Startup For 10: Dial A Geek

Thank you to Gildas Jones, Founder and Managing Director of Dial A Geek, for providing us with this guest blog as part Cyber Month at techSPARK.

In your own words – what do you do?

We make our clients’ lives easier by managing their IT systems, cybersecurity, and compliance.

Most Operations Directors and Managers struggle with this area of the business—it’s difficult to handle alone. Managing devices, patching, third-party software, AI compliance, Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace security… it’s a lot. We bring the tools, the processes, and a highly qualified team to take that burden away. And that’s before we even get started on workflow and operational improvements.

What’s the most exciting thing about what you’re doing?

I love working with businesses making a real difference in the world. A great example is Matter, who are removing microplastics from washing machine outlets and scaling this up for water treatment works. Supporting companies like that is incredibly rewarding.

What are you most proud of so far?

There’s so much. Winning Best Cyber Company at the Sparkies was a highlight.

But what I’m most proud of is our team and their progression. We’ve always championed apprenticeships, they’re a fantastic way to give back to the industry while developing talent. Yusra Shaeik, pictured above, started with us as an apprentice and is now our Technical Director. Her hard work and dedication paid off.

What have you found most difficult about being a startup?

We were a startup in 2006, but I think you are always a startup in terms of keeping the business agile and adapting to an ever changing landscape.

What would you do differently if you started now?

Pretty much everything—apart from consistently providing outstanding customer service. We’re approaching our 20-year anniversary, and the tech landscape has changed massively in that time.

Where do you think you’ll be in 12 months?

Doing more of the same: helping more clients navigate the technology and cybersecurity landscape. We’re increasingly supporting clients with AI-related security and compliance, which continues to grow. We’re also seeing more organisations with international teams—location matters less than ever—so that’s a clear area of expansion for us.

What excites you most about the future of cyber?

I’ve always enjoyed the adversarial nature of cybersecurity and the challenge of staying ahead. There will be no shortage of new threats—and that keeps the work exciting.

What tools/people/services/organisations from the cluster have helped you most?

I’ve always attended the Bristol & Bath Cyber events—they’re a fantastic community and have been hugely valuable over the years.

What’s the best thing about the Bristol & Bath tech cluster?

The friendly, collaborative atmosphere at events. There’s a real buzz in the South West at the moment, with more investment and more success stories emerging all the time.

Where can we find out more about you?

Visit our website—there’s an option to book a chat directly.

I always enjoy meeting new people and helping them on their success and scaling journey.

Or just connect on LinkedIn.