Switching IT providers - or using a managed IT service for the first time - can feel daunting, but with Apex, you'll have a dedicated team guiding you every step of the way. Each person plays a specific role in ensuring your transition is smooth, secure, and stress-free.
Let's meet them...
With over 20 years’ of experience in the IT industry, Stephen has amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise. He will guide you through the initial introduction process, providing detailed information about our products, services, and how Apex can solve your IT challenges. Stephen also leads the proposal and scoping (supported by one of our Senior Engineers) stages, ensuring that before you switch, we’ve fully understood your requirements and frustrations with your current provider. He works with you to finalise the proposal, confirm commercial details, and ensure all the key onboarding information (like contacts and billing) is ready before handing you over to the onboarding team.
Daryl will be your main point of contact throughout onboarding. He oversees the entire onboarding process and ensures everything is delivered on time and in line with your priorities. From the initial discovery call through to go-live, Daryl coordinates between departments, keeps you updated on progress, and makes sure any urgent IT paint points are addressed early so you see value quickly. Once onboarding is complete, Daryl will confirm the handover to your dedicated Account Manager.
Craig is responsible for the technical implementation of your onboarding. He works behind the scenes to migrate your IT estate safely and efficiently, deploying Apex’s monitoring tools, setting up your services, and ensuring your systems are fully operational.
Craig joined Apex Computing in February 2018 and has supported the business in a number of ways, recently joining our Projects team as a Project Engineer and supporting on onboarding for new customers.
A typical day for me in client onboarding and projects at Apex is all about proactive planning and execution. I start by reviewing the day's tasks, which are meticulously laid out in our project management system.
My main focus is to stick to the plan while also being ready to adapt. Onboarding is about making sure the client feels comfortable and informed every step of the way. I spend a significant amount of time communicating with the client, providing updates, and quickly resolving any issues that pop up. This ensures a smooth, predictable transition for them.
In short, my day is a blend of technical work, meticulous planning, and clear communication, all focused on making the onboarding experience as seamless and stress-free as possible for our new clients.
My journey into the IT world started early—I was building computers from the age of 14. This led me to a work experience placement at a local computer shop and later to formal IT courses in college. It was during this time that I landed my first apprenticeship with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), which really introduced me to the professional side of the industry.
After successfully completing my apprenticeship, I joined the team full-time as a Service Desk Analyst. This role was invaluable; it gave me a deep understanding of the daily technical challenges our clients face. I learned how to troubleshoot a wide range of issues and how to communicate effectively under pressure.
From there I progressed into Projects and Onboardings. The opportunity to plan, build, and execute projects from the ground up, and to be the first point of contact for a new client, felt like a natural fit. This progression from the reactive world of the service desk to the proactive, strategic world of projects and onboarding was a clear and exciting path for me.
Outside of work, my life is centred around staying active and spending quality time with my family.
My main focus is my daughter, We often go for walks so we can get outside and explore. I also enjoy the gym and playing football, staying fit and active.
I once had to onboard a new client after their previous IT provider went silent, leaving us with zero documentation or system access. We had to take over their entire infrastructure—from servers to network devices—with no information at all. To tackle the problem, my first step was to use network scanning tools to find every device. From there, I worked my way up, identifying critical systems and using authorised password recovery methods to gain administrative access.
The one thing that truly makes our team stand out is our proactive, 'no surprises' approach to onboarding. We don’t just send a generic checklist and a welcome email. We treat the first few weeks as a comprehensive deep-dive into the client's business, not just their technology. This means our team is actively working to anticipate their needs before they even have to ask. We conduct thorough discovery sessions, create detailed documentation from scratch, and establish a clear communication plan, so the client always knows what to expect next.
We offer local expertise and personal service. As a local company, we offer responsive, hands-on support that larger providers can't match. We understand the unique needs of Greater Manchester businesses and are fully committed to helping them succeed.
As part of your onboarding, you'll also be assigned a dedicated Account Manager from day one, as well as have access to our team of IT technical specialists and engineers.
From the moment you join Apex, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Account Manager. They are your long-term partner and strategic advisor.
Alongside your dedicated onboarding team, you also gain access to Apex’s experience technical support engineers. They’re available from day one of support to jump in and resolve any IT issues or urgent problems that arise during onboarding. This means you don’t just get a smooth handover - you also get the confidence that if anything unexpected comes up, a skilled team is ready to resolve it quickly.