For many organisations, IT still reacts rather than leads.

Systems are upgraded when they fail, security is reviewed after incidents, and capacity is increased only when pressure becomes unavoidable. This reactive approach may keep businesses running day to day, but it rarely prepares them for sustainable growth.

As organisations look ahead to 2026, the role of IT is shifting. Instead of simply supporting the business, IT needs to actively enable growth. That means moving beyond quick fixes and focusing on strategy, strong foundations, and long-term planning.

Below are five priorities that can help organisations ensure their IT is ready to support growth in the year ahead.

1. Build a Clear IT Strategy Aligned with Business Goals

One of the most common challenges organisations face is the gap between business strategy and IT strategy.

Technology decisions are often made in isolation by IT teams, while business leaders focus on growth, finance, and operations. Over time, this can lead to disconnected systems, overlapping tools, and investments that do not fully support business priorities.

Aligning IT strategy with business goals starts with collaboration. A practical first step is bringing together technical and non-technical leaders, such as the CTO or Head of IT with the CEO, CFO, and other senior stakeholders. These conversations help ensure everyone has a shared understanding of where the business is heading and how technology can support that direction.

A strong IT strategy should:

• Reflect the organisation’s growth plans and commercial objectives.
  
  
• Prioritise investments based on business impact, not just technical need.
  
  
• Provide clarity on where the organisation is today and where it wants to be.
  
  

When IT and business leaders are aligned, technology becomes a driver of growth rather than a reactive support function.

2. Strengthen Core IT Foundations

Growth often highlights weaknesses in IT environments that were not obvious before.

As organisations scale, the pressure on core systems increases. If the underlying foundations are not robust, even moderate growth can result in performance issues, security risks, and operational disruption.

Core IT foundations typically include areas such as:

• Network infrastructure, including connectivity, WiFi, and reliability.
  
  
• Core business applications, such as finance, CRM, and productivity tools.
  
  
• Cyber security, including access controls, monitoring, and protection against threats.
  
  
• Data and systems integration, ensuring information flows effectively across platforms.
  
  

Strengthening these foundations is not about replacing everything at once. It is about understanding which areas are most critical to the business and ensuring they are fit for future demand.

When foundations are strong, organisations can scale with confidence. When they are not, growth often becomes more complex and costly than expected.

3. Address Key Pressure Points Early

As businesses grow, pressure tends to build in a few predictable areas: users, security, data, and support.

Rather than waiting for issues to escalate, organisations should assess how well their IT environment can cope with increasing demand.

For example:

• Can new users and devices be onboarded quickly without compromising security?
  
  
• Are security measures still effective as systems and data volumes expand?
  
  
• Is data easy to access and reliable enough to support decision-making?
  
  
• Can IT support scale without becoming overstretched or reactive?
  
  

Addressing these pressure points early helps organisations avoid disruption and reduces the need for urgent, last-minute changes later on.

4. Plan for Scalability, Not Just Stability

Many IT environments are designed to meet current requirements rather than future growth.

While stability is essential, it is not enough on its own. Preparing for 2026 means thinking about how systems and processes will perform as the organisation grows.

This might involve reviewing how cloud services are used, simplifying technology environments, improving automation, or rethinking support models. The goal is to ensure that growth does not automatically lead to complexity or rising costs.

Planning for scalability early helps organisations avoid emergency upgrades, unplanned spending, and operational stress. It also makes growth more predictable and easier to manage.

5. Create a Practical IT Roadmap

Strategy only becomes valuable when it is turned into action.

A clear IT roadmap provides a structured way to move from the current state to the desired future state. It helps organisations prioritise initiatives, plan investments, and understand how technology will evolve alongside the business.

Rather than reacting to issues as they arise, organisations with a roadmap can take a proactive approach to technology planning and risk management.

In many ways, an IT roadmap acts as a form of growth insurance. It reduces uncertainty, supports better decision-making, and ensures that technology is ready to support the organisation’s ambitions.

Summary: Preparing IT for Growth in 2026

To support sustainable business growth, organisations should focus on five key areas:

• Align IT strategy with business objectives through collaboration between technical and business leaders.
  
  
• Strengthen core IT foundations, including networks, business applications, and cyber security.
  
  
• Address pressure points in users, security, data, and support before they become critical.
  
  
• Design systems with scalability in mind, not just day-to-day stability.
  
  
• Develop a clear and actionable IT roadmap that links technology to business priorities.
  
  

Ultimately, preparing IT for growth is not about adopting more tools. It is about creating a structured plan that ensures technology can support the organisation as it evolves.

The most effective starting point is a clear roadmap, not another platform or solution.

At One Thirty West, we help organisations develop IT strategies that strengthen foundations and support long-term growth.

Challenge

Our client is a North American AI-driven technology company with a 300-user office based in London. The business needed a capable IT manager to support daily operations while aligning closely with global IT leadership.

Despite several recruitment attempts, the role proved difficult to fill. While the position appeared straightforward on paper, it demanded a broad and uncommon skill set. The successful candidate needed to be comfortable handling hands-on technical tasks onsite, while also managing external providers across the UK and Europe and operating at a commercial level.

After three unsuccessful hires, the organisation recognised the risk of another rushed decision. The priority shifted from filling the role quickly to keeping IT stable while clearly defining what the business truly needed from a long-term IT manager.

Approach

We agreed to provide interim IT management cover for a six-month period, giving the client breathing space to reassess the role and avoid another panic hire.

One Thirty West assigned a senior engineer to the business on a full-time basis. He became the visible face of IT across Europe, working closely with local teams while collaborating with HQ IT in North America and following established global processes.

Behind the scenes, he was supported by our wider leadership team, including experienced CIOs and directors. This ensured decisions were well-informed, challenges were escalated appropriately, and the client benefited from collective experience rather than relying on a single individual.

From the outset, the onboarding process was carefully managed to ensure continuity, minimise disruption, and build trust quickly with both local and global teams.

Outcome

IT operations remained stable throughout the interim period, with no disruption to daily business activities. The onboarding of the interim IT manager was seamless, allowing the business to continue operating without interruption while benefiting from immediate leadership and support.

During the six-month period, feedback and insights gathered by One Thirty West helped the client clearly shape the profile of the permanent role. This ensured future recruitment was based on real operational needs rather than assumptions.

When the right candidate was appointed, the transition back to an in-house IT manager was equally seamless. Knowledge transfer, documentation, and ongoing collaboration ensured continuity of service, with no loss of momentum or capability.

One Thirty West continues to support the current IT manager on a daily basis, providing continuity beyond the interim phase. The business avoided further recruitment and compensation costs, reduced risk, and gained confidence that IT leadership was aligned with both local and global priorities.

Why One Thirty West?

We are not a one-size-fits-all IT consultancy. We provide flexible, creative support that adapts to the realities of each business.

Whether you need interim leadership, hands-on expertise, or long-term partnership, we shape our services around what works best for your organisation.

Challenge

Our client is a US-based global media company with journalists and content creators working across Europe and Asia. During European daytime hours, before the US-based IT team comes online, staff require fast, reliable IT support to stay productive.

Because the organisation operates in a highly targeted environment, security is critical. Even routine support requests must be handled carefully and in line with established security processes.

Previously, this was achieved through overnight staffing in the US. Over time, this approach became costly and difficult to sustain.

The challenge was not just about providing support, but about doing so securely, consistently, and without placing unnecessary strain on internal teams.

Approach

We designed a solution that provides European daytime helpdesk cover by integrating the client into our existing helpdesk operations.

Support requests are handled by experienced engineers who understand the client’s global working patterns and security requirements. Monitoring, alerting, and response workflows are already embedded within the service. This allows us to meet agreed SLAs without requiring dedicated engineers to wait on a single queue.

By managing support through a shared service model, we ensured every issue was handled by a trusted individual, while maintaining efficiency and cost control.

Outcome

Staff across Europe and Asia now receive fast, secure IT support during their working hours. Security standards are maintained, and the client no longer relies on overnight US staffing.

The result is meaningful cost savings, improved sustainability, and dependable support that runs quietly in the background while the business continues to operate as normal.

Why One Thirty West?

We support US companies with teams operating outside the US. By acting as an extension of US-based IT teams, we provide trusted daytime cover in other regions, aligned with US security expectations and ways of working.

This joined-up approach reduces complexity, removes the need for multiple suppliers, and gives clients confidence that support is handled carefully and consistently, wherever their teams are based.

Challenge

Our client is a US-based automotive data and software platform that is gradually moving from on-premise systems to AWS (Amazon Web Services). The data involved supports live, business-critical systems used every day, so reliability, security, and continuity were essential throughout the process.

Because of the size of the data and its importance to daily operations, moving everything in one go was not an option. Any downtime or data inconsistency could have disrupted live systems and affected the business. The client needed a way to move data over time, without losing access, compromising security, or putting pressure on operational teams.

The challenge was not just about getting data into the cloud, but about doing it carefully, steadily, and with minimal risk to the business.

Approach

We designed a solution that covered both the on-premise environment and AWS, allowing the migration to happen in manageable stages rather than as a single, high-risk event.

On-premise, we installed and configured high-capacity firewalls (security devices that control and protect network traffic) to create a secure and reliable connection to AWS. This provided a safe route for data to move between environments, protecting it at all times while in transit.

In AWS, we built and managed the structure needed to receive data gradually. This made it possible to transfer data in phases, verify it as it arrived, and keep it in sync over time. By checking data step by step, the client could be confident that accuracy and consistency were maintained throughout the migration.

By managing both the on-premise infrastructure and the AWS environment as one project, we simplified the process, avoided unnecessary hand-offs, and gave the client a single, clear point of ownership.

Outcome

The client is now steadily reducing their dependence on local data centres, with data securely stored and managed in AWS. As on-premise infrastructure is scaled back, costs related to hardware, power, and ongoing maintenance are reducing, delivering savings of several thousand pounds.

Crucially, the migration runs quietly in the background. Live systems continue to operate as normal, and the business experiences no disruption. The phased approach gives the client flexibility, allowing progress to align with operational priorities rather than forcing change to meet fixed migration deadlines.

Why One Thirty West?

We support both on-premise infrastructure and AWS, so the same team looks after the entire journey of your data, from leaving the building to being safely established in the cloud. This reduces risk, removes complexity, and avoids the frustration of dealing with multiple suppliers.

For long-running migrations, this joined-up approach brings confidence and peace of mind. Clients know their systems are being handled carefully, progress is steady and predictable, and there is always a clear view of what’s happening next, both technically and operationally.

As 2025 comes to a close, it is clear that the role of IT has continued to evolve at pace. What once felt like future planning has increasingly become day-to-day reality for many organisations.

This year brought major shifts across security, infrastructure, and ways of working. From AI becoming embedded in everyday operations to long-planned technology decisions finally reaching a deadline, businesses were required to adapt quickly and thoughtfully.

Here, we look back at the key IT topics that defined 2025 and the lessons worth carrying into the year ahead.

AI Moved From Experimentation to Everyday Use

In 2025, artificial intelligence stopped being something organisations experimented with on the side. Instead, it became part of routine IT operations.

AI is now being used across service desks, security monitoring, cloud management, and performance optimisation. These tools are helping teams respond faster, detect issues earlier, and manage increasingly complex environments.

At the same time, the year reinforced an important point. AI is only effective when the foundations beneath it are secure, scalable, and well managed. Without the right infrastructure and governance in place, AI can introduce as many risks as benefits.

Key takeaway: AI delivers real value when it is supported by strong systems, clear processes, and human oversight.

The End of Windows 10 Forced Long-Delayed Decisions

October 2025 marked the official end of support for Windows 10. For many organisations, this deadline highlighted just how quickly legacy systems can become a liability.

Without security updates or technical support, unsupported operating systems increase exposure to cyber threats, compliance issues, and software compatibility problems. For some, this meant accelerating upgrade plans. For others, it prompted wider conversations about device refresh cycles and long-term infrastructure strategy.

Key takeaway: End-of-support dates are not just IT milestones. They are business risk deadlines that require early planning.

The Largest Password Leak Changed the Security Conversation

One of the most significant security events of the year was the confirmation of the largest password leak in history, with billions of credentials exposed.

The scale and freshness of this breach made it clear that traditional password-only security is no longer sufficient. It accelerated the shift towards stronger authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication, identity and access management, and passkeys.

For many organisations, this was a turning point that moved password security from a best practice to a priority.

Key takeaway: Strong authentication is now a foundational requirement, not an optional extra.

IT Outsourcing Became a Strategic Choice

Throughout 2025, more organisations revisited how their IT is delivered and supported. Outsourcing was no longer viewed purely as a way to reduce costs.

Instead, businesses looked to managed IT partners to improve resilience, access specialist expertise, strengthen security, and scale support in line with growth. With internal teams under increasing pressure, outsourcing allowed organisations to focus their resources where they add the most value.

Key takeaway: The right IT partner enables flexibility, resilience, and long-term growth.

Office Moves Highlighted the Importance of Early IT Planning

Office relocations and expansions continued throughout the year, and many organisations were reminded that these projects are as much about technology as they are about physical space.

Connectivity, security, AV, and collaboration tools all need careful planning well before move-in dates. Those who involved IT early avoided disruption. Those who did not often faced delays, unexpected costs, and last-minute compromises.

Key takeaway: Successful office moves start with IT planning, not at the point of installation.

Remote and Distributed Teams Became the Norm

By 2025, remote and hybrid working models were no longer temporary arrangements. They are now a permanent part of how many organisations operate.

Managing teams across locations and time zones brought renewed focus on secure access, reliable connectivity, and responsive support. Businesses that invested in the right tools and support models were better positioned to maintain productivity and protect their data.

Key takeaway: Distributed teams work best when IT is designed to support them wherever they are.

Cyber Security Continued to Evolve

Cyber threats grew more sophisticated throughout the year. AI-powered ransomware, social engineering, and targeted phishing attacks placed greater emphasis on layered security approaches.

The most effective strategies combined technology, training, and clear processes. Organisations that invested in awareness, monitoring, and preparedness were better equipped to respond when incidents occurred.

Key takeaway: Cyber security works best when people, process, and technology are aligned.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The lessons from 2025 point to one clear conclusion. Standing still is no longer an option.

As organisations move into 2026, secure foundations, thoughtful planning, and dependable support will matter more than ever. Whether it is preparing for continued AI adoption, strengthening cyber security, supporting remote teams, or planning future office changes, having the right IT approach in place makes all the difference.

At One Thirty West, we work alongside organisations to help them plan, build, and support technology that fits the way they operate.

If you are thinking about what the year ahead looks like for your business, we are here to help.
Give us a shout. We are ready when you are.

Unexpected disruptions can impact any organisation at any time. Whether it is a cyber attack, hardware failure, a natural disaster or human error, the effects can be serious and wide-ranging. Interruptions can lead to productivity loss, delays in customer service, missed revenue, or in severe cases, safety risks, legal consequences, and long-term reputational damage.

In light of recent high-profile cyber attacks affecting organisations such as M&S, Adidas and the Co-op, planning for disruptions is more important than ever.

To protect against these challenges, businesses need more than quick fixes. They need well-designed, regularly tested plans that minimise impact and ensure a smooth return to normal operations as quickly as possible.

This article outlines what Disaster Recovery is, what Business Continuity involves, and why both are essential for organisations that want to build resilience and continue delivering services when it matters most.

What is Disaster Recovery?

Disaster Recovery (DR) focuses on restoring the technology required to run the business. When digital systems go offline, operations can quickly halt.

For example, if a ransomware attack encrypts company files, DR procedures guide how systems are isolated, backups accessed, and data recovered without spreading the threat further. If a server fails unexpectedly, the plan ensures replacement systems are activated fast enough to maintain continuity.

A strong DR plan ensures systems and data are restored swiftly, preventing lengthy downtime or permanent data loss. It should include backup strategies, failover solutions, secure storage, defined recovery times aligned with business needs, and clear responsibilities for the IT team.

What is Business Continuity?

Business Continuity (BC) looks beyond technology. It focuses on how the organisation continues operating when normal working conditions are disrupted.

If a workplace is inaccessible due to fire or flood, there should be plans for remote work or alternative sites. If a key supplier cannot deliver, backup partners should be ready to avoid delays.

A comprehensive BC plan identifies critical processes, their dependencies, and ensures communication channels keep employees, customers, and partners informed while operations continue behind the scenes. BC protects the organisation’s ability to serve customers, support staff, and meet commitments even in challenging circumstances.

What is the difference between Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity?

• • Business Continuity: keeps the organisation operating during disruption

• • Disaster Recovery: restores systems and data after disruption

Business Continuity ensures essential services continue despite system issues. Disaster Recovery ensures systems are restored as quickly as possible.

They are complementary. Without BC, customer service can break down before technical issues are resolved. Without DR, the business may struggle to resume normal operations if critical data is lost. Together, they reduce the overall impact of disruptions.

What should be planned first – Disaster Recovery or Business Continuity?

BC usually comes first. It identifies the processes that must remain operational during short-term disruption. DR planning then ensures the systems supporting these key functions are restored in the correct order.

Planning BC first ensures technology investment supports real business needs rather than assumptions, avoiding misalignment such as restoring systems that teams cannot use. This business-first approach leads to faster, more coordinated recovery and clearer decision-making during crises.

What are the 5 key points to consider when creating a DR/BC plan?

1. Establish Claear Roles,  Responsibilities, and Communication Channel 

Identify critical functions, dependencies, and downtime consequences. Set Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) to define how quickly systems must be restored and acceptable data loss.

2. Conduct a Comprehensive Business Impact Analysis (BIA) 

Define leadership roles, response teams, and decision-making authority. Include communication procedures for notifying staff, stakeholders, partners, and customers during incidents.

3. Create a Robust Technology and Data Recovery Strategy

Outline backup policies, offsite or cloud replication, failover infrastructure, and step-by-step procedures for recovering each critical service, ensuring alignment with RTOs and RPOs.

4. Plan for Accessibility, Location, and Operational Continuity

Account for alternative work locations, remote work, access to resources, and logistical needs like power, connectivity, and equipment. Operational continuity extends beyond servers.

5. Test, Train, and Continuously Improve

Regular testing ensures people know their roles and technology responds as expected. Testing can include:

• • Tabletop exercises

• • Technical drills

• • Full simulations

Testing also keeps plans updated as staff, systems, and customer expectations evolve, ensuring plans remain effective and actionable.

Final thoughts

Disruptions are inevitable. Resilient organisations prepare effectively. By combining BC and DR, businesses reduce downtime, protect revenue, maintain customer trust, and resume operations smoothly.

These strategies protect more than technology; they safeguard the entire business, allowing your organisation to adapt, respond, and recover without losing momentum.

At One Thirty West, we help businesses strengthen resilience through practical planning, secure IT solutions, and regular testing of BC and DR strategies.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your organisation to stay ready for the unexpected today and in the future.