Kieran Turnbull - Owner, Zenith Systems
What did you set out to achieve this year?
My primary goal this year was to pivot Zenith Systems from a consultancy-focused service to managed IT services as our main offering. This shift allows us to forge deeper connections with our customers, enabling us to proactively support their workflows and strategic goals. By focusing on managed IT services, we’re able to become a true partner to our clients, dedicating more time and resources to understanding and enabling their operations and processes. Ultimately, this move aims to empower businesses to focus on growth while we take care of their tech needs.
Has everything gone according to plan?
Growth has been somewhat slower than I anticipated, primarily because many potential customers are holding off on technology investments until the spring. To address this, we’re actively working with them to develop strategic roadmaps, so they’re prepared to tackle high-priority issues once their funding is ready. Although it’s a slight setback, I see it as an opportunity to engage customers in meaningful conversations about their future goals and how we can support them when the timing is right.
What are you most proud of this year?
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s something we take great pride in. Our customers are telling us that our coaching and strategic approach have boosted their confidence that technology can provide value to their businesses. They feel empowered to concentrate on their core business, knowing they have a dependable IT partner behind them. This reinforces our commitment to not just being a service provider but a trusted advisor that helps clients make tech work for their businesses.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received this year?
“Are you sweating the right sprouts?”, courtesy of Dave Algeo. It’s a playful yet profound reminder to focus on what truly matters. The main driver being that when managing mental health, it’s easy to spend time and energy worrying about the wrong things. This particularly struck me as it visualises big and small stresses using cabbages and sprouts. It’s timely for the season we’re in and well worth checking out at davealgeo.com as I can’t do it justice here.
What has been the most enjoyable deal you’ve been involved with?
I’ve found that supporting Community Interest Companies (CICs) has been especially rewarding. These social enterprises aim to make a positive impact, particularly in the North East, but often miss out on the same funding or support that charities receive. By helping them optimize Microsoft 365 and other resources, we’re able to stretch their tech Budgets further, enabling them to focus on their missions. Working with CICs aligns with our commitment to supporting organizations that do good as part of my longer-term plans to turn Zenith Systems into a B-Corp, and I certainly sleep better at night feeling like I’ve played my part.
What is the most enjoyable business event you have attended?
I attend quite a few and my standout by far has been the Platform events run by Paul Lancaster. You can see and hear from new startups in the North East, as well as hear the various journeys and challenges that more established entrepreneurs have had. I always walk away having had my perceptions challenged. That’s why I try to make time in the calendar to attend. These events are incredibly valuable for anyone in the business community, and I highly recommend you visit ukstartupweek.com to get yourself tickets.
What have you learnt about yourself this year?
This year reminded me that I’m still very much a tech enthusiast at heart. I often find myself drawn to ideas for improving systems or processes, even if they’re not immediate priorities. My family can attest to this, as it took me almost a year to finally finish redecorating our utility! To stay focused, I’ve dusted off some old time-management books, helping me prioritise the areas that matter most, both in my business and personal life.
Describe 2024 in three words….
Change. Challenge. Purpose. These words encapsulate our vision for the coming year, as we continue to adapt, confront new challenges, and remain steadfast in our purpose of supporting our customers’ growth.
What are your aims for 2025?
Looking ahead, our goal is to grow the managed IT side of our business to the point where we can expand our support team. This will allow us to further our mission of helping clients get the most out of their technology, ensuring they have reliable, strategic support every step of the way.
www.zenith.systems