Sereno IT Support

About Franklyn James​

Franklyn James is an independent estate and letting agency based in Docklands and East London. The business is built on a simple belief: if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing properly. That mindset influences everything from how the team works together to how they support their clients.

In the property world, no two days look the same. Agents are constantly managing enquiries, organising viewings, updating listings, and coordinating with buyers, sellers, and tenants. Much of this work happens while the team is on the move, relying on quick access to email, property systems, and shared information.

Behind the scenes, technology plays an important supporting role. Systems need to remain secure, reliable, and easy to access so the team can stay focused on delivering a high standard of service.

For Franklyn James, the goal was simple. Ensure the technology supporting the business remained dependable and well managed, without becoming a distraction from the work that matters most.

Their challenge

Like many businesses, Franklyn James relies on a range of digital tools to keep day-to-day operations running smoothly. Email, property platforms, shared files, and secure workplace devices all play a role in supporting the team’s work.

After several years working with an external IT provider, the business decided it was time to introduce a more structured and proactive approach to managing its technology environment.

The Solution

Sereno began the partnership with a structured and well organised onboarding process, ensuring the transition to a new IT provider was handled smoothly and without disruption to the team.

From the start, the focus was not only on resolving support requests quickly, but on introducing clearer standards and proactive oversight across the business’s technology environment.

Sereno provides responsive day-to-day IT support through a dedicated service desk, with engineers available to assist whenever technical issues arise. A user-friendly support portal allows the Franklyn James team to log requests easily and keep track of their IT needs in one place.

Alongside this, Sereno helps maintain the security and stability of workplace computers by monitoring systems and addressing potential issues before they become problems.

The Sereno team also works closely with Franklyn James when external providers are involved. When a major broadband provider outage caused disruption, the team stepped in to coordinate with the provider and work through the issue as quickly as possible, helping minimise the impact on the business.

The team wanted reassurance that their workplace computers remained secure, that systems were being monitored and maintained properly, and that support would be available quickly whenever it was needed.

Equally important was having a partner who could take ownership of technical issues when they arose, including coordinating with third-party providers if systems or connectivity problems occurred.

Having previously worked with members of the Sereno team, Franklyn James already had confidence in their approach and chose to move their IT support to Sereno in 2024.

The Results

Since partnering with Sereno in 2024, Franklyn James has experienced a noticeably smoother and more dependable IT support experience.

Systems are actively monitored, support requests are handled quickly, and the team has confidence that their technology environment is being properly managed.

As a result, Franklyn James now benefits from:

• Fast, responsive IT support whenever it’s needed
• A smooth onboarding process that ensured a seamless transition
• Improved cybersecurity protections across workplace devices
• A simple, user-friendly portal for managing IT requests
• Reliable systems that support the team’s day-to-day operations
• Support coordinating with third-party providers when required

Most importantly, Sereno keeps the technology side of the business running smoothly in the background. This allows the Franklyn James team to focus on serving their clients and managing properties across Docklands and East London.

About Safer Business Network

Safer Business Network (SBN) is a community-focused organisation working in partnership with businesses, local authorities, and police forces to reduce crime and improve safety across towns and city centres. Supporting a wide range of stakeholders, they handle sensitive data and intelligence that must be shared securely and reliably.   

And as their reach and impact continue to grow, having secure, resilient IT systems is essential to protect client data, maintain trust, and ensure their services remain effective.

Their challenge

As SBN continued to grow, the complexity of managing security across devices and systems also increased. The organisation recognised the opportunity to strengthen oversight and standardise security across all systems. 

Security tools were in place, but over time it became less clear what was fully protected, areas where controls could be strengthened, and whether small risks were quietly building up in the background (such as how people accessed systems and data). With information shared across partners, local authorities, and police forces, that lack of clarity needed addressing. 

At the same time, the organisation was operating across a mix of device generations, creating an opportunity to standardise device management and ensure consistent updates and lifecycle support across all systems. 

As the organisation grew, SBN wanted to ensure its existing protections continued to scale effectively and that sensitive data remained accessible only to authorised users on approved devices. 

What SBN needed wasn’t complexity or more tools. They needed clarity. A clear understanding of what was working, what needed improving, and how to strengthen security in a way that felt proportionate, cost-effective, and respectful of day-to-day operations. Just as importantly, they were looking for calm, practical guidance to help them move forward with confidence.

The Solution

SBN introduced a tailored security strategy, developed with guidance from Sereno IT. By getting clear, practical advice, the team was able to strengthen their security posture and protect client data without adding complexity.

Device Management and Updates

Outdated hardware was replaced, and all devices were upgraded to the latest professional operating systems. This gave the team better control, ensuring that their devices were secure and easy to manage, while ensuring updates and security fixes are applied automatically so everything stays protected over time.  

Simplified Cybersecurity Packages

To keep security easy to manage and cost-effective, SBN adopted Sereno’s clearly defined Cyber Security Packages. Instead of juggling multiple tools and suppliers, this brought everything together under one consistent approach making it easier to understand, maintain, and trust. 

Centralised Security Management

With device management centralised through Entra ID and Microsoft Intune, SBN could easily enforce security policies across all devices. This meant that only authorised devices that meet defined security standards could access company systems and sensitive data, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to critical business systems. They also gained full visibility and control, including the ability to remotely wipe a device. 

Streamlined Access with Unified Sign-On

A unified sign-on system was set up across Microsoft 365 and other key business applications, making it easier for the team to access the tools they needed securely, without the hassle of remembering multiple logins. 

Importantly, these improvements were introduced without disrupting day-to-day work allowing the team to continue supporting partners while security was strengthened in the background. 

The Results

SBN now has a stronger, more reliable security setup that protects client information and supports the way the organisation works day to day. 

As a result, they now benefit from: 

• All staff using secure, up-to-date devices that are easy to manage 
• Clear controls over who can access systems and information 
• Getting full value from the Microsoft 365 tools they were already paying for 
• A simple, easy-to-understand security setup with no unnecessary complexity 
• Clear visibility over security and compliance, all managed in one place 
• Greater confidence for staff, leadership, and partner organisations 
• Security improvements delivered with minimal disruption to daily work 

About Hutton Consulting

Hutton Consulting is a specialist executive search firm working globally across data, technology, and alternative investments. Their work is relationship-led, confidential, and fast-paced  which means they needed an IT partner they could trust completely.

Their challenge

Hutton Consulting needed more than reactive support. They wanted strategic input, a clear point of contact, and systems they could rely on without being pushed into unnecessary tools or upgrades.

Their key priorities were:

• Keeping sensitive client and candidate data secure
• Making informed, business-aligned IT decisions
• Accessing fast support without the usual back-and-forth
• Working with someone who could offer real guidance, not hard selling

The Solution

Sereno provided a tailored IT support service, built around trust, responsiveness, and long-term thinking.

• Personalised IT Support
  Hutton was assigned a dedicated technology advisor who understood their industry and how they worked, offering support that felt considered, not generic.
• Enhanced Collaboration Tools
  Microsoft 365 was introduced across the business, with SharePoint used for secure document sharing and Teams for internal communication — streamlining collaboration across locations.
• Robust Cybersecurity Measures
  Multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, and regular security reviews were implemented to protect sensitive data and reduce risk.
• Strategic IT Planning
  Through ongoing conversations, Sereno helped Hutton align their IT infrastructure with long-term goals — no jargon, no pressure.

The Results

Hutton Consulting now operates with more confidence, more control, and far less friction.

• Trusted guidance from a consultant who knows their business
• Faster support, thanks to Sereno’s easy-to-use online portal
• Secure, scalable systems with clear oversight and proactive advice
• Peace of mind that their IT is in safe, capable hands

Who Are Statons Estate Agent?

Statons Estate Agent is a prominent independent estate agency specializing in high-end residential properties across North London and Hertfordshire. With six strategically located offices and a diverse portfolio, they cater to a wide range of client needs—from charming cottages to luxurious country estates. Known for their exceptional service and in-depth market knowledge, Statons is a key player in the regional property market.

Their challenge

Like many real estate agencies, Statons found themselves constrained by outdated IT systems that couldn’t keep pace with their growing business. Their reliance on an aging on-premises server resulted in frequent downtime, creating delays in accessing critical documents and communications. This affected their ability to manage multiple offices effectively and respond to client inquiries quickly—a must in the fast-moving property market.

Moreover, their previous IT provider lacked the industry insight to offer proactive solutions, leaving Statons underutilizing their existing Microsoft 365 licensing. This meant missed opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance collaboration, both essential for delivering the exceptional service their clients expect. Statons needed a modern IT infrastructure  that would empower their teams to work smarter, not harder.

The Solution

Sereno IT worked closely with Statons to transform their IT operations into a modern, efficient, and scalable setup. The first step was addressing their outdated on-premises server, which was replaced with a secure, cloud-based storage solution using Microsoft SharePoint. This migration not only improved accessibility for staff working across six offices without the need for unreliable VPNs. This also eliminated the need for an expensive backup system, and allowed for a downgrade on firewalls, saving Statons approximately £40,000 over three years.

To maximize collaboration and streamline workflows, Sereno implemented Microsoft Teams for real-time communication and SharePoint for centralized document management. These tools enabled staff to access and share critical property files instantly while on the go, improving response times and ensuring seamless coordination between teams. By fully utilizing Microsoft 365, Sereno empowered Statons to operate with the speed and efficiency required in the competitive real estate market.

Recognizing the importance of security in protecting sensitive client data, Sereno introduced advanced cybersecurity measures at both the device and cloud levels. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and endpoint protection were implemented to secure access to systems, while cloud-based threat detection ensured proactive defense against potential cyber risks. These enhancements provided peace of mind to Statons’ leadership, knowing their systems and clients data were well-protected. 

Sereno also prioritized equipping the Statons team with the knowledge and confidence to use their new tools effectively. Tailored training sessions were conducted to help staff navigate the updated Microsoft 365 environment, while ongoing support ensured any challenges were promptly addressed. The end result was a future-ready IT infrastructure that not only solved immediate problems but also positioned Statons to grow without being held back by technology limitations.

The Results

Statons has experienced transformative results since completing their IT overhaul with Sereno IT: 

• £40,000 Cost Savings: Eliminating unnecessary backup expenses significantly reduced overhead costs.
• Improved Efficiency: Cloud-based storage and collaboration tools have minimized downtime and accelerated property transactions.
• Seamless Collaboration: Microsoft Teams and SharePoint enable real-time teamwork across multiple offices, enhancing communication and responsiveness.
• Robust Cybersecurity: Advanced measures protect sensitive client data, ensuring Statons remains secure and compliant.
• Scalability: The new infrastructure is equipped to support Statons’ growth without additional disruptions or costs.

Who are Urban Logistics Asset Management?

Logistics Asset Management are a specialist property investment advisor, that provides strategic property, investment & operational advisory services to a significant FTSE 250 Real Estate Investment Trust with c.130 properties and a total AUM exceeding £1bn.

Their challenge

Having no internal IT or technical staff Logistics Asset Management are entirely dependent on external partners to support, manage and advise on their IT and cyber security requirements. Operating in a high-demand industry where each staff member is vital to the continued operation of the business, any downtime or interruption due to IT problems has a big impact.  They work with sensitive topics requiring confidentiality, so data security is a major requirement for them.

The difficulty they had was finding a company that was reliable with day-to-day IT support requirements, but could also advise on, and provide, all aspects of their IT infrastructure and cyber security. Their staff could not become too involved in IT-related matters on a daily basis, as this impacted productivity, and they needed someone else to lead the conversation around data security requirements and future improvements.

They needed a dependable support team that removed the burden of IT administration and management from their internal staff while providing advice and guidance to help lead their IT strategy.

The Solution

An initial comprehensive audit and assessment meant they were able to quickly identify any potential improvement areas within their IT environment. These were clearly explained in simple terms and solutions were provided to help them make an informed decision on how to improve the situation.

Their team now have access to a reliable IT service team that they can depend on, removing the need for their staff to become involved or waste their time. They now also have the option to get instant support through online chat or schedule time with an engineer when it’s convenient for them, working well around their busy schedules.

Their Cyber Security requirements were discussed in relation to their industry and business needs and were provided with the best solutions available to them. Their security can be provided, managed, maintained, and reported on by their one provider.

They have a reliable partnership in place. Meeting quarterly, they have their entire IT environment distilled down into a simple online report and are guided through what they need to know, helping them make informed decisions for the future.

The Results

Working with Sereno means that Logistics Asset Management no longer need to worry about their IT and data security, or their staff becoming unproductive dealing with IT-related matters.

They now have an IT environment that is reliable, secure, and scalable, reducing day-to-day issues and allowing their team to be more productive now and in the future.

They have removed the burden of IT on their team, reducing the involvement in admin and management-related tasks. They can depend on Sereno to manage all aspects of their IT requirements as if they had their own IT team and Director.

Their issues are resolved quickly, without technical jargon, and previous frustrations are now removed through streamlined access to support.

Their cyber security services, controls and processes are specific to their requirements and are provided in a simple way through clear packages that include everything they need. Their cyber security keeps them secure without becoming a hindrance to daily operations.

They have peace of mind knowing that all their IT and cyber-related requirements are provided and managed under one roof, with one point of contact.

They have a clear IT roadmap in place, and the conversations around improvements and future requirements are led by Sereno, while they maintain the management visibility they need.