
Introduction
Cheltenham, UK – 17th May 2023 – Emerge Digital, strategic IT provider and digital innovation consultancy, is excited to announce the appointment of Phil Ball as its new Head of Innovation. This key appointment underlines Emerge Digital’s commitment to drive growth and expand its capabilities in the ever-evolving technology sector.
Phil Ball, a recognised industry leader with over two decades of experience in software development and management, assumes this crucial role as Emerge Digital sets its sights on continuing to develop its innovation capabilities. His proven track record in leadership roles at 7 Layer Solutions and Spire Healthcare demonstrates his abilities in implementing strategic initiatives and managing large-scale projects.
As Head of Innovation, Phil will be instrumental in driving growth in the innovation division of Emerge Digital. His role will include enhancing the company’s proficiencies around Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and optimising project delivery across the business. He will work closely with clients on their Digital Business Strategy, identifying areas where technology can drive business improvement.
"Phil's appointment marks a significant milestone in our strategic growth. His wealth of experience and innovative approach align perfectly with our vision. We're confident that his contribution will propel Emerge Digital to new heights."
Nigel Church, CEO - Emerge Digital
This strategic appointment comes as Emerge Digital embarks on several significant projects. Phil will lead existing Microsoft Dynamics & IoT projects for a number of clients, kick start a software development graduate scheme, and spearhead the adoption of AI internally at Emerge Digital – as well as developing AI as a commercial offering into clients.
Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital, said,
Phil’s appointment marks a significant milestone in our strategic growth. His wealth of experience and innovative approach align perfectly with our vision. We’re confident that his contribution will propel Emerge Digital to new heights.
Tom Henson, Managing Director at Emerge Digital, added,
Having Phil on board reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation. His leadership will further empower us to deliver state-of-the-art technology solutions that our clients need.
Phil holds a first-class degree in Software Engineering and has successfully navigated companies through ISO 27001 and changes to GDPR/Article 30. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, football, socialising, and occasional gaming.
Introduction
April 17th 2023/Cheltenham: IT Managed Services Provider, Emerge Digital, has teamed up with the world’s leading software company within the MSP space, ConnectWise, to make enterprise-level cyber security protection accessible to SMEs and help reduce the spiraling cost of security for corporations.
Last year, 54% of SMEs experienced a cyber-attack, according to a Vodafone study, an increase of 15% in two years. In a separate report, 38% admitted to having insufficient budget to adequately protect themselves against cyber-attacks. For corporations, the growing cyber security skills gap has led to a lack of in-house expertise to manage their complex networks, while paying a premium for their IT security solutions.
By partnering with ConnectWise, Emerge Digital hopes to redefine cyber security for SMEs, bringing proven industry expertise and enterprise-grade cyber security protection to the market at SME-friendly prices.
"Together we wanted to break down barriers for SMEs and tackle the challenges for corporations, helping them access the solutions and support needed to confidently defend their businesses against today’s emerging threats. "
Tom Henson, Managing Director - Emerge Digital
The new offering from Emerge Digital, called ‘OnyxSecure’, will be available in three tiers. Each will include a dedicated team of highly certified cyber security engineers, and advanced protection from world-leading vendors including Microsoft, ThreatLocker and CybSafe, all of which are typically unaffordable for SMEs.
Emerge Digital’s entry level tier, OnyxSecure Essential, includes a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC), Dark Web Monitoring and Zero Trust Security, as well as AI-powered Robust Endpoint Defence, and a solution which provides Microsoft Cloud Fortification by logging usage data from across Microsoft 365 systems.

Tom Henson, Managing Director at Emerge Digital, said: “ConnectWise creates state-of-the-art products that are used far and wide across the cyber security and IT industries. Having been a trusted partner of the company for nearly a decade, we’ve leveraged ConnectWise’s products to provide our clients with best-in-class solutions across their cyber security. Together we wanted to break down barriers for SMEs and tackle the challenges for corporations, helping them access the solutions and support needed to confidently defend their businesses against today’s emerging threats.
“Our three tiers of cyber security services sit at 60% less than our usual price point, which was already extremely competitive with the wider industry. We’ve lowered our prices without compromising on quality. Each solution can be deployed rapidly, giving companies access to world-leading, Gartner Magic Quadrant and Forrester Wave technologies.
OnyxSecure Essentials offers industry-leading protection worth £50 per user, per month, at the reduced price of £20 per user, per month. Prices for OnyxSecure Enhanced start from £50 while the OnyxSecure Elite price is calculated on a bespoke basis. Emerge Digital is also offering Cyber Essentials certification as a service to help maximise the value of their selected tier.
About Emerge Digital
Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation business and Managed Services Provider (MSP) which provides solutions to SMEs that drive efficiency, competitiveness, and profit. Using comprehensive solutions, including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and innovative technologies like process automation and data visualisation – Emerge Digital enables businesses to invest in technology that supports them in achieving their goals.
About ConnectWise
Born out of a single software solution designed to help MSPs gain control of their help desk and billing, ConnectWise has grown into a robust platform of software built for technology solutions providers (TSPs) to run their entire as-a-service business. With products aiding in business management, remote monitoring and management, remote control and access, quote and proposal automation, and cybersecurity risk assessments, integrations with hundreds of key vendors, plus the largest and most engaged community in the industry, ConnectWise has built a platform for The IT Nation.
Introduction
We are thrilled to announce that Emerge Digital has been named one of the 50 Best Managed IT Service Providers in the UK for the fifth year running. This significant milestone demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding service and innovative solutions to our clients.
2022’s Britain’s Best Managed IT Companies Award received over 1,200 applications, making the competition tougher than ever. We are proud to have been recognised among the very best in the industry, and we extend our congratulations to the other winners.
Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital, said, “We are incredibly proud to have won this prestigious award for the fifth year in a row. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our team, as well as the trust and loyalty of our clients. We are committed to continuing to provide the highest levels of service and innovation in the years to come.”

At Emerge Digital, we see ourselves as more than just a managed services provider; we are a strategic partner to our clients, working closely with them to understand their objectives, values, and missions. This approach has enabled us to develop transformative solutions that help our clients achieve their business goals, and it will remain the foundation of our work as we move forward.
If you would like to learn more about how Emerge Digital can help your business with innovative IT solutions, please contact us at hello@emerge.digital or visit our website to book an introductory call.
Introduction
We are very excited to announce that we are sponsoring England Rugby and Gloucester-Hartpury centre Tatyana Heard across the 2022-23 season.
"With the spotlight on the continued development of women's sport, it is wonderful to be sponsoring Tat who is at the heart of that effort."
Nigel Church, CEO - Emerge Digital
Building on our partnership with Gloucester Rugby, we are proud to support Tatyana Heard and champion the Gloucester-Hartpury Women’s team, who have a track record of developing world-class players like Tatyana.
Tatyana, born in Italy, started playing rugby at Malton and Norton RUFC at the age of 11. She studied at Hartpury College and Cardiff Met, and began playing for Gloucester-Hartpury in 2017. In 2018, she got her first England cap, and played her part in the Red Roses winning the Grand Slam. She is currently in New Zealand, preparing for the Rugby World Cup 2021 Final against the host nation.
Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital says “With the spotlight on the continued development of women’s sport, it is wonderful to be sponsoring Tat who is at the heart of that effort. A successful England team and a successful domestic women’s league can only help support the continued growth and development of the sport. Go well Tat, and let’s hope you bring back the World Cup to match the achievements of the Lionesses.”
Introduction
Emerge Digital, the Official IT & Cyber Partner of Gloucester Rugby, have renewed their long-term partnership with the Cherry & Whites.
"We’re really pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Emerge Digital. Both the Club & Emerge Digital are committed to be industry leading in our fields and together we are excited about realising that ambition."
Alex Brown, Chief Operating Officer - Gloucester Rugby
As part of this partnership, Emerge Digital and Gloucester Rugby will continue to work together to secure and manage the technology infrastructure of the club and ensure the operational performance off the pitch is at the optimum level.
As well as continuing to provide their award-winning managed IT support services, Emerge Digital will be supporting the club’s newly deployed telecoms infrastructure, and working with Gloucester Rugby to manage their cyber security strategy to strengthen defences and help keep the data of supporters, players, and employees secure.
"As passionate fans of rugby and the club, it has been brilliant to be able to agree a long-term partnership with Gloucester Rugby. The team at the club have an ambitious vision for the use of technology for fans, players and staff and we are looking forward to supporting the club achieve its vision whilst also protecting it from cyber threats."
Tom Henson, Managing Director - Emerge Digital
Gloucester Rugby will also benefit from Emerge Digital’s Digital Business Strategy, helping the club to explore new ways of innovating and using technology to create a unified experience across the club.
"It is an enormous honour to be able to contract with the club for another three years. Our success is testament to both the vision, hard work and dedication of our team and the strategic view of the club in how technology must play a key role in the continued success of the club. We are looking forward to helping the club have another successful season both on and off the field."
Nigel Church, CEO - Emerge Digital





