The pandemic has led many UK financial firms not just to re-evaluate how they deliver IT services to their end users but embrace it as an agent for change across their business. Examples include the shift to remote work, the adoption of more flexible public cloud services and outsourced operating models such as using specialist managed service providers to compliment internal teams.
In response to the above and combined with future growth aspirations, investment and asset manager Downing LLP has awarded a long-term contract to Lanware to provide its flagship managed service, Finance Forward 365.
Downing LLP, focused on creating a sustainable future with key investment areas in renewable energy, infrastructure, property, healthcare and listed markets , selected Lanware in a formal tender process working with independent consultancy, Broadgate Consultants. The firm will fully adopt Finance Forward 365, an end-to-end solution which provides clients with fully managed end user support, modern workplace technology, unified communications, public cloud infrastructure, cyber security and business intelligence all tailored to the strict compliant needs of a financial firm.
With its internal IT team having previously transitioned the firm to the Microsoft public cloud and a remote working model during the pandemic, Downing LLP will work closely with Lanware to enhance, secure, automate and future-proof its infrastructure and increase the high levels of support provided to its 200+ employees.
With Downing LLP having recently achieved ISO 27001, the industry standard for Information Security Management, Lanware will help reduce Downing’s internal administrative burden of maintaining this certification by providing its own ISO 27001 compliant managed services. This will also be complimented by regular security posture reporting from the Lanware security operation and on-going advice to enhance the firm’s overall IT security strategy.
James Weaver, COO at Downing LLP comments, “This is an exciting time at Downing LLP as we drive our commitment to responsible investing and develop new opportunities for our investors. To support our goals, we needed a specialist managed service provider who could help us grow and focus on our core business activities. Lanware will help us to achieve this.”
Henry Duncombe, MD at Lanware adds, “We are delighted to be partnering with Downing LLP, a leading fund manager with its high reputation in the market for renewable energy, infrastructure, property, healthcare and listed markets. We are looking forward to providing a great experience to their end users and delivering our flagship service, Finance Forward 365, a technology platform which will enable Downing to securely grow their business.”
Notes to editors
About Downing LLP:
Downing is a responsible investment manager established in London in 1986. We currently manage £1.7 billion of assets under a broad range of investment mandates across our funds, investment trusts and tax-efficient products. Focused on creating a sustainable future, our key investment areas are renewable energy, infrastructure, property and healthcare.
About Lanware
Established in 1993, Lanware is an IT Managed Service provider specialising in high quality user support, modern workplace technology and cloud infrastructure to the mid-market Financial Services sector. With its flagship product Finance Forward 365, Lanware’s mission is to achieve long term relationships with leading Financial Services organisations with whom they have a strong cultural fit and can build a brand based on trusted advice and service excellence.
For press enquiries, please contact:
Toby Brown, Downing LLP
Toby.brown@downing.co.uk
t. 020 3817 8413
Paul Smitherman, Lanware Ltd
Paul.Smitherman@lanware.co.uk
t. 0207 150 1100
m. 07900 492007
