Lancashire IT boss concerned about failings in schools

As schools settle in to the new term, a Lancashire IT chief warns there are many lessons to be learned about computer investment and data infrastructure.
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David Silous-Holt, managing director of IT support and supply specialist Blue Orange, says slow broadband and limited expertise, combined with unreliable or even unnecessary platforms, has left some schools bottom of the technology class.

He said: “When I first became involved in this sector four years ago I was a little surprised at what I found. In some cases IT was so bad in primary schools but it wasn’t always due to a lack of spending money.

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"On too many occasions they were being sold the wrong kit. That could involve not being fit for purpose or even powerful enterprise level systems which were not needed and a waste of money.

David Silous-Holt, managing director of Blue OrangeDavid Silous-Holt, managing director of Blue Orange
David Silous-Holt, managing director of Blue Orange

“Technology is so important across all education establishments – many are getting it right but some are not. Children as young as four can use an iPad and if a screen doesn’t swipe they think there’s something wrong!

“As a company we conduct multiple cluster meetings with different schools to offer advice and support - and there’s massive job satisfaction."

The Adlington business which offers remote and on-site IT services as well as hardware supplies, to schools, colleges and businesses is on course for a record-breaking year despite the Covid crisis, aiming to double its multi-million-pound turnover and expand its skilled workforce as part of an aggressive growth strategy.

Clients include Hugh Baird College and GLF Trust.

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It is also part of a select group of suppliers that make-up the HP for Education trade-in programme which offers special pricing, trade-In rewards and educational solutions to deliver even more value from HP technology investments.

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