May Talk with Kyle Holmes

It’s almost June already and we’re halfway through the year. June will also be the first month of Summer and this week there's Jubilee fever in the air.

What has the last month of spring meant for you? Today we're talking to Kyle Holmes who is a co-owner and director of Black Nova Designs and Black Nova Technologies. Both of these companies focus on helping businesses and individuals with their technology and any issues around tech at home or in the workplace.

May is the last month of Spring – how has Spring been for you so far in your business? 
Spring has been fantastic for us as a business. We have been very busy with our first ever trade stand event, our second 'Build a PC' day and employing a new staff member. We're also launching our new social media management service run by team member Erykah Goodship. 

Have you had or celebrated any milestones in May?
We had a brilliant milestone of hosting our first ever trade stand at Badminton Horse trials at the start of the month. The week went brilliantly and our VR gaming station was a hit with both the children and adults. 

Overall it was a great experience and the team cannot wait to be at more events in the future!

This has been a challenging time for some businesses – with issues around supply chains and cost of living rises – how are you facing that as a business or as a consumer? 
We have experienced a wide range of supply issues with hardware including, but not limited to, UBIQUITI products and graphics cards. This is something we have had to navigate as a business and as a result we have found a few new suppliers who are much more local than those before. 

So, if at all, we have had a positive outcome from these issues.

Do you have any money-saving tips or hacks you could share?
YES! This may sound counter productive but purchasing new, updated technology is the biggest money-saver out there. Similar to low emission cars and solar energy - to buy them initially seems a lot however the long term effect of having these products will save you a lot of money!

How do you maintain customer service when faced with issues such as staff shortages?
We have had a few members of staff off on holiday off sick over the spring but honestly we see very little difference in the level of customer service because every client can be easily dealt with. 

We have effectively arranged meetings and discussions as well as having over half the office still in and being able to answer the phones. 

Are you recruiting at the moment? 
We have just been joined by a new member of staff. Dean is our new IT technician who will be working alongside myself. He is a fantastic asset to the team and we cannot wait to see how he grows into the position. 

May has been National Walking Month – it’s also one of the most beneficial exercises – do you walk at all?
I LOVE to walk! Walking is one of my favourite forms of exercise, so much that I have taken on one of the biggest walking challenges in the UK! 

I am completing the Three Peaks Challenge this weekend alongside my close friend Danny. We will be walking in memory of my dear friend Ant in hopes of raising money for the charity RNLI who save lives at sea every day. Ant sadly passed away at sea, so this charity holds a special place in my heart. My fundraising link is here if you are feel able to give. I'm hoping to raise £1,000 and to date have raised just over £700 https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kyle3peaksin3days

Where is your favourite place to walk?
I love walking in my local area of Wiltshire. We are so blessed to live somewhere that has so many different walking trails and hikes. I especially love living so close to the historical sites that can be visited during these walks.  

Have you got any events planned  you’d like to mention?
I would just like to shout out about our 'PC Building Day' which I host for children to attend and learn how to build their own PC’s. The event is totally free and for all ages between ten and 16. 

I love tech, as many of you already know, and being able to spark an interest for the generations to come is something I am passionate about. The next ones are coming up after the summer (the others are full) so to register an interest please message through our website here - https://www.blacknovadesigns.co.uk/contact-us

What’s your one top business tip to help others be positive about their business?
Do not fear letting people in. Allow other businesses and prospect clients the chance to get to know you as well as your business. 

Tell us one fact which we won’t know about you!
During my time at boarding school I compromised the school’s Wi-Fi and re-sold it back to them for £5 per month, per pupil. This funded my savings for a new push bike that I wanted… Maybe not funny but it is certainly a fun fact!

For more information visit https://www.blacknovadesigns.co.uk