Microsoft UK introduces Cloud Decisions to build out Softcat’s Azure capability.
What They Needed...
Given the UK’s well-documented digital skill gaps, the provision of specialist talent services and skilling is an important element of the support offered by Microsoft’s Global Partner Solutions.
It is an area in which Cloud Decisions excels. Microsoft’s UK Partner Talent Services was created to offer resources that help grow new and existing talent within the partner ecosystem. The specialist talent providers selected offer partners support from early careers and graduates through to the experienced, emerging and diverse talent acquisition services that CloudDecisions delivers.
What We Did...
Founded in 1993, over the last 25 years the Microsoft Gold Partner has developed a reputation for its passion, employee satisfaction and world-class customer service. With offices around the UK and Ireland, Softcat now employs more than 1,900 dedicated professionals. People are at the heart of Softcat’s ability to deliver digital transformation and technical solutions that support and delight its customers. Consequently, talent acquisition in emerging technology areas is an especially important focus for the business. As a Microsoft Gold Partner, sourcing experienced staff with knowledge and expertise in the Microsoft technology stacks is front and foremost. Working with Microsoft’s Global Partner Solutions team, Softcat was strengthening its Azure practice and building its Azure managed services capability towards becoming an Azure Expert MSP in the nearest possible future. Faisel Khan, Recruitment Lead at Softcat, was introduced to = Microsoft’s UK Partner Talent Services providers via Brad Barker, Senior Partner Development Manager, and Sergio Carrilho, Partner Technology Strategist at Microsoft. Softcat chose Cloud Decisions’ specialist talent acquisition and advisory services to support it in achieving its strategic goals.
“I’ve worked with many agencies and, from my first encounter with Cloud Decisions, it was evident they are different,” says Faisel Khan. “Their understanding of the space in which they operate is second to none. They are low maintenance and they operate with a refreshing humility and integrity. One can sense an earnest desire to build a genuine partnership rather than simply making placements.”
Softcat is one of the UK’s leading providers of IT and digital transformation services to the corporate and public sectors.
The Finished Result...
Cloud Decisions dedicates its talent services to Microsoft UK’s partner ecosystem. It specialises in sourcing experienced, emerging and diverse talent for its partner clients.
Cloud Decisions won over the entire team in a very short space of time… More than just another agency, they have become a trusted partner. Microsoft UK introduces Cloud Decisions to assist Softcat in building out its Azure services capability. Softcat chose to work with Cloud Decisions to grow its Microsoft Azure team in late 2021. I needed to bring in additional talent across all areas of its Azure managed services business, including solutions architects, engineers, presales consultants and support.
“Our recruitment needs are challenging and we can be demanding,” Faisel explains, “Cloud Decisions will give us substantiated intel and push back intelligently – but that won’t dissuade them from working on those challenging vacancies.
The Softcat team was impressed by the nuanced understanding of the market that the Cloud Decisions team demonstrated. The honesty and integrity of the team helped to build a trusted partnership quickly. “Cloud Decisions are not pushy. They are pragmatic, responsive and agile,” commends Faisel. “They won over the entire team in a very short space of time, which is quite a feat. We have a rare confidence in Cloud Decisions.” The attention to detail demonstrated by the Cloud Decisions team is especially appreciated by Softcat. Faisel states, “Cloud Decisions are a genuinely lovely bunch and that elevates our relationship to something more than just another agency. They’ve become a trusted partner. I know I can pick up the phone to Cloud Decisions and always get insight and perspective greater than I anticipated.” “I have no reservations introducing Cloud Decisions to any relevant area of our business, because I know they will deliver and I know they understand the way we like to work,” continues Faisel. “Their track record of success in such a short space of time speaks for itself.”
Cloud Decisions won over the entire team in a very short space of time... More than just another agency, they have become a trusted partner.
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