We were recently approached by the networking business, Gatwick Diamond Business (GDB), who asked our Sales Director, Andrew Sewell, to be featured in one of their 2024 editions of Diamond Magazine. Wessex IT has a long-standing association with GDB, having been a member of theirs since 2007, as well as being GDB’s managed IT service provider since 2010. Being a GDB member helps businesses make connections to ignite new opportunities, and gives these businesses access to a range of business services, from networking events to bespoke advice — this is exactly what they have been providing us with, and we’re so thankful for their services.
Why not check out their membership options for yourself here? We’re sure you won’t regret it!
See what Andrew has to say about GDB and their invaluable services below:
Name: Andrew Sewell
Business name: Wessex IT
Description: Where great service and creative technology solutions combine, leveraging our portfolio of innovative and bespoke IT support solutions for businesses. We love great service, we love monitoring — we love IT.
Member since: September 2007
“GDB has supported Wessex IT brilliantly and has helped raise our profile exponentially within the region.”
What appealed to you about joining GDB?
I was invited along as a guest and was instantly made to feel very welcome — the meeting was also upbeat and lively. My first points of contact were the likes of Jeremy Taylor and Susan Fleet. Back in 2007, GDB was known under the name of CADIA, and I have been an active member ever since. The rest is history!
What was the thing that surprised you about GDB?
Sally and her wonderful team are always so full of energy, support, and encouragement, as well as delivering a vast array of different events at great quality that are continually uplifting and engaging. Well Done, Team GDB — I love coming along to your events!
What’s the biggest single thing you’ve got from being a member of GDB?
Our profile has been raised since becoming a member, and we are now one of the go-to MSPs in the surrounding areas.
What difference has being a member of GDB made to your business?
Personally, I have met lots of different people, made many friends, and received lots of support whilst growing Wessex IT from a business starting out with just two directors, to a team of over 20. We have met many great people and clients, raised money for charity (in a drive from Manor Royal to Monaco), and made the odd acquisition here and there.
GDB puts on lots of different types of events — what’s your favourite?
I do enjoy the larger monthly Membership Meet ups, where you can catch up with lots of different people in a relatively short amount of time, share stories and experiences, and build strong relationships between businesses.
However, my favourite events are the Networking at Ease lunches. By having a slightly slower pace of networking and getting to meet 8 or so people at a time at each table or course, you get to hear from a few less people, but form quality relationships. From then, I find you build relationships further with those people that you want to do business with.
What’s different about GDB compared to other networking you do?
There is a real great buzz across the entire organisation and there are businesses of all sizes involved within GDB. I really don’t get to meet any of the larger business owners and MDs via other networking opportunities — this is something that GDB are fantastic at doing!
What’s your top tip for getting the most out of networking?
Be present. Give your time freely. Support others by helping them find what they need, and you will be remembered for that — this helps grow trust within your peers.
Besides the events, what else do you get out of your GDB membership?
Mixing with other business owners is a great form of support and reassurance, and knowing a variety of people who can help with lots of different issues is very helpful and useful — from HR, to being linked to the local bank manager!
Get In Touch!
Are you and your business interested in having your IT looked after by a trusted, Sussex-based, leading IT support business? Then look no further than Wessex IT. Why not get in touch with us to organise a free IT Services Audit? You might be surprised by what we find! We would love to hear from you — you can find our contact details here.
You can even check out what our clients have to say about us and our services here!
Check out what we can do for you in regard to preparing for The Big 2025 PSTN and ISDN Switch-Off and setting you up for the future here!
Wessex IT can help your business navigate the switch to SOGEA and VoIP services. We can advise, migrate, and support your business during the switch-off, so you can be reassured that your current and future IT systems are in good hands.
If one of your services that we already provide is going to be affected by the switch-off, we will guide you through the change. Things won’t just stop working!
If you’re looking to move or upgrade current services with other suppliers, we offer a variety of solutions that can replace and often improve your current communications. Our range of broadband products are suitable for all types of organisations.
