Resources2025-06-23T13:15:29+00:00

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Cablers are Proud to Announce That They are Now Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) Accredited

Cablers are Proud to Announce That They are Now Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) Accredited for the Installation of Video Surveillance Systems (VSS) and Access Control Systems (ACC). After a rigorous audit by the SSAIB, Cablers are proud to now have SSAIB accreditation for their installation of Video Surveillance and Access Control Systems. After internal growth and changes, Cablers realised that to take the next step in their business development, and to provide their customers with an added level of trust and confidence, there was a need to get a nationally recognised certification for their installation services. Approaching the SSAIB last year, the team at Cablers have worked diligently to put all the processes in place to be able to achieve the accreditation.

Why trust in the SSAIB?

‘SSAIB is a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service, – recognised by the British government) approved certification body. Founded in 1994, the SSAIB is a company limited by guarantee, operating on a not-for-profit basis. It promotes high standards of service and is focused on serving the certification needs of organisations providing security and safety related services.’ Why trust in Cablers

By gaining SSAIB accreditation, Cablers’ customers are able to feel confident that their installations are being carried out by a competent accountable team of engineers, supported by a knowledgeable and understanding internal team.

Managing Director Murray Thorpe states: “I’m incredibly proud of the way the team has pulled out all the stops to ensure we have a robust and efficient system in place. Being recognised as SSIAB compliant means our customers can have confidence that the services we deliver meets the highest of standards.”

What the Certification Qualifies:

Video Surveillance Systems (VSS). Certification against the requirements of this scheme ensures that companies provide these services in compliance with appropriate standards and codes of conduct. VSS must be designed appropriate to the nature of the risk identified; they must be compliant with relevant legislation (including The Human Rights Act and Data Protection requirements as appropriate) and satisfy the agreed operational requirements.

Access Control Systems. This scheme is appropriate for companies providing electronic installations designed to permit or deny access to supervised premises. Control may be by means of cards, tokens, codes or biometrics. The company must have appropriate expertise in the design, provision, installation and/or maintenance of access control systems. System designs must be appropriate to the nature of the risk identified; compliant with relevant legislation (including The Human Rights Act, the Data Protection Act and Disability Discrimination Act as appropriate) and satisfy the agreed operational requirements. This will encompass checking some or all the items listed in the SSAIB checklist.

For more information on the SSAIB please visit: www.ssaib.org

Windows 10 Support is Ending – Is Your Business Ready for the Switch to Windows 11?

By Murray Thorpe, Managing Director at Cablers.

If your business is still running on Windows 10, it’s time to start thinking ahead. With Windows 11 adoption growing—35.55% market share as of October 2024—the shift is happening. And with Microsoft ending free support for Windows 10 on 14th October 2025, businesses need to decide: pay for extended security or embrace the upgrade?

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

After October 2025, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive free security updates—leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats. Microsoft is offering paid extended support at $30 (~£23) per device, per year, but that’s a short-term solution that quickly becomes costly.

Cybersecurity Risks of Staying on Windows 10

Businesses that stick with Windows 10 beyond its support deadline will face growing security risks, including:

🔴 Ransomware attacks – Cybercriminals can lock your files and demand payment for their return.

🔴 Phishing scams – Employees are more likely to fall victim to fake emails, exposing sensitive data.

🔴 Unpatched vulnerabilities – Hackers actively exploit outdated systems that no longer receive security updates.

Cyber threats are evolving, and outdated software is an easy target. Without Microsoft’s ongoing security patches, your business could face increased risks of data breaches, compliance issues, and financial losses.

Why Businesses Are Making the Move to Windows 11
1️⃣ A More Secure Future

Windows 11 is designed with security at its core, offering:

✔ Advanced ransomware protection

✔ Built-in phishing defences

✔ Stronger encryption and authentication measures

2️⃣ AI-Ready PCs & Smarter Workflows

The rise of AI-powered PCs is reshaping business operations. Windows 11 seamlessly integrates with next-gen systems, ensuring faster performance and better efficiency. Features like customisable widgets and an improved File Explorer help teams stay productive.

3️⃣ A Future-Proofed Investment

Upgrading now means you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead. Businesses that switch to Windows 11 gain access to the latest innovations, better support, and a system that’s built for the long run.

The Bottom Line
You could stick with Windows 10 for another year—but at an increasing cost and with rising cybersecurity risks. Or you could make the move to Windows 11 now and unlock better security, improved performance, and a more seamless user experience.

At Cablers, we make IT transitions smooth and stress-free. If you’re ready to future-proof your business and strengthen your cybersecurity, let’s talk.

📩 Get in touch today!

🔗 Watch out video blog: https://cablers.co.uk/resources/#blog

Josh the Apprentice Graduates

🎉 Josh the Apprentice Graduates! 🎉

Our very own Josh has officially completed his apprenticeship and is now a fully-fledged member of the team! 🙌 Huge congratulations, Josh—we’re all incredibly proud of your growth and dedication.

Managing Director Murray Thorpe shared:
“Josh has been a diligent team member from day one, embracing our ethos and always eager to learn. Watching him progress and now graduate from his apprenticeship is a proud moment for both him and us.”

Well done, Josh—you’ve earned it! 👏

Teams

Blur or change your background on a video call

Got a video call but your room isn’t appropriate for work? Did you know you can blur your background or change it entirely in Teams? Here’s how to make your backdrop look professional, without having to do any tidying.

Look like you are in one room

Remote working is great, but you can still miss Save that ‘together’ feeling when you’re on a Teams call. Here’s how to make it look like you’re all in the same room.

Master ALL the shortcuts

Shortcuts are great, but only if you know about them. Use this handy tip to see all Teams shortcuts in one place. It’ll change the way you use Teams.

Only allow interruptions from your boss

Everyone needs time to work free from interruptions. But what if your boss is trying to contact you? This video shows you how to use Priority Access to block everyone except your boss.

Quickly mute your mic during a call

How many Teams calls are interrupted by random noises? This really simple shortcut shows how to quickly mute your mic, so your co-workers don’t have to listen to every cough, sneeze or dog bark.

Quickly turn off your camera during a call

Have you ever been on an important Teams call, only to be interrupted by your children or pets in the background? We’ve used a famous viral video moment to demonstrate how to quickly turn off your camera.

Word

Concentrate and type more

Sometimes when you’re writing an important Word document, it’s too easy to be distracted by all the menus and buttons. Did you know you can remove the clutter from Word and put it into Focus mode… with just one click? Here’s how.

Do whatever you want with one click

If you spend a lot of time searching through menus and tools in Word, then your life is about to become a lot easier. Here’s how to create your own Quick Access Toolbar, so you can get to the tools and settings you use most often with just one click.

Swap text to capitals and back on the keyboard

You may already know about the toolbar shortcut to change your text from capitals and back again, but did you know that there’s an even quicker way? We’ll show you this nifty keyboard shortcut.

Do mass personal emailing

Did you know you can send mass personal emails from within Word? Here’s how to make multiple emails look personal to every recipient, without having to leave your document.

Start a bullet-pointed list in just one click

Bullet points are great for communicating information and breaking up large chunks of text. We’ll show you how to create a bulleted list in Word without even touching the mouse.

Compare 2 documents really easily

When you need to compare documents, you don’t need to keep flicking back and forth between windows. We’ll show you how you open these documents side by side for easy comparison.

Outlook

Send emails without reaching for the mouse

You know in movies, where they use their computers without ever touching the mouse? Now you can too. Here’s how to send emails without using your mouse or trackpad – instead some helpful Outlook shortcuts.

Automatically file incoming emails

Is your inbox the digital version of your junk drawer? Introduce some Zen to your digital life and use these great tips to automatically file your incoming emails.

Create a good folder structure for your emails

We get so many emails, it’s easy for inboxes to become a mess. Creating a good folder structure is the perfect way to help you find what you’re looking for quickly and keep your inbox clean and tidy.

See all your calendars in a single screen

Juggling multiple personal and professional Outlook calendars can be overwhelming. Using this really simple function, you can see all your calendars on a single screen. Never miss a meeting or double book yourself again.

Stop the annoying email notification sound

The average person receives over 120 emails every day at work. That’s over 120 annoying notifications to distract you and your colleagues. You probably hear that sound in your dreams… not anymore. Here’s how to make the email notification sound a thing of the past.

Make a new contact automatically

Who has the time to manually create new email contacts?  If you’re still relying on old emails or autocomplete, we have just the thing for you. Here’s how to create a new contact quickly and keep your contacts up to date.

Excel

Always see the headings when scrolling

Excel is great for looking at lots of data, but when you can’t see the column or row headers, you have to scroll back and forth to check what the data means. Did you know there’s a great time saver which can lock the headers in place? Here’s how to do it.

Easily zoom in and out

When you’re looking at data in Excel, make sure you’re looking at the bigger (or smaller) picture by using the Zoom functions. This video shows you how to zoom in and out easily.

Create a good folder structure for your emails

We get so many emails, it’s easy for inboxes to become a mess. Creating a good folder structure is the perfect way to help you find what you’re looking for quickly and keep your inbox clean and tidy.

Get to the top row without scrolling

If your Excel document is very long, it can take a lot of scrolling to get back to the top. Find out how to do it quickly, without moving the mouse or endless scrolling. It’s a shortcut you’ll use over and over.

Instantly see all data in columns & rows

Sometimes in an Excel document the column sizes need to be adjusted so you can see the data clearly. Rather than trying to change all the column and row sizes manually, we show you how to do it in just a few clicks.

Do super-fast sums without formulas

Excel is great for calculations with formulas. But if you find your head spinning trying to remember how they work, we have the ultimate Excel hack for you. This video shows you how to do super-fast sums without formulas.

For support, wherever you are – Chelmsford, Colchester, Braintree, Maldon, Sudbury, Ipswich or surrounding villages and towns –  call the Cablers team on 01787 221166

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