Cranborne Technology and Strategic Partners M8 Solutions
Cranborne Technology have partnered with M8 solutions to successfully deliver Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Defender Solutions to the NHS. We've invited Co-Founder of M8 Solutions Tracy Scriven to say a few words about the project.
M8 Solutions, a boutique digital transformation consultancy delivering to the NHS. We place a high priority on ensuring exceptional quality from our strategic partners. In this regard, Cranborne Technology not only meets but consistently surpasses our expectations.
A key contributor to the success of our partnerships is the close collaboration with Ryan Wilson, Technical Director at Cranborne. Ryan consistently delivers on his commitments, and his expertise and guidance play a pivotal role in our decision-making process. From initial discussions to technical pre-sales, every interaction with Ryan showcases a level of excellence that is both timely and unparalleled.
We would also like to extend special recognition to Peter Kaye, Technical Consultant at Cranborne, for his commendable efforts in successfully configuring and deploying Defender for Endpoint on over 14,000 devices recently. In addition, for his completion of a comprehensive Azure tenant security assessment for a proposed new Azure data warehouse implementation was truly noteworthy.
Our strategic partnership is built on a foundation of transparency and trust, and we eagerly look forward to future collaborations as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology in true partnership.
Tracy Scriven Co-Founder Lead Consultant for M8 Solutions
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.
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.
