Introduction
Class Professional is a leading UK publishing business supporting professional learning and development. With a busy team and growing operational demands, they needed IT that was reliable, secure, and properly managed without delays, confusion, or disruption to staff.
Class Publishing partnered with Dial A Geek for managed IT services in Bristol to improve IT reliability, strengthen cyber security, and complete Cyber Essentials certification as part of a structured onboarding project.
Why Class Publishing chose Managed IT services with Dial A Geek
Like many SMEs, Class Publishing had reached a point where IT needed to be more structured and proactive.
They wanted:
- a dependable IT support team staff could contact with confidence
- fast response times and clear communication
- stronger cyber security controls across devices and email
- a well-planned onboarding process with minimal disruption
- a smooth path to Cyber Essentials certification
They also needed reassurance that once everything was implemented, it would be maintained properly going forward, not left to drift.
The Managed Service Onboarding Process
Class Publishing joined Dial a Geek’s Managed IT Service, which provided:
- a site visit to ensure all IT infrastructure is clearly documented
- responsive helpdesk support for day-to-day IT queries
- full Microsoft 365 management and troubleshooting
- central control of business devices (laptops/desktops) to improve security and reduce IT risk
- managed antivirus and 24/7 security monitoring to detect issues early
- stronger email protection to reduce phishing risk and prevent spoofing
- clear IT policies and onboarding/offboarding processes for staff
- structured onboarding project delivery (so nothing was missed)
- Cyber Essentials certification completed as part of the onboarding
In short: we took full responsibility for their IT support and security, while making it easy for staff to get help quickly.
How we did it
Overview
As an NCSC Assured Service Provider, we help SMEs improve cyber resilience using practical controls aligned with national guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The project was delivered in clear phases, with regular updates and simple communication throughout, so the client always knew what was happening, what had been completed, and what was next.
Phase 1: Discovery and alignment
We began with a structured discovery process to understand their current setup, priorities, and risks, including:
- reviewing user accounts, permissions, and security posture
- assessing devices and identifying gaps against best practice
- reviewing their working setup (including remote working needs)
- creating a clear remediation plan and timeline
This ensured improvements were implemented in the right order, with no guesswork.
Phase 2: Implementation and security uplift
Once aligned, we implemented the key improvements needed for a stable and secure IT environment:
- security hardening across accounts and devices
- centralised device management to protect company data
- improved patching and endpoint protection
- stronger email security controls to reduce phishing and spoofing risk
- practical IT policies to support secure working
- support processes that made it simple for staff to request help, book appointments, or get a call-back
Phase 3: Cyber Essentials certification
With the security foundations in place, we completed the Cyber Essentials certification process and guided the client through it step-by-step.
This is often the part SMEs find stressful, but with the right preparation and support it becomes straightforward.
Results
By the end of onboarding, Class Publishing had achieved:
- a fully managed IT service with reliable day-to-day support
- a more secure and resilient IT environment
- improved staff confidence and smoother internal operations
- a clearer, more structured IT management process
- Cyber Essentials certification successfully completed
Most importantly, IT stopped being a constant background worry and became something the business could rely on.
Feedback
“Working with Dial a Geek has been an excellent experience for us at Class Professional. I would recommend them to any SME who need IT management. We had a well-planned onboarding process and were kept informed as the work progressed. The ticketing system is smooth and prompt. Our staff feel confident contacting DaG whenever they need support with an IT query. Very happy with the service; thank you DaG.”
Emma Milman, Chief Operating Officer 
Additional feedback from the team:
“Ed took the most difficult cyber process for us and made it the easiest one.”
Want the same outcome for your business?
If you’re an SME that wants secure, reliable IT support without delays or jargon, our Managed IT Service is designed to give you confidence, control, and peace of mind.
Whether you need day-to-day IT support, cybersecurity improvements, or compliance like Cyber Essentials, we can handle it through one structured onboarding and then maintain it long-term.
Get in touch today with Gildas
Resources
Managed IT Services: https://www.dialageek.co.uk/managed-it-services/
Microsoft 365 Support: https://www.dialageek.co.uk/managed-it-services/microsoft-365-support/
Cyber Essentials Certification: https://www.dialageek.co.uk/cyber-security/cyber-essentials-certification/
NCSC Dial A Geek profile: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/organisation/dial-a-geek/about-dial-a-geek
NCSC Small Business Guide: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/small-business-guide
Cyber Essentials (NCSC info): https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview