IT lessons need learning

By WWoW PR

23 Sep 2020

As thousands of North West school children make a welcome return to the classroom – and technology continues to inspire new ways of learning - a leading IT chief says there are many lessons to be learned about computer investment and data infrastructure.

David Silous-Holt, managing director of IT support and supply specialist Blue Orange, says slow broadband and limited general expertise, combined with unreliable and even unnecessary platforms, has left some establishments bottom of the technology class.

“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. 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 required and a waste of money.

“I’d just had a child myself and I thought it needs to be better in schools. I cared and developed a deep passion over a period of time. I recognised it needed to be realigned.”

Blue Orange specialise in remote and on-site IT services as well as hardware supplies, to schools, colleges and businesses throughout Lancashire and beyond. Leading clients include Hugh Baird College and GLF Trust. 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.

Now in its eighth year, HP for Education has already given back several million pounds to educational establishments - and this continues with an expanded and improved programme for 2020, with an even greater focus on applying HP technology to make a measurable impact in learning environments.

Cloud-based technologies – from phone systems to Artificial Intelligence are leading the way in a world where children never stop learning, as David highlighted: “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. Our ethos is based on integrity, honesty and agility.

“It’s much more than just making money. If it delivers a better outcome and is better for the client that’s the way we should lead it. It’s got to be about adding value, not about making as much revenue as possible. Revenue changes and comes in different forms.”

He concluded: “As a father myself with a young boy about to start school, it’s become my personal passion and a bit of a crusade. It’s very rewarding to try and help make a difference, however big or small.”

The Adlington-based business is on course for a record-breaking year of success despite the Covid crisis – aiming to double its multi-million-pound turnover and expand its skilled workforce as part of an aggressive growth strategy.

Enjoyed this? Read more from WWoW PR

Latest news

1

Breck to start £15m Blackpool affordable homes and retail development Cropper Road, Blackpool

Breck to start £15m Blackpool affordable homes and retail development

14 Oct 2025

2

New help for Blackpool businesses to access growth money John Fallon speaking at the meeting

New help for Blackpool businesses to access growth money

14 Oct 2025

3

Fuuse raises further £6m as it heads to profitability COO Nik Southworth, CEO Michael Gibson, CFO Sonia Davies.

Fuuse raises further £6m as it heads to profitability

13 Oct 2025

4

Preferred developer named for strategic site Barnfield named as preferred developer for site

Preferred developer named for strategic site

13 Oct 2025

5

Warden completes hospital improvement work Warden Hospital

Warden completes hospital improvement work

13 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

Chamber Business Lunch – October
LBV Hub Networking
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Sep 2025

Chamber Business Lunch – October

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

11:00 - 13:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin