The Guildhall Trust is in the entertainment world, entirely dependent on technology, where expectations move quickly. Nick Coles, Head of Facilities and Event Director, said: “On any given day, we could be getting ready for a big performance, offering training to young people or specialising in a visual arts display.”

The Portsmouth Guildhall is often the venue of choice for world-class acts, and ticket sales are fundamental to keeping the venue ticking over. Nick said: “So much of what we do hinges on our IT. Selling tickets is now all online; we must be able to communicate via email with people who are visiting our venue. We need reassurance that we have the right security and cyber protection attached.”

From headline acts to large dance competitions, including thousands of school-aged children, the Trust must also be ahead of the game regarding GDPR and other data protection measures. The Trust also works with outside agencies and contractors, which often means remote working.

Nick said: “We can have someone halfway up the country operating lights and sound remotely from a building in Sheffield when we are down on the South Coast. We must have 100% trust in our systems to do this.” The Trust’s most significant challenge came when it hosted an Astrophysics conference and needed a conference call with the International Space Station. Nick said: “When we say our Trust is shooting for the stars with what we can offer, we’re not joking.”