What Startups in Newry, Mourne and Down Need to Get Right with IT in Their First 90 Days
1. Think Beyond Just “Buying a Laptop”
A lot of startups jump in by picking up whatever laptop or device is on offer. But take a step back and think about:
What software you’ll need long-term
Where your data will live
Who needs access to what
Having a small plan in place for how your technology will support your growth can make you more productive from day one.
2. Choose Cloud Tools That Scale With You
Many small teams in Newry and surrounding areas get a lot of value from tools like:
Microsoft 365 – great if you’re already used to Word, Excel, Outlook
Google Workspace – simple, browser-based, ideal for collaboration
The key is to pick one and set it up properly from the start — with the right user accounts, file permissions and backups in place.
3. Don’t Put Cybersecurity on the Long Finger
Startups are often targeted by scams and phishing attempts because they’re seen as “soft targets”. A few basic things to sort right away:
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)
Install reliable antivirus/endpoint protection
Avoid mixing personal and business accounts
You don’t need a big budget to be secure – just the right setup.
4. Have a Backup Plan (Literally)
If you only have one copy of your files – and it’s on your laptop – that’s a risk. Use cloud storage (like SharePoint, OneDrive or Google Drive) and make sure it’s backing up automatically.
I’ve seen too many local businesses lose hours of work (or worse) because they assumed things were being saved when they weren’t.
5. Know When to Ask for Help
You don’t need a full-time IT person at this stage – but having someone you can call for advice can save you time and headaches.
That’s where a Virtual IT Director comes in. I work with startups across Newry, Mourne and Down to provide friendly, plain-English advice, set things up properly, and help avoid costly mistakes.
Need a Hand Getting Started?
If you're unsure about the best setup for your business, I'm happy to have a no-obligation chat. Whether you're based in Downpatrick, Newry, or anywhere in between – I’m local, independent, and here to help.