In this episode, Tim joins the podcast to share insights into bookkeeping and financial management specifically tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The discussion covers common challenges faced in the MSP market, tips for effective bookkeeping, and the importance of accurate VAT returns. Tim emphasises the role of timely bank reconciliations and cash flow management. She also offers advice on setting up a detailed chart of accounts, making use of automated tools in accounting software...
Jun 22, 2025•34 min•Ep. 101
In this episode, Richard Coulthard from Ison Harrison Solicitors joins the hosts to provide a comprehensive look at Employer Ownership Trusts (EOTs). The discussion covers the growing popularity of EOTs in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) space, their tax advantages, the practical aspects and benefits of transitioning to employee ownership, and the long-term financial and operational implications. Richard explains how EOTs enable business owners to sell their shares to a trust for the benefit ...
Jun 16, 2025•36 min•Ep. 101
In this episode, Monica joins the podcast to discuss common procurement challenges faced by Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Introduced by a mutual client, Monica has focused on the procurement module in ConnectWise, which directly impacts the effective production of management accounts. Monica highlights the top three procurement mistakes MSPs make: overcomplicating the process, not understanding responsibilities, and failing to complete the quote to cash process. She offers practical tips, su...
May 27, 2025•34 min•Ep. 100
In this episode, we reconnect with Nick O'Donovan, who provides an overview of Huntress' operations, particularly their growth and expansion into Europe, with a focus on enhancing relationships with MSPs. He highlights Huntress' efforts in recruiting and maintaining a strong team, despite industry challenges, and the success of their recent roadshow series. Nick also discusses the company's product offerings, including EDR, Microsoft 365 identity protection, security awareness, phishing solution...
May 06, 2025•27 min•Ep. 99
In this episode, the hosts welcome Shawn, a seasoned MSP expert, to discuss the concept of 'co-opetition,' a blend of cooperation and competition among Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Shawn shares insights from his 25-year journey in the MSP industry, his experience with peer groups, and his current role in running events and providing coaching through Encore Strategic. He emphasises the importance of community and peer groups in overcoming industry challenges and improving business practices....
May 05, 2025•33 min•Ep. 98
In this episode, Devin returns to discuss the value and strategies of podcast advertising for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). The conversation explores how podcast advertising draws parallels with traditional radio advertising and how it serves as a viable brand awareness tool amid the challenges of digital advertising attribution. Devin highlights the importance of niche targeting and the evolution of buying ad slots in podcasts. The discussion also covers how MSPs can utilise shorter video c...
Apr 21, 2025•33 min•Ep. 97
In this episode, hosts Adam and Daniel are joined by David and Alex to discuss the origins and rapid growth of the MSP Show, an event dedicated to managed service providers (MSPs) set to take place at the London Excel on May 14th and 15th. The conversation covers the transition from the long-established SITS IT support show to the specialised MSP show, noting how it has expanded its focus to include content on sales, marketing, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and more. They highlight the impo...
Apr 08, 2025•26 min•Ep. 96
In this episode, Alex shares insights into effective presentations and sales techniques. Emphasising the importance of neural spikes like the 'one big clap' and the use of the Pomodoro timer, Alex explains how these methods help maintain audience engagement. The discussion continues with lead generation strategies, focusing on the 12-4-3 method for creating consistent, valuable content. Alex then elaborates on the importance of familiarity and consistency in social media marketing, using platfor...
Apr 01, 2025•35 min•Ep. 95
In this episode, Tech Tribe members Daniel and Ben explore the complexities MSPs face when dealing with legacy business applications. They discuss the importance of understanding the client's perspective and the reasons these outdated systems persist. Ben shares strategies for modernising these systems, including breaking down large problems into smaller ones, virtualising old servers, and involving developers for software support. They also explore the importance of choosing the right platforms...
Mar 12, 2025•34 min•Ep. 94
In this episode of 'It's a Numbers Game,' hosts Adam and Daniel are joined by special guest Mark Peacock, a pricing expert who runs the company Pricemaker. Mark discusses the crucial, yet often overlooked, area of pricing and shares effective strategies for business growth. The conversation covers the psychology of pricing, client profitability analysis, and the importance of annual price increases. Key insights include the impact of small price changes on net profit, the concept of price anchor...
Mar 03, 2025•36 min•Ep. 93
In this podcast episode, Nicole Stracey, the Growth and Partnership Manager at AnswerConnect UK, joins the host to discuss the benefits and intricacies of using a 24/7 live answering service for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) across the UK, US, and Canada. Nicole explains how AnswerConnect supports MSPs by handling customer calls around the clock, allowing IT specialists to focus on their core tasks while ensuring clients receive immediate attention and resolution of their issues. The conversa...
Feb 24, 2025•30 min•Ep. 92
In this episode, Louis returns to discuss developments in SEO and local lead generation for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Louis highlights the importance of MSPs taking advantage of local SEO, especially using Google Maps profiles, to attract leads. He emphasises the need for MSPs to build an attractive and trustworthy Google Business profile with plenty of positive reviews. Louis also introduces a new self-implementation product designed to help MSPs take control of their marketing efforts ...
Feb 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 91
In this podcast episode, Adam Morris speaks with Mark Lamb, founder of HighGround, about his journey from running a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to developing a software product. Mark discusses the challenges of helping customers understand their IT spend and the transition from service-based to product-based business models. He elaborates on the mistakes made during the software development and the lessons learned, including the importance of visually demonstrating IT spend to customers. Mark...
Jan 22, 2025•30 min•Ep. 90
In this podcast episode, Simon discusses his journey and current endeavors in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) world, including his background in IT and the establishment of his MSP business, Host My Office, 12 years ago. Simon delves into the benefits and challenges of hosted desktop solutions, particularly for professional services like accountants and legal firms, and predicts its relevance for about another decade. The conversation then shifts to cyber security, with Simon explaining the g...
Jan 15, 2025•32 min•Ep. 89
In this episode, the Adam and Daniel welcome Alex, an inspiring one-person MSP, to discuss his unique journey. The conversation covers his experience working in various IT roles, including his time at BBC and the 2012 Olympics broadcast team. Alex shares his decision to avoid hiring staff and instead leverage outsourced services, describing his model'. They discuss the nuances of managing small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without servers, focusing on client resilience and immediate suppor...
Dec 31, 2024•37 min•Ep. 88
In this episode of 'It's a Numbers Game,' Daniel and Adam welcome back legal expert Kim Simmonds discussing MSP (Managed Service Provider) contracts, shifting the focus from risk mitigation to revenue generation. They discuss how contracts can prevent revenue leakage through strategies such as service credits, proper termination clauses, and exit transition clauses. Kim emphasises the importance of using your own well-crafted templates and the pitfalls of relying on client-provided contracts. Th...
Dec 30, 2024•32 min•Ep. 87
This episode explores the decisions MSPs face when choosing between resellers and distributors for procurement. Vincent, a seasoned industry professional, joins hosts Adam and Daniel to share valuable insights on benefits and risks, pricing strategies, and building trust in supplier relationships. They discuss the importance of efficient service, managing cash flow, and mitigating risks associated with working with partners. Vincent also highlights how to leverage strong relationships and the im...
Dec 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 86
In this episode of "It's a Numbers Game" Daniel Welling is joined by resident accountant Chas Roopra to analyse Rachel Reeve's first budget and its implications for businesses, especially MSPs. They discuss the unchanged corporation tax rates and pension legislation, and highlight key changes like the upcoming increase in national minimum wage, unaltered tax allowances leading to a stealth tax, and adjustments to employer NI rates and allowances. The episode also covers changes to capital gains ...
Dec 11, 2024•22 min•Ep. 85
In this episode of “It’s a Numbers Game” host Adam and co-host Dan are joined by Michelle Coombs from the Tech Leader Network to discuss operational effectiveness and efficiency in managed service providers (MSPs). The conversation covers key strategies for improving MSP performance, including prioritising customer satisfaction, ensuring accountability in service delivery, and setting clear objectives. Michelle shares her extensive experience across various industries, providing practical advice...
Nov 13, 2024•32 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, Jake discusses the robust functionalities of Inforcer, a software platform designed by and for MSPs to manage Microsoft policies across customer tenants. He elaborates on the platform's role in centralising policy management, enabling time savings, reducing risk, and creating new revenue streams for MSPs. Jake explains the challenges MSPs face without such a tool, the competitive landscape, and how Inforcer complements rather than competes with tools like Octiga and CIPP. He add...
Oct 02, 2024•32 min•Ep. 83
In this episode, Simon discusses the CyberDrain Improved Partner Portal (CIPP), an Azure app designed to streamline the administration of Office 365 tenants for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Simon explains the features, benefits, and cost-effectiveness of this open-source tool, which allows MSPs to manage multiple tenants from a single platform. He highlights its rapid release cycle, integrations with other tools like Hudu and Ninja, and its ability to enhance first and second-line support p...
Sep 25, 2024•28 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, Adam and Daniel welcome Dean to discuss the nuances of recruitment and retention within the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry. This conversation touches upon the challenges MSPs face, particularly around outsourcing and attracting the right talent. Dean elaborates on the importance of having a robust employer brand, effective onboarding processes, and the significance of personalised development pathways. The discussion also covers modern benefits that appeal to candidates...
Sep 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 81
In this episode, Dan Ellis, founder of PCPowerSave, discusses the inspiration behind his SaaS application designed to reduce energy consumption on computer systems. He details the challenges it addresses, particularly amid rising electricity costs in Europe. Dan outlines how his software surpasses standard power settings by providing detailed reports and automated optimisations, enabling significant cost and environmental savings for businesses. The conversation also touches on market strategies...
Sep 11, 2024•27 min•Ep. 80
In this episode of 'It's a Number Game' podcast, Adam Morris from the MSP Finance Team introduces viewers to FIRECalc, an online tool for evaluating business valuation and retirement planning. Discover why it's crucial to get the right valuation for your business, the risks associated with undershooting or overshooting your financial targets, and how to use historical data since 1873 for more accurate projections. Learn to set realistic spending and portfolio goals, adjust for various financial ...
Sep 04, 2024•18 min•Ep. 79
This episode addresses key financial management strategies for Managed Services Providers (MSPs). Dan Welling emphasises the importance of understanding whether you want to apply pressure or take pressure when it comes to your finances, suggesting that those on top of their finances have leverage over banks. He highlights common financial misconceptions and problems faced by MSPs, such as over-relying on bank balances, misrecognising revenue, and not regularly reviewing profit and loss statement...
Sep 03, 2024•40 min•Ep. 79
In this inaugural podcast appearance, Gary Lucas, an independent financial advisor from Burlington Associates, discusses the critical aspects of business protection. He highlights the importance of various insurance products including death in service, income protection, private medical cover, and critical illness cover for employees. Gary also delves into key person cover and share protection for business owners, explaining how these measures safeguard businesses and ensure continuity. The podc...
Aug 29, 2024•38 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, Daniel and Adam are joined by Ian Vickers from Met Cloud for a deep dive into the evolution and future of security operations centers (SOCs) for managed service providers (MSPs). Ian discusses the journey from traditional MSP environments to developing innovative AI-driven SOC solutions that could disrupt the current market. Key topics include the challenges of early cloud security, the development of AI tools to augment SOC analysts, and the introduction of cost-effective AI so...
Aug 28, 2024•36 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, Paul from Knight Corporate Finance discusses the firm's approach to advising technology companies on mergers and acquisitions, funding, and exit planning. He highlights the importance of understanding business objectives and the dynamics of the current market. Paul provides advice for both buyers and sellers, focusing on factors like business size, customer profile, and funding readiness. Additionally, he talks about the state of the market, the impact of interest rates, and off...
Aug 27, 2024•31 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, Peter Bell discusses his journey in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry, highlighting his longstanding business in Melbourne and his 14-year experience with offshoring in the Philippines. The conversation covers various topics crucial for MSPs, such as the benefits and challenges of staff augmentation, the shift towards remote support, and the increasing acceptance of remote teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Peter also emphasises the importance of maintaining strong cl...
Aug 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, Jane discusses the paradox within the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry where companies readily outsource IT management but hesitate to outsource recruitment. The conversation delves into the inefficiencies and costs of in-house recruitment, the value of specialized recruiters, and the significance of cultural and technical fit in hiring. The challenges of the recruitment industry, perceptions of integrity, and effective strategies for MSPs to select and collaborate with r...
Aug 19, 2024•33 min•Ep. 73
