Business Computing and Network Services

Business Computing and Network Services Helping organisations stay secure, productive and connected with managed IT support, cyber security and Microsoft 365 expertise. Contact our team today.
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Proudly supporting businesses, schools and charities across Devon and the South West since 1999 BCNS helps organisations stay secure, productive and connected with managed IT support, cyber security and Microsoft 365 expertise. Proudly supporting businesses, schools and charities across Devon and the South West since 1999. Established in 1999, BCNS provides trusted IT support and technology soluti

ons to organisations throughout Devon, the South West and across the UK. We work closely with our clients to understand their goals and deliver technology that supports growth, productivity and resilience. Our services include:

• Managed IT Support
• Cyber Security Services
• Microsoft 365 Solutions
• Cloud Services
• Business Broadband & Connectivity
• VoIP & Unified Communications
• Network Infrastructure & Wi-Fi
• Backup & Disaster Recovery
• IT Consultancy & Strategic Planning
• IT Services for Schools, Colleges and Charities

Our proactive approach helps organisations reduce risk, improve efficiency, and make informed technology decisions. Whether you need day-to-day IT support, stronger cyber security, Microsoft 365 expertise or advice on future technology investments, our experienced team is here to help. Based in South Brent, Devon, we are proud to build long-term relationships through responsive support, practical advice and clear communication.

📞 01752 547150
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.bcns.co.uk

Find out how BCNS can help keep your organisation secure, productive and connected.

A backup isn’t proven until you can restore it.“We back up” sounds reassuring, but it only describes the first step. The...
03/09/2026

A backup isn’t proven until you can restore it.

“We back up” sounds reassuring, but it only describes the first step. The important question is whether your organisation can recover the right data, within a practical timeframe, when it matters.

A sensible 𝟯-𝟮-𝟭 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 means:

3️⃣ 3 copies of your data
2️⃣ 2 different media or storage types
1️⃣ 1 copy held off-site

But even that is not the finish line. A restore drill should check whether the backup can actually be found, restored and used. It should also confirm how long recovery takes, who is responsible, whether permissions work correctly and whether the process is documented clearly enough for someone else to follow.

That is the difference between having backups and having tested, recoverable backups.

For SMEs, schools and colleges across Devon and South Devon, this work should not become another task on an already-full to-do list. BCNS manages backup arrangements, recovery testing and continuity documentation on our clients’ behalf, helping them maintain clear ownership and a practical route back to normal operations.

When was your last restore test?

If you are not sure, speak to BCNS. We can help you understand what is in place and where a sensible next step would be.

Good IT support is about more than resolving the issue in front of you.It is about knowing how an organisation works: th...
01/09/2026

Good IT support is about more than resolving the issue in front of you.

It is about knowing how an organisation works: the systems a Devon SME relies on, the way a school or college needs people to access information, and the details that matter when something changes.

That is where a dedicated BCNS support engineer makes a real difference. They become familiar with your systems, understand your priorities, manage the technical details and provide continuity, rather than starting from scratch every time a question is raised.

Our engineers are backed by the wider BCNS team and 24/7 support, 365 days a year. Behind the scenes, BCNS also manages administrator access, domain details, recovery arrangements and continuity documentation, helping ensure the right information is clear, controlled and available when it is needed.

The result is less uncertainty for your organisation and a more consistent experience for the people relying on technology every day.

This is the human side of IT support: trusted people, clear records and someone who understands the bigger picture.

https://bcns.co.uk/

September rarely goes wrong because a school has forgotten one big piece of technology. More often, it is several small ...
27/08/2026

September rarely goes wrong because a school has forgotten one big piece of technology. More often, it is several small pieces that are not ready at the same time.

Before the new academic year begins, a cloud-ready classroom should have:

• Reliable connectivity tested across classrooms, offices and shared spaces
• Staff and pupil devices updated, prepared and ready to use
• Microsoft 365 accounts, licences and permissions checked
• Multi-factor authentication and sensible security settings in place
• Shared files and essential systems accessible to the right people
• Recovery arrangements and continuity documentation reviewed
• A clear support route for staff when something needs attention

It is also worth checking access for new starters, leavers and staff changing roles. A tidy permissions list now is much easier than sorting out access problems during the first week of term.

For schools and colleges across Devon and South Devon, good preparation means less disruption for teachers, administrators and pupils; and more time spent on education rather than troubleshooting.

BCNS can manage the technical preparation and provide ongoing education IT support, including access management, recovery arrangements and continuity documentation. The aim is simple: a confident start to the new term, with the important details already under control.

Passwords and SMS codes are no longer the only way to protect your organisation’s accounts.Passkeys are becoming an incr...
25/08/2026

Passwords and SMS codes are no longer the only way to protect your organisation’s accounts.

Passkeys are becoming an increasingly common alternative for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and other services. Using a fingerprint, face recognition, device PIN or security key, they can make signing in simpler while reducing the risk of phishing and credential theft.

They are not a complete guarantee, however. Passkeys work best as part of a wider security strategy that includes secure devices, sensible access controls, account recovery processes and user awareness.

For SMEs, schools and colleges across Devon and South Devon, now is a good time to review how your users sign in. Are you still heavily reliant on passwords or SMS authentication? Are administrator accounts and company devices properly protected?

Our latest article explains what passkeys are, how they help and what organisations should consider before adopting them:
https://bcns.co.uk/2026/08/passkeys-are-replacing-passwords-and-sms-codes-what-you-need-to-know/

BCNS can help review your Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace settings, plan adoption, improve phishing protection, manage access controls and support your users through the change.

A new starter’s first day should begin with a warm welcome, not a queue for IT.Before they arrive, BCNS can manage the t...
24/08/2026

A new starter’s first day should begin with a warm welcome, not a queue for IT.

Before they arrive, BCNS can manage the technical side of onboarding on your behalf, including:

• Microsoft 365 account and email
• Laptop setup and essential applications
• MFA configuration
• Permissions and access to the systems they need

That means fewer delays for your team, less admin for managers and a new employee who can get straight to work.

It is a small part of the employee experience, but an important one. When access is planned, documented and ready from day one, everyone starts with greater confidence.

With BCNS managing your IT support, onboarding becomes a straightforward process rather than a last-minute scramble.

Find out how we can support your organisation: https://bcns.co.uk/

If your office lost power today, could your team still work?Take five minutes to check:1. Cloud systems: Can staff acces...
18/08/2026

If your office lost power today, could your team still work?

Take five minutes to check:

1. Cloud systems: Can staff access the files and applications they need from elsewhere?

2. Phone lines: Can calls reach your team if the office is unavailable? Check your VoIP call routing or divert options.

3. Backups: Are important files backed up, protected and recently tested?

4. People and plan: Does everyone know what to do, where to work and who to contact?

A few minutes now can prevent a very unproductive afternoon. It is a simple check, but one that is easy to overlook when everything is working normally.

Business owners can use this as a quick starting point. If you are unsure about any of the answers, BCNS is always happy to offer practical, impartial advice.

The AI tool your organisation needs to think about may not be one IT has approved. It may already be in use.“Shadow AI” ...
14/08/2026

The AI tool your organisation needs to think about may not be one IT has approved. It may already be in use.

“Shadow AI” is the unofficial use of AI tools by staff, often to summarise meeting notes, draft communications, analyse information or save time on repetitive tasks.

That does not usually mean people are being careless. In many cases, they are trying to work more efficiently. The risk is that sensitive information: such as customer details, commercial data or pupil and staff information: could be entered into a service the organisation has not checked.

For SMEs, schools and colleges, the answer is rarely a blanket ban. A more practical approach is to:

• Set clear, simple guidance on which AI tools are approved
• Explain what information must never be entered into public AI services
• Provide secure alternatives where AI can genuinely help
• Review data protection, retention and supplier arrangements
• Train staff so they understand both the benefits and the boundaries
• Keep the guidance under review as tools and capabilities change

Good AI governance should make safer use easier: not prevent useful innovation.

A sensible starting question is: “Which AI tools are already being used here, and what information is being shared with them?”

“Since the upgrade was completed, the difference has been night and day.”That’s how Bridport Leisure Centre's manager de...
12/08/2026

“Since the upgrade was completed, the difference has been night and day.”

That’s how Bridport Leisure Centre's manager describes the impact of its connectivity and network upgrade.

BCNS replaced the centre’s existing broadband with two 1Gb full fibre connections from different ISPs, supported by 4G/5G backup for added resilience. We also installed a new security firewall and upgraded the switching infrastructure with 10Gb uplinks: all managed through a single dashboard.

The result is significantly faster internet, better performance across modern connected gym equipment and business systems, an improved guest Wi-Fi experience and greater confidence that the centre can continue providing a great service to its members.

Read the full case study to see how a modern, resilient network is supporting this leisure facility in Dorset:
https://bcns.co.uk/case-studies/leisure-centre-connectivity-and-network-upgrade/

When was the last time anyone reviewed what is happening inside your Microsoft 365 tenant?Not the emails or Teams meetin...
10/08/2026

When was the last time anyone reviewed what is happening inside your Microsoft 365 tenant?

Not the emails or Teams meetings: the settings that quietly affect security, cost and business continuity.

Here are five useful checks for Devon businesses:

1. Admin access
Review who has administrator privileges. Remove former employees, duplicate accounts and permissions that are no longer needed.

2. MFA coverage
Check that multi-factor authentication is enabled for everyone, especially administrators, remote workers and third-party users.

3. External forwarding
Look for mailbox rules that automatically forward messages outside the organisation. Some may be legitimate; others may simply have been forgotten.

4. Licence usage
Are you paying for licences nobody uses? Or are employees sharing accounts or missing features they need? A review can often improve both productivity and value.

5. Recovery options
Check your retention settings, deleted-item recovery, administrator recovery arrangements and whether your Microsoft 365 data is included in a properly tested backup strategy.

These checks are easy to overlook because Microsoft 365 usually keeps working in the background. A short, regular tenant review can reveal practical improvements before they become expensive distractions.

Which one has your business checked most recently?

When was the last time anyone reviewed what is happening inside your Microsoft 365 tenant?Not the emails or Teams meetin...
10/08/2026

When was the last time anyone reviewed what is happening inside your Microsoft 365 tenant?

Not the emails or Teams meetings: the settings that quietly affect security, cost and business continuity.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀:

𝟭. 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
Review who has administrator privileges. Remove former employees, duplicate accounts and permissions that are no longer needed.

𝟮. 𝗠𝗙𝗔 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲
Check that multi-factor authentication is enabled for everyone, especially administrators, remote workers and third-party users.

𝟯. 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴
Look for mailbox rules that automatically forward messages outside the organisation. Some may be legitimate; others may simply have been forgotten.

𝟰. 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲
Are you paying for licences nobody uses? Or are employees sharing accounts or missing features they need? A review can often improve both productivity and value.

𝟱. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Check your retention settings, deleted-item recovery, administrator recovery arrangements and whether your Microsoft 365 data is included in a properly tested backup strategy.

These checks are easy to overlook because Microsoft 365 usually keeps working in the background. A short, regular tenant review can reveal practical improvements before they become expensive distractions.

Which one has your business checked most recently?

Address

11 Kingswood Court, Long Meadow
South Brent
TQ109YS

Telephone

+441752547150

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