Building resilience and seamless operations for a growing digital agency.
How ClickThrough Marketing moved beyond ageing infrastructure and fragmented security to create a more reliable foundation for hybrid work, continued growth and stronger protection.
Technology that could keep pace with the business.
ClickThrough Marketing has been helping businesses improve their digital performance for more than 21 years. What began as an SEO-focused agency has evolved alongside the digital landscape into a full-service marketing partner, bringing together specialist expertise to support clients across the country.
With offices in Lichfield and Manchester, alongside a hybrid working model, its people need to move easily between office and home environments. Reliable access, consistent equipment and responsive support are therefore part of how the agency delivers for its own clients, rather than simply background IT requirements.
The business has a strong dual focus on people and performance. For Debbie Bissell, HR and Operations Director, technology sits directly within that responsibility: making sure every employee has the equipment, setup and support needed to do their job well, while giving the leadership team confidence that the business is protected and ready to grow.
Its previous environment was no longer able to support that ambition. Ageing servers, insufficient security and an incumbent provider that was not equipped for the agency's direction created both operational friction and future risk. ClickThrough needed more than a technical refresh. It needed a partner that could understand the business, communicate clearly and build a practical route from immediate improvements to long-term resilience.
The existing environment no longer matched where the agency was heading.
ClickThrough needed immediate technical improvements, but the wider requirement was a clearer and more sustainable technology direction.
Ageing infrastructure
Legacy servers were becoming a constraint on reliability, performance and future development.
Security needed to mature
The agency needed stronger controls, clearer protection and security that was considered in every technology decision.
A distributed workforce
People working across offices and home environments needed consistent access, equipment and support.
More useful communication
Technical recommendations needed to be explained in business terms so stakeholders could make confident decisions.
A considered choice, proven before the full transition.
ClickThrough approached the search for a new managed service provider as a formal procurement exercise. Debbie used a scoring matrix and interviewed Nick, the account manager, alongside the wider Fifosys team to understand not only what they could deliver, but how they would support the business in practice.
Rather than moving everything at once, the relationship began with a small number of projects. The turnaround, quality of delivery and way the team worked gave ClickThrough direct evidence that Fifosys could provide the stronger partnership it needed. That proof made the wider move away from its previous provider a confident business decision rather than a leap of faith.
Clear language, useful answers
Recommendations were explained in plain English, including what each solution would change and why it benefited the business. Stakeholders could make informed decisions without being overwhelmed by technical detail.
Capability demonstrated early
Initial projects allowed ClickThrough to test the relationship, see the team's responsiveness and judge the standard of delivery before committing to the full managed service transition.
A team that understood the operation
Fifosys took time to understand ClickThrough's people, priorities and working model. That business context meant support and future planning could be shaped around what genuinely mattered to the agency.
Build trust through delivery, then keep improving.
Following the initial projects, Fifosys combined infrastructure, security, support and ongoing account management into one joined-up service shaped around the agency's people and plans.
Modernise the foundations
Replace ageing infrastructure and create a more scalable environment for hybrid work and continued business development.
Strengthen security
Introduce Azure security measures, multi-factor authentication and controls that protect users without treating cyber security as a separate add-on.
Build cyber security into the service
Treat protection as a continuous part of every decision, with proactive guidance on suspicious activity and customised training based on the risks most relevant to ClickThrough's people.
Make support visible and approachable
Combine the service desk with on-site technicians and floor walks, helping employees build confidence in the new partnership, ask questions and raise issues earlier.
Create a direct route for escalation
Give Debbie and the leadership team access to an account manager who understands the business, can unblock issues and can translate technical decisions into clear operational terms.
Keep technology aligned
Use monthly check-ins, ad hoc conversations and ongoing planning to connect future projects, cyber priorities and operational needs as the agency continues to evolve.
A stronger environment and fewer technology concerns competing for attention.
The partnership has given ClickThrough a more secure and scalable foundation, together with a team that understands how the agency works.
Greater security confidence
Stronger controls, clearer guidance and security considered throughout the environment.
Reliable hybrid working
Technology that supports employees consistently across offices and home environments.
Support people trust
A responsive route for everyday issues, backed by relationships across the wider Fifosys team.
Readiness for what comes next
A clearer technology position that allows the agency to plan ahead instead of catching up.
“Everything we've done with Fifosys just makes us run better and gives me peace of mind.”
What would a stronger technology foundation change for your organisation?
Start with the challenge, the risk or the pressure on your team. We will help you understand the most practical route forward.