Black Sheep Coffee

Brewing Success: How Black Sheep Coffee Harnessed Cranborne Tech

Brewing Success: How Black Sheep Coffee Harnessed Cranborne Tech

Black Sheep Coffee isn’t just about exceptional brews; it’s about redefining what specialty coffee can be. Founders Gabriel and Eirik started with a mission: challenge the norm, reject mediocrity, and deliver unforgettable coffee experiences worldwide. But to scale their vision, they needed more than ambition; they needed seamless technology powering their growth.


The task was significant. Black Sheep Coffee required a reliable technology partner capable of managing extensive IT infrastructure; everything from robust Wi-Fi networks and secure CCTV installations to bespoke music systems that enhanced the customer experience. Operational efficiency was also paramount; the introduction of customer-facing display screens and staff iPads for streamlined ordering demanded flawless execution. Most crucially, Blacksheep needed a partner ready to provide around the clock support.



Enter Cranborne Tech..


With a proven track record in delivering friction-free IT solutions, Cranborne managed the project from cradle to grave. The CCTV setup was meticulously executed, significantly enhancing security across all Black Sheep Coffee locations. To create the perfect ambiance for customers, Cranborne Technology installed state-of-the-art music systems that complemented the brand aesthetic.


Robust Wi-Fi networks and structured cabling laid the foundations for dependable connectivity, a non-negotiable for busy cafés. Customer-facing display screens and the seamless integration of iPads behind the counter streamlined ordering, enhancing service speed and accuracy.


But the true value lay in Cranborne’s commitment to proactive support. "The most proactive MSP we have worked with," noted Amit Nakrani, IT Manager at Black Sheep Coffee. Cranborne provided continuous remote and onsite assistance, resolving challenges swiftly and ensuring Black Sheep Coffee locations operate smoothly 24/7.


Cranborne’s approach embodies its mission: empowering businesses to thrive seamlessly, driving innovation that removes friction, and building partnerships rooted in trust and mutual success. This partnership didn’t merely solve a technical challenge; it transformed Black Sheep Coffee’s operations, enabling the brand to scale confidently, efficiently, and securely.

Black Sheep Coffee continues to grow, disrupting coffee markets globally. With Cranborne Technology quietly ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes, the brand confidently continues its mission; leaving the herd behind.

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What an AI Agent Can Do for a UK Small Business

December 2, 2025
AI tools are everywhere at the moment, but for most small businesses the real question is simple: can this actually help us day to day? The answer, increasingly, is yes. AI agents are becoming a practical, affordable way for UK SMBs to lighten workloads, improve responsiveness and strengthen their cyber security without adding to headcount. Here’s what they can realistically take off your plate. Take the admin you never get time for Most small teams lose hours each week to tasks like updating spreadsheets, booking meetings, chasing invoices or sorting inbox clutter. An AI agent can handle these automatically in the background — consistently, accurately and without needing to be chased. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about giving them space to focus on the work that actually moves the business forward. Improve customer response times Customers expect fast answers, even when your team is busy or out on site. AI agents can deal with routine enquiries, provide updates, and pass more complex queries straight to the right person. You stay responsive, your team stays sane, and nothing gets forgotten in the rush. Add another layer of cyber protection Cyber threats are rising across the UK, and many of the attacks we’re seeing at Cranborne start with human error — a missed warning sign, a convincing phishing email, or an unusual login that doesn’t get spotted in time. An AI agent can monitor activity in the background and raise a flag the moment something looks suspicious. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s an extra pair of eyes when you need it most. Support sales and marketing without extra staff From following up with leads to drafting emails and analysing which campaigns actually worked, AI agents help small businesses stay consistent. They don’t replace your voice or your expertise — they simply keep the wheels turning so opportunities don’t slip through the cracks. Help you make better decisions, faster Instead of digging through systems for data, an AI agent can pull together quick reports, highlight trends and spot issues early. That means business owners get clearer visibility without spending evenings trawling through spreadsheets. The takeaway AI agents aren’t a gimmick. Used well, they become part of the team — handling the repetitive, the routine and the time-consuming. For UK SMBs under pressure to do more with less, they offer a straightforward way to improve efficiency, strengthen security and give your people their time back.

The 2026 IT Priorities UK SMBs Can’t Ignore

December 2, 2025
2026 will be a defining year for UK small and medium businesses. Technology is no longer just a background function – it shapes resilience, productivity, and competitiveness. At Cranborne Tech, we see this first-hand across care providers, financial services, retail, and non-profits. The organisations moving forward are the ones treating IT as a strategic enabler, not a cost centre. 1. Cybersecurity First: A Zero-Trust Reality Cyber threats continue to rise, and insurers now require demonstrable controls. SMBs must embed Zero Trust principles: MFA everywhere, continuous monitoring, dark web monitoring and phishing simulations as part of regular staff training. Security is now the foundation of every digital decision. 2. AI-Driven Productivity AI is now built into everyday tools like Microsoft 365. SMBs can save hours each week through automated reporting, meeting summaries, documentation support, and enhanced customer service workflows. Responsible governance and staff training must sit alongside adoption. 3. Cloud Cost Control Licensing and cloud waste became a major issue in 2024–2025. In 2026, SMBs should focus on rationalising tools, removing unused subscriptions, and right-sizing backup and cloud storage plans. A cleaner, more efficient cloud estate lowers costs and reduces complexity. 4. Modernising Infrastructure Cloud environments are now the default, although hybrid is still operational where needed. SMBs need reliable networks, standardised devices, secure remote access, and infrastructure capable of supporting AI-driven workloads. Modernisation boosts stability and improves user experience. 5. Business Continuity That Works Backups alone aren’t enough. SMBs need recoverability: encrypted cloud backups, offline copies, documented disaster recovery plans, and regular testing. Insurers and partners increasingly expect evidence, not assumptions. 6. Compliance and Governance Maturity Clear policies, documented patching, supplier assurance, and ongoing training form the baseline for regulated sectors. Mature governance builds trust and removes friction during audits or contract renewals. 7. Employee Experience Through IT Smooth onboarding, consistent devices, self-service capability, and proactive support make a measurable difference to productivity. In 2026, IT is a core part of employee experience. 8. Automating Everyday Workflows SMBs can now automate HR approvals, finance tasks, customer service routing, and reporting without enterprise budgets. Small steps create meaningful efficiency gains. Book a free IT audit The businesses that will thrive in 2026 are those treating IT as a growth partner. Cranborne Tech is here to help UK SMBs build resilient, secure, and future-ready digital foundations. If you want to understand how your IT supports your business goals and identify any gaps before they become risks, book a free IT audit . We’ll review your current setup and guide you on the next steps.