One of Birmingham's biggest networking groups has revolutionised its technology and working practices thanks to a local IT specialist.

Birmingham Forward, the professional services networking and lobbying group, has completely overhauled its IT network working with Kidderminster company Innovit.

The staff of six can now work flexibly and more efficiently including while on the move and from home following the installation of a new server and the upgrading of their IT system.

Birmingham Forward operations and development manager Jo Sollom said the work carried out by Innovit had proved essential for the organisation.

"Our small team runs two networking organisations and arranges events for a membership database of almost 2000 contacts," she said.

"The website and our systems are very important in maintaining a good member relationship and ensuring we are able to support their needs.

"Without an internal IT department and little IT and technology knowledge it is essential for us to have t rustworthy qualified support.

"Andy Dent, Innovit's managing director, completely reviewed our systems and IT packages and made jargon free recommendations to enable us to work more efficiently, and where necessary, remotely.

"The confidence in our IT systems and support is now 100 per cent improved which removes a lot of uncertainty and enables us to offer a professional and effective service for our members."

According to Mr Dent, the most important part of the process for Birmingham Forward was ensuring a smooth transition when new technology was implemented.

"In the first instance we knew we needed to find a cost effective solution which would offer the organisation the stability needed for both the website and online booking system," he said.

"Birmingham Forward also needed to ensure that day to day activity wasn't disrupted so they could continue with 'business as usual'.

"The Innovit team carried out the transition when installing the new system seamlessly and I am delighted to say Birmingham Forward very quickly saw the benefits. We now work with them on an ongoing support basis to ensure the systems work as efficiently and as flexibly as possible." ..SUPL: