First Sentinel & Greystone – Streamlining Operations in Corporate Finance

First Sentinel Corporate Finance is focused on raising capital for small to medium sized business, with the ultimate goal of assisting companies to publically list on the UK markets.  Located in London, the firm is comprised of qualified accountants, lawyers and analysts.  Given the nature of the business, security, data protection and business continuity are major focuses for the firm.

The challenges for First Sentinel

The challenges First Sentinel faced were multifaceted. The firm’s team, comprising mainly of lawyers and accountants, had limited time to spare. Without a dedicated IT support team, they often found themselves relying on other team members to address tech-related issues. Being a regulated entity, the security of their data and operations, especially with the increasing trend of remote work, was essential. The firm needed to ensure that data remained secure on all devices provided by the firm. The demands of the industry and their clients also meant that they had to be agile and reliable, ensuring that their operations ran smoothly without any hitches.

The Solution

Recognising these challenges, First Sentinel turned to Greystone, a leader in providing tailored IT solutions. Greystone embarked on a comprehensive assessment of First Sentinel’s needs and crafted a solution that addressed each challenge head-on.

To bolster security, Greystone implemented robust security policies, ensuring that First Sentinel’s data and operations remained uncompromised. Recognising the importance of secure access, especially with remote work becoming more prevalent, Greystone introduced Multi-factor Authentication and Conditional Access policies. This added an extra layer of security, ensuring that only authorized personnel could access sensitive data.

Understanding the importance of seamless operations, Greystone provided support for Micorosft 365, ensuring that the team at First Sentinel had the tools they needed for their roles. This was complemented by endpoint management using Intune, ensuring that all devices connected to the firm’s network were secure and operated optimally when working remotely.  It also enabled the firm to remotely wipe machines should any devices become lost or otherwise compromised.

Greystone’s solution wasn’t just about addressing challenges; it was about helping First Sentinel move forward. They introduced IT Managed Support, ensuring that the firm had access to expert IT support whenever they needed it. This meant that the team could focus on their business and clients, without being bogged down by tech-related issues.

Proactive approach

First Sentinel found Greystone easy to work with and praised their reliability. Challenges were addressed promptly, leading to improved operational efficiency. The team at First Sentinel found themselves working more effectively and productively, with many commenting on how they could now focus on their core roles without any distractions.

Another key result was Greystone’s innovative recommendation to streamline the firm’s telecommunications. By leveraging Microsoft Teams, Greystone’s suggested solution eliminated the need for traditional telephone hardware. This not only resulted in cost savings but also decluttered the office space, leading to a more efficient work environment. Communication, both internal and external, became more streamlined, further enhancing their operational efficiency.

First Sentinel’s collaboration with Greystone is a testament to the transformative power of tailored IT solutions. By addressing challenges head-on and introducing innovative solutions, Greystone has positioned First Sentinel to continue leading in the Corporate Finance sector. The partnership underscores the importance of having a strategic IT partner, one that understands the unique challenges of an industry and designs solutions to address them.