Cobweb Solutions, in Cams Hall Estate, started in business in 1996 as a website hosting service, which helped small businesses as well as larger organisations set up websites and internet dial up connections.
Today, the 25-year-old firm is one of the leading independent cloud hosting providers in Europe, helping businesses get the most of their IT systems. It supports 4,000 businesses and more than 100,000 users.
The firm offers IT services and training in a range of areas, such as cloud infrastructure and security, email security and IT consultancy.
Head of customer success Michael Gore (left) and managing director Michael Frisby (right) Picture: Stuart Martin
And despite a tricky 18 months, managing director Michael Frisby says they have seen demand for their services skyrocket as more businesses turn to the internet to allow their workers to work remotely, hold online meetings and store data.
Michael said: ‘Making sure the users, their devices, their data and their apps are protected is critical to business success.
‘An IT failure or a ransomware attack can cripple a small business, so we fundamentally understand the importance of having the right security in place and the right protection for your data, devices and your users within an organisation.’
Cobweb can help businesses move onto the cloud, which is more cost-effective, more productive and more secure than traditional IT systems, according to Michael.
Cobweb solutions and IT consultancy in Fareham
It also offers ongoing IT support to ensure that ‘businesses of all sizes are making the most of their IT, regardless of the budget’.
Over the years, Cobweb has established partnerships with a range of IT vendors and became a direct reseller of Microsoft services in 2014, gaining official Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider status.
In 2016, Cobweb launched Vuzion, which offers services and training to fellow cloud providers helping them to ‘build a sustainable, profitable, business model.’
Managing director Michael Frisby. Picture: Stuart Martin
Vuzion has proved successful as it won the Training Programme of the Year category at The News’ Business Excellence Awards earlier this year.
Over the past year, Cobweb’s priorities have shifted towards providing security services to businesses to protect them and their customers from the increasing number of cyber attacks seen over lockdown.
Due to the pandemic, Cobweb has also had an increase in interest for their Microsoft 365 services and training, particularly for Microsoft Teams, as more businesses have had to transition to remote working.
Michael said the aim is to make sure that the right infrastructure is in place so that all participants feel actively involved in meetings, even if they cannot all be present in the same room.
Cobweb has also launched new offerings under the Cobweb Secure banner, to ensure their customers are fully protected.
Cobweb offers a number of different services depending on the client’s needs and budget. Additionally, every plan comes with free training and technical support.
We have seen how tough the past year has been on businesses so we’ve decided to do our bit to help by offering a new way for businesses to market - and a lower cost.
The scheme, sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses, will help businesses promote themselves at a fraction of the usual advertising or marketing costs.
As the pandemic ends, there’s never been a better time to promote your business and make it stand out.
Come to us and take up this one-time only opportunity for the lowest-ever cost to appear in the area’s biggest news outlet with authentic, interesting copy.
- How much does it cost?
75 per cent off normal rates. A one off, one time fee, no contract
- What do you get?
A guaranteed published article in The News - and online at portsmouth.co.uk
- How does it work?
Our business editor Kimberley Barber has been helping businesses to stand out for 10 years. She will help you identify the thing your business needs to shout about, in order to get it noticed.
Whether that’s a new product, an expansion to your team, an award win, or even just simply a change of opening hours - there are many reasons that a business would need to shine a light on itself.
Kimberley will help you to find your ‘top line’ and her team will create an authentic article to appear in the pages of The News.
Your company doesn’t need to employ somebody to find the best news, or even write it, let the experienced team at The News do it for you.
Not only will your article run alongside the daily business page, putting it in the perfect spot to reach engaged readers, it will benefit from the News’ insider track on what makes attractive content that will engage your customers.
- What could happen after appearing in The News?
Our newspaper is read by thousands of people everyday. It’s been the traditional route to reach people in Portsmouth for hundreds of years.
It is read by all major news outlets, and is often the starting point of national stories.
Being in The News gets your story in front of the right people.
If your story has editorial value, it will appear on our website portsmouth.co.uk - reaching worldwide audiences of hundreds of thousands of people.
As well as this, with the right tweaks, it could appear on The News’ Facebook page - reaching a following of 120,000 people who all have an interest in this area instantly.
The News also has Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter followers - if appropriate for these audiences, your story will be shared on these accounts too.
Being published in The News is just the start, with our help, we can get you on the path to national recognition.
- What else do I get?
As well as the pride and prestige of appearing in the biggest and longest-serving news outlet in Portsmouth, you will become part of our network.
You’ll join a group of like-minded businesses and individuals who all have Portsmouth at their hearts.
You’ll also get access to special advertising packages and discounts, should you wish to further promote your message.
Join us, it’s the start of our business community coming together and working together for the benefit of our community.
For further business support contact Emma Weatherstone, membership advisor Portsmouth & Solent Federation of Small Businesses on [email protected] or 07764432489
