient and collaborative environment, and our mutual focus on key industries makes this partnership a natural fit. The partnership is already off to a fantastic start, and the future promises to be exciting, scalable, personalised, and innovative.” To learn more about Evolve, visit their website: www.evolvebg.co.uk

In today’s hyperconnected world, offering Guest Wi-Fi is no longer just a convenience; it’s a strategic business move. Guest Wi-Fi can do much more than keep your customers connected—it can help you build loyalty, enhance customer experiences, and drive revenue. By partnering with Purple, a leading provider of Wi-Fi analytics and engagement solutions, Evolve delivers a robust Guest Wi-Fi offering that turns connectivity into a powerful marketing tool. The Value of Guest Wi-Fi Customers expect free and reliable Wi-Fi when visiting your business. Whether it’s a retail store, restaurant, or hotel, providing this amenity can enhance customer satisfaction. But what if you could do more than just meet expectations? Evolve and Purple’s Guest Wi-Fi solutions empower businesses to gather valuable insights, deliver personalised experiences, and keep customers coming back for more. How Evolve and Purple Transform Guest Wi-Fi Data-Driven Insights Every time a customer connects to your Guest Wi-Fi, they leave behind valuable data—from demographic details to behavioural patterns. Evolve and Purple’s platform captures and analyses this information, giving you actionable insights into your customers. These insights can help you understand foot traffic patterns, identify peak usage times, and even segment your audience for targeted marketing campaigns. Seamless Customer Engagement Guest Wi-Fi isn’t just about internet access; it’s an opportunity to engage your customers in meaningful ways. With Evolve and Purple, you can: Collect customer feedback through surveys presented during login. Promote special offers and events with branded splash pages. Deliver personalised messages based on customer behaviour. Enhanced Customer Loyalty By utilising the insights provided by Evolve and Purple, businesses can create tailored loyalty programs. For example, a restaurant can reward frequent visitors with exclusive discounts, or a retail store can send personalised product recommendations. This level of personalisation fosters stronger connections and encourages repeat visits. Compliance and Security Evolve and Purple prioritise data security and regulatory compliance. Our solutions ensure that customer data is handled responsibly and adhere to GDPR and other relevant standards. This not only protects your customers but also builds trust in your brand. Why Choose Evolve and Purple? Evolve’s expertise in delivering cutting-edge connectivity solutions, combined with Purple’s advanced Wi-Fi analytics platform, creates a powerful partnership. Together, providing businesses with the tools they need to turn Guest Wi-Fi into a competitive advantage. From seamless setup to ongoing support, Evolve and Purple ensure that your Guest Wi-Fi delivers value at every level.

The beginning of a new year offers businesses the perfect opportunity to reassess their strategies and set goals for growth. In 2025, technology will continue to play a pivotal role in business success, and Managed Network Solutions are proving to be a critical enabler for organisations seeking to adapt and thrive in a competitive landscape. Secure and reliable connectivity has become essential for businesses across industries. Retail chains, quick-serve restaurants, and hospitality providers rely on stable networks to support their operations. Managed Network Solutions, including SD-WAN technology, deliver consistent and optimised connectivity across multiple locations. With centralised management tools, businesses can monitor their networks in real-time, address issues swiftly, and maintain strong defences against cyber threats. For customer-facing industries, offering high-quality Guest Wi-Fi is now a necessity rather than a luxury. Managed Network Solutions enable businesses to provide seamless and secure Wi-Fi services while gathering valuable insights into customer preferences. These insights can be used to tailor interactions, enhance loyalty programs, and build long-term customer relationships. The widespread use of card payments has made PCI compliance a top priority for businesses. Managed Network Solutions simplify compliance by implementing advanced security measures, including encryption and secure payment gateways. By outsourcing the management of compliance processes, businesses can focus on their operations while ensuring customer data remains safe and secure. Organisations with multiple locations often face challenges in maintaining operational consistency and efficiency. Managed Network Solutions help streamline multi-site operations by enabling centralised network management and scalable infrastructure. This allows businesses to expand seamlessly while ensuring that core systems—such as inventory management and customer service—function smoothly across all locations. As businesses navigate 2025, those that embrace Managed Network Solutions will be better equipped to handle the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital environment. From enhancing connectivity to improving customer experiences and safeguarding sensitive data, these solutions empower businesses to achieve their goals and secure long-term growth. This year presents an opportunity for transformation. With Managed Network Solutions such as Evolve, businesses can set the foundation for success in 2025 and beyond. To learn more about how Evolve can help transform your business in 2025, click here. End About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve is helping businesses to reduce costs and simplify the management of services and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of customers across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected.

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re proud to reflect on another incredible year of giving back at Evolve. Supporting our community has always been at the heart of what we do, and this year was no exception! Our highlight of the year was taking on the Tough Mudder Challenge, raising over £5,000 for Wigan Youth Zone. With the support of our amazing team, generous donors, and a matched contribution from Evolve’s board, we made a significant difference for this inspiring organisation. In 2024, we also became Silver Patrons of Wigan Youth Zone, providing them with further impactful contributions across the year. But the support didn’t stop there. This holiday season, we joined Wigan Youth Zone’s Christmas initiative, donating essential items and presents to ensure families in our community feel the joy of the season. We are proud to have raised an incredible £945 for Wigan Youth Zone’s Christmas initiative, allowing us to provide them with every item on their wishlist. WYZ welcomes families and kids for Christmas each year, giving them food and presents. A number of the Evolve team members recently went to the youth zone to assist with preparation, packing, wrapping, and arranging. We also made an impact through ongoing initiatives: Dress Down Fridays on PaydayEvery payday Friday, our team traded their usual office wear for something more casual—and all for a great cause! These monthly dress-down days gave everyone a chance to participate in supporting local charities, with small donations adding up to meaningful contributions over the year. It’s a simple but powerful way to make giving back part of our regular routine. Macmillan Cancer SupportCancer touches so many lives, and we were honoured to stand with Macmillan Cancer Support this year. From hosting fundraising activities to raising awareness about their vital services, we were proud to contribute to an organisation that offers comfort, guidance, and assistance to those affected by cancer and their families. Christmas Jumper Day for Save the ChildrenOne of the highlights of the festive season was our Christmas Jumper Day, where our team proudly donned their most colourful and creative festive sweaters. This light-hearted and joyful tradition raised funds for Save the Children, supporting their mission to improve the lives of children worldwide. It’s always a wonderful reminder of how even a bit of holiday fun can make a lasting impact. 2024 was a year of challenges, teamwork, and giving, and we’re so proud of what we achieved together. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Here’s to making 2025 even more impactful! About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve Managed Network solutions are helping businesses to reduce costs, simplify the management of services, and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of clients across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected. Explore Evolve’s website to find out more about how their Managed Network Solutions can help your business stay secure. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

Evolve is delighted to announce that its team has been recognised for its outstanding leadership and innovation with not one but three nominations in the prestigious TheBusinessDesk Leadership Awards! This incredible achievement highlights the talent and hard work of Evolve’s leaders, who continue to inspire excellence and drive the organisation forward. Meet Our Shortlisted Leaders:   Constance Smith – Marketing Leader Constance’s exceptional ability to craft innovative strategies and deliver impactful campaigns has earned her a well-deserved spot as a finalist for the Marketing Leader category. Her vision and creativity have been instrumental in shaping Evolve’s brand and driving engagement. Ryan Stephenson-Brown – Company Leader (101+ Employees) As a finalist for the Company Leader (101+ employees) category, Ryan’s leadership has been pivotal in fostering a culture of collaboration, resilience, and growth. Under his guidance, Evolve has not only achieved significant milestones but also built a workplace where people thrive. Antony Seddon – Technology Leader In the rapidly evolving world of technology, Antony has been a trailblazer. His innovative solutions and strategic vision have positioned him as a finalist in the Technology Leader category, a testament to his expertise and forward-thinking approach. A Moment of Pride These nominations are a reflection of the collective effort of the entire Evolve team. They showcase the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership. Each of these individuals has made remarkable contributions to the organisation, and their recognition by BusinessDesk underscores the impact they have had on the industry and beyond. Evolve eagerly awaits the awards ceremony and wishes Constance, Ryan, and Antony the very best as they compete against other outstanding leaders. Regardless of the outcome, being shortlisted is an achievement in itself and a reminder of the incredible work happening within the organisation A heartfelt thank you to TheBusinessDesk for acknowledging leaders who inspire change and innovation. And to the team, partners, and customers—your support and collaboration make achievements like this possible. Stay tuned for updates as Evolve celebrates this exciting milestone together! To learn more about Evolve’s exceptional leadership team, visit their website → https://www.evolvebg.co.uk/our-leadership/  @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

A managed network solution involves outsourcing the design, implementation, monitoring, and maintenance of your network infrastructure to a professional provider. This ensures that your network is always operating at its best—especially during high-demand periods like Christmas. Here’s why it’s vital for the QSR industry: 1. Ensuring System Uptime During Peak Hours With customer demand reaching new heights during the Christmas season, any network downtime could lead to missed orders, delays, and a poor customer experience. A network failure during peak hours could result in lost revenue and frustrated customers, especially as mobile and digital ordering become the preferred method for many. Managed network solutions offer continuous monitoring and proactive management, ensuring that networks are optimised for performance, with potential issues addressed before they affect operations. If a technical issue arises, managed network providers can fix it quickly, minimising disruption. 2. Handling Increased Traffic and Transactions As digital ordering surges during the holidays, QSRs will need to process more transactions than usual. According to Statista, mobile payments are expected to make up 38% of all U.S. payment transactions by 2024. This includes both mobile wallet payments and credit card transactions through digital platforms. A managed network ensures that your infrastructure can handle an increase in transaction volume. By providing scalable solutions, businesses can ensure that their payment systems and mobile apps continue to function smoothly, even during the busiest periods. 3. Improved Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention The holidays are also a prime time for cybercrime. In 2023, cybersecurity attacks on businesses spiked by 20% over the holiday season, with hackers targeting companies handling sensitive data, like payment information. For QSRs, any data breach could result in not only financial loss but also severe reputational damage. Managed network services typically come with built-in cybersecurity features such as encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. This helps ensure that customer data remains protected during transactions. With the right solution, QSRs can mitigate the risks of payment fraud, keeping their operations safe while maintaining customer trust. 4. Seamless Integration Across Multiple Channels QSRs today operate across multiple channels: in-store, online, and through third-party delivery platforms. Each of these channels needs to be seamlessly integrated to ensure smooth order processing. If your restaurant is relying on outdated or disjointed systems, integration challenges can lead to delays, errors, and customer dissatisfaction. Managed network solutions can streamline the integration of these systems, providing a unified platform for everything from point-of-sale systems and mobile apps to delivery service platforms. By having a robust, interconnected network, your QSR can offer customers a seamless experience across all touchpoints, whether they’re ordering in-store or through a mobile app. 5. Real-Time Analytics and Reporting During the holiday season, real-time data is essential to make fast decisions and optimise operations. A managed network solution provides detailed insights into customer behaviour, order volumes, and transaction times. With this information at hand, QSRs can adjust staffing levels, inventory, and marketing campaigns to meet the surging demand. This real-time analytics can also help optimise the customer experience. For instance, if the network detects a backlog of orders during peak hours, it can notify managers so they can add staff or expedite specific tasks. This allows businesses to remain agile and responsive, even when the volume of customers increases. Key Benefits of Managed Network Solutions for QSRs in 2024 As we look toward the busy Christmas period and into 2024, QSRs will need more than just good food and fast service to remain competitive. Leveraging managed network solutions provides a variety of benefits: • Scalability: Managed network solutions allow QSRs to scale their systems to handle surges in customer traffic during peak periods, ensuring that the network can grow alongside the business. • Cost Efficiency: While implementing an in-house IT infrastructure can be costly, managed network services offer a more affordable alternative with predictable pricing, reducing the risk of unanticipated IT costs during the holidays. • Expert Support: With managed services, QSRs gain access to a team of experts who are equipped to handle network issues quickly, ensuring minimal downtime during critical periods. • Future-Proofing: As technology continues to evolve, managed network providers stay on top of the latest advancements, ensuring that your restaurant remains up-to-date with the latest security protocols, payment methods, and system integrations. As Christmas draws near, the QSR industry is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year. The surge in footfall, online orders, and mobile transactions presents significant opportunities—and challenges. By investing in managed network solutions, QSRs can ensure that their systems remain robust, secure, and efficient, even under the stress of high demand. With increased traffic, greater reliance on technology, and the need for seamless operations, managed network services are no longer a luxury but a necessity for QSRs aiming to deliver exceptional customer experiences throughout the busy holiday season and beyond. End About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve is helping businesses to reduce costs and simplify the management of services and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of customers across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected.