Myles Peart is the Technical Director of NetSec, a UK-based managed service provider. The company recently won a prestigious MSP award from SuperOps and were named Emerging MSP of the Year.
An Interview With Myles Peart
The NetSec MSP Tool Stack
Myles says he’s developed the company’s tool stack over the last three years, testing out different solutions. “We don’t just add software for the sake of it. We really want that stack to be a value add.
“We’ve made some changes here and there, but the core stack remains the same. That includes Heimdal Security, who are one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity companies in Europe. It was a no-brainer for us, because it unifies a massive amount of tools but it’s constantly being updated too.
“It’s great for us to let our customers know about new modules and share how it will benefit them. We use Keeper Security for password management and cyber awareness training. Then N-Able Cove for M365 backup, Exclaimer for digital signatures and Cyber Essentials certification.”
Unification for SMBs
NetSec are heavily focused on helping businesses realise the benefits of unification and getting more out of less. Myles explained: “We realised that many businesses have a software stack they’re not fully utilising. Or they have a legacy stack that needs updating and reviewing. It’s a common problem.
“So we thought, we operate as a delivery model where we’re one place where clients get everything they need. Their software should do the same. We’re already leaning into automation, and it occurred to us that Microsoft is vast when it comes to the tools they offer.
“Most companies have a Microsoft licence, but don’t do much outside of the core Office suite. We know there are things like Copilot, Power Automate for automation and so much more. Unifying your internal tools in one platform just makes sense, and Microsoft is the way to go for us.”
A Cybersecurity Focus for a Modern MSP
Myles pushes his clients to understand the importance of cybersecurity tools, explaining that it’s something he believes in strongly. “It’s been core for us from the start and it always will be. Risks and attacks are becoming increasingly more common.
“For us, it’s something we can’t ignore and it’s central to our offering. We’ve done a lot of work around user awareness and training and we’ve got great feedback from clients. It doesn’t take much time out of their day but they learn a lot. They’ve even started forwarding us suspicious emails to ask if they’re real. That’s exactly the behaviour we want.
“We don’t expect them to know for certain, but at least they’re aware of the threats now. Most SMEs aren’t aware of the risks their systems face, so the training is invaluable for our users. Clients are at different stages of their journey so we need to meet them where they’re at. But for us it’s not just the tools. It’s processes, people and technology all coming together.”
Strategic Business Alliances for an MSP
Myles has built several business alliances and says they’ve been essential not just for their growth but also to understand different industries. “It gives us an insight into what their needs are, and also how much they understand about tech and tools.
“The partnerships allow us to get to know those people better and deliver a technical approach for good outcomes. For example, we work with Legal News Wales, an independent news site for those in the legal profession. We run webinars and round-table talks, and we’re able to educate their members on things like cybersecurity.
“At NetSec, education and giving back are really important. It’s something that I’m personally passionate about. I didn’t have a traditional route into the industry, so giving back to the community and providing education is a priority for me. I’m giving the guidance I wish I’d had when I started out.”
The NetSec Approach to Customer Relationships
When it comes to client relationships and customer satisfaction, we can often overcomplicate it. “It’s simple really – it’s about being human, understanding people and not hiding behind the tech and your offers. That’s it.
“We have sessions where we sit down with a client and learn about their technical challenges. But we also ask about non-tech problems, too. We get a fuller understanding of their business and their goals. These are key to building relationships.
“But great customer service has to be ingrained from the top down. When we get a new hire, that’s non-negotiable. I want every member of the team to deliver excellence. As the founders, we’re passionate about the business, but we want our employees to feel the same. We strive to help our customers progress as we do.”
How Myles Keeps up With Technology Changes
“It’s an ongoing battle to keep up with the latest tech development. Especially when, as the business owner, you’re drawn towards the management side and away from the tech. But it’s a passion of mine, and so I like to stay up to date. I can’t help it.
“I like to get involved in the early stages of a project. I still offer consultancy and guidance to all of our customers. I want to make sure that they’re getting the right tech for their business needs.
“Inevitably, that will change as the business grows. But for now I can still do it and enjoy it. I do a lot of internal training with the team, and help train our customers as well. There’s less fixing things now, but I’ve done so much learning over the years that I haven’t forgotten it.”
How to Connect With Myles
- NetSec
- Follow NetSec on Instagram
- Follow NetSec on LinkedIn
- Connect with Myles on LinkedIn
How to Connect With Me
- Subscribe to TubbTalk RSS feed
- Subscribe, rate, and review TubbTalk on iTunes
- Subscribe and rate TubbTalk on Spotify
- Follow TubbTalk on iHeartRadio
- Follow @tubblog_msp on Instagram
Mentioned in This Interview
- PSA/RMM platform: SuperOps
- SuperOps MSP awards
- Cybersecurity tool: Heimdal Security
- Password manager: Keeper Security
- Cloud backup: N-able Cove
- Email signature software: Exclaimer
- Certification: Cyber Essentials
- Microsoft automation tool: Power Automate
- Scott Riley of Inside Agent
- News site: Legal News Wales
- Tech careers for young people CyberFirst
- UK government security centre: NCSC
- David Brereton of MysonPages
- MSP community: The Tech Tribe
- Automation platform: Zapier
- Business event: Ideas Fest
- Entrepreneur seminar: James Sinclair Business Master Class
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Richard Tubb is one of the best-known experts within the global IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) community. He launched and sold his own MSP business before creating a leading MSP media and consultancy practice. Richard helps IT business owner’s take back control by freeing up their time and building a business that can run without them. He’s the author of the book “The IT Business Owner’s Survival Guide” and writer of the award-winning blog www.tubblog.co.uk
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