The remote working revolution isn’t going anywhere. Since 2020, businesses across Manchester and Sale have discovered the benefits of flexible working arrangements, but many are still struggling with the technical side of things. Setting up a proper remote working IT infrastructure isn’t just about giving everyone a laptop and hoping for the best.
At PC Express IT, we’ve helped dozens of local businesses transition to successful remote working setups. Here’s everything you need to know to get it right.
The Foundation: Reliable Internet and Connectivity
Your remote workers are only as good as their internet connection. While you can’t control their home broadband, you can help them optimise it.
For employees:
- Recommend minimum 25Mbps download, 10Mbps upload for standard office work
- Video conferencing needs 50Mbps+ for consistent quality
- Consider ethernet connections over Wi-Fi for critical work
- Position Wi-Fi routers centrally, away from interference
For businesses:
- Invest in enterprise-grade VPN solutions
- Consider providing mobile hotspots as backup connections
- Implement Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise business traffic
Many Manchester businesses we work with provide their remote staff with unlimited mobile data allowances. It’s a small cost that prevents huge productivity losses when home broadband fails.
Hardware Essentials: More Than Just a Laptop
The right hardware setup makes the difference between frustrated employees and productive ones.
Core equipment:
- Business-grade laptops with minimum 8GB RAM (16GB preferred)
- Dual monitors (productivity increases by 20-30%)
- Ergonomic keyboard and mouse
- Noise-cancelling headset for calls
- HD webcam for professional video meetings
- Document camera for sharing physical documents
Don’t forget the basics:
- Surge protectors and UPS (uninterruptible power supply)
- Cable management solutions
- Adjustable desk setup for proper ergonomics
- Good lighting for video calls
We’ve seen too many Sale-based businesses try to cut corners on hardware, only to lose more money in reduced productivity and employee satisfaction. Quality equipment is an investment, not an expense.
Security: Your Biggest Challenge
Remote working creates security vulnerabilities that simply don’t exist in traditional offices. Every home network is a potential entry point for cybercriminals.
Essential security measures:
VPN (Virtual Private Network):
- Use enterprise-grade solutions, not consumer VPNs
- Ensure all business traffic routes through your VPN
- Regular security audits and updates
- Multi-factor authentication for VPN access
Endpoint Protection:
- Business-grade antivirus on all remote devices
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions
- Regular automated security patches
- Device encryption and remote wipe capabilities
Access Control:
- Zero Trust security model (never trust, always verify)
- Role-based access to systems and data
- Regular access reviews and user deprovisioning
- Secure password managers for all staff
Manchester businesses are prime targets for cybercriminals who know many SMEs have rushed into remote working without proper security. Don’t become a statistic.
Communication and Collaboration Tools
The right tools keep remote teams connected and productive.
Video Conferencing:
- Microsoft Teams or Zoom for meetings
- Always-on team channels for quick conversations
- Screen sharing and collaboration features
- Recording capabilities for training and reference
File Sharing and Storage:
- Cloud storage solutions (OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Workspace)
- Version control to prevent conflicting edits
- Proper folder structures and naming conventions
- Automated backup and sync
Project Management:
- Tools like Microsoft Planner, Asana, or Monday.com
- Clear task assignment and deadline tracking
- Progress visibility for managers
- Integration with other business systems
The key is choosing integrated solutions rather than a patchwork of different tools. Microsoft 365 Business Premium is often our recommendation for Manchester SMEs because everything works together seamlessly.
Network Infrastructure and Cloud Services
Your office network needs to support remote access without compromising security or performance.
Cloud Infrastructure:
- Migrate key applications to the cloud
- Implement hybrid solutions for legacy systems
- Ensure redundancy and backup systems
- Regular monitoring and maintenance
Network Security:
- Firewall configuration for remote access
- Network segmentation to isolate critical systems
- Regular security assessments
- Intrusion detection and prevention systems
Bandwidth Management:
- Sufficient internet bandwidth for remote connections
- QoS policies to prioritise critical applications
- Load balancing across multiple connections
- Monitoring tools to identify bottlenecks
Many Sale businesses we work with started with basic remote access solutions and found themselves needing complete infrastructure overhauls within months. Planning ahead saves time and money.
Support and Maintenance
Remote working creates new support challenges. Your IT support strategy needs to adapt.
Remote Support Capabilities:
- Remote desktop access for troubleshooting
- Cloud-based IT support tools
- Self-service portals for common issues
- Clear escalation procedures
Proactive Monitoring:
- Automated system monitoring and alerts
- Regular health checks on remote devices
- Performance monitoring and optimisation
- Predictive maintenance to prevent issues
Training and Documentation:
- Comprehensive user guides for remote tools
- Regular training sessions on new features
- Security awareness training
- Quick reference guides for common tasks
PC Express IT provides comprehensive remote support for businesses across Greater Manchester. Our proactive approach means we often fix problems before employees even notice them.
Implementation: Getting It Right
Rolling out remote working infrastructure requires careful planning:
- Assess current capabilities – audit existing systems and identify gaps
- Develop a phased approach – don’t try to change everything at once
- Pilot with a small group – test systems and processes before full deployment
- Provide comprehensive training – ensure everyone knows how to use new tools
- Monitor and adjust – be prepared to make changes based on feedback
The Manchester Advantage
Local IT support makes a huge difference for remote working success. When problems arise, you need experts who understand your business and can respond quickly.
PC Express IT has been supporting Manchester and Sale businesses for years. We understand the unique challenges facing local companies and have the expertise to design remote working solutions that actually work.
Conclusion
Successful remote working isn’t about having the latest technology – it’s about having the right technology properly implemented and supported. From security and connectivity to collaboration and support, every element needs to work together seamlessly.
Don’t let poor IT infrastructure hold back your remote working potential. With proper planning and the right support, remote working can increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve employee satisfaction.
Ready to upgrade your remote working setup? Contact PC Express IT today for a free consultation. We’ll assess your current situation and design a solution that works for your Manchester business.
Get in touch:
- Visit our IT helpdesk for immediate support
- Learn more about our business IT support services
- Explore our cyber security solutions
- Discover our cloud services offerings
- Check out our AI business services for automation opportunities
- Contact us for a free consultation
