June’s Oxygen IT Solutions Provider of the Month is run by siblings and was recently crowned one of the UK’s fastest-growing IT solutions providers.
ramsac Executive Chairman Rob May opens up on its 2024 goals, which competitor he respects the most, and why the humble cauliflower has become a symbol for its business philosophy…
Can you introduce ramsac in 20 words or fewer?
ramsac are the secure choice™, providing IT solutions, cybersecurity, AI and support services to enhance business efficiency and resilience.
From the clips we’ve seen circulating on social media, it appears that the humble cauliflower has taken on a symbolic importance for ramsac. Why is this?
The phrase “take me to the cauliflower” is used extensively within ramsac as a unique, memorable message which emphasises our focus on truly exceptional customer service. There is a longer explanation here.
Is it true you have a ‘cauliflower wall’?
No, we have an entire cauliflower corridor! I was quizzed on this by the BBC’s Sally Nugent recently, if you haven’t seen the footage, it’s worth watching 😊
You recently moved from CEO to the Executive Chairman seat. Does that mean you’re now less involved in the day to day running of the business?
As Executive Chairman, my focus is guiding the strategic vision and long-term direction of our organisation. I now focus on shaping our corporate strategy, fostering innovation, and ensuring sustainable growth.
In this role, my primary mission is to provide leadership and governance that propels our company to new heights. I collaborate closely with our talented team of directors and managers to drive excellence in all aspects of our operations.
I’m working harder than ever, with a new broader perspective, looking beyond day-to-day operations to define the future of our organisation. My purpose is steering our company towards continued success, fostering strong client and wider relationships, and contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of technology solutions.
What are the pros and cons of being a sibling-run business?
Dan May is now Managing Director, and he is obviously my brother. I remember talking at length with my co-founder Sally Cooper about the challenges of this when he joined ramsac 10 years into the company journey, but it has been a brilliant move all round.
What I would say is that running a business with siblings brings with it deep trust and aligned values, which foster open communication and enhance the company culture.
However, it also poses challenges such as complex emotional dynamics apparent in most sibling relationships and sometimes it can be difficult maintaining professional boundaries, e.g. it’s hard not to talk work even on Christmas Day!
IT Channel Oxygen recently flagged ramsac as one of the UK’s fastest-growing IT providers. Has it been tougher to grow since the tech downturn hit?
No I don’t think so.
Whilst any downturn can make expansion tougher due to tighter budgets, cautious spending by clients, and increased competition, the same challenges also drive businesses to optimise their IT infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity measures, which can increase demand for the sophisticated, resilient services provided by companies like ramsac.
The key to success if the ability to adapt swiftly, offer compelling value propositions, and maintain strong client relationships, turning potential challenges into growth opportunities.
Microsoft Copilot and Copilot+ PCs are being massively hyped. Do you think that will be matched by uptake?
The hype around Microsoft Copilot and Copilot+ PCs for me is really interesting, but whether this will translate into widespread uptake depends on several factors.
Microsoft Copilot integrates AI into productivity tools, offering enhanced capabilities like advanced data analysis, automated content generation, and personalised assistance. This could revolutionise workflows, especially for businesses.
However, uptake will depend on the perceived value versus cost, ease of integration into existing systems, and user adaptability to AI-driven features.
If Microsoft addresses these factors and we as an industry deliver appropriate services and education effectively, the high interest could indeed result in substantial adoption.
What’s the biggest market opportunity people aren’t talking about enough?
One significant market opportunity is the convergence of AI and cybersecurity within managed service providers.
The potential lies in developing AI-driven cybersecurity solutions that proactively detect and mitigate threats, reducing the reliance on human intervention.
This approach can significantly enhance threat intelligence, automate responses to incidents, and streamline compliance with regulations like GDPR.
As cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated, leveraging AI for predictive analytics and real-time response can provide MSPs a competitive edge, transforming the cybersecurity landscape and offering substantial growth potential.
What would a successful 2024 look like for ramsac?
Happy staff, happy clients, plenty of cauliflower and sustained growth of 20-30% YoY.
Which competitor or peer in the market do you respect the most?
Obviously I respect all our competitors! But Bytes Technology Group stands out for me due to their size, breadth of services, reputation, and consistent financial growth.
