
This story is sponsored by First 4 IT.
The organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show have a lot to think about – visitors, exhibitors, parking, and even the weather – but one thing they needn’t worry about is technology.
That’s because the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS), which puts on the show each July, entrusts all its IT systems to Harrogate company First 4 IT – and has done for the last 18 years.
Andrew Velvin, managing director of First 4 IT which is based at Hornbeam Park, said:
“IT support is crucial for businesses, organisations, and events to ensure that technology systems are running smoothly and efficiently. In the case of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and Great Yorkshire Show, IT support is essential to provide reliable connectivity and technical assistance for exhibitors, vendors, visitors and indeed the organisation itself. Rapid response and quick resolution are also a critical part of our service delivery.”
For a recent overhaul of the Great Yorkshire Show’s systems, First 4 IT undertook an in-depth assessment.
First 4 IT looked at the number of exhibitors, vendors, and visitors. The company considered the type of devices they use, and their connectivity requirements. Andrew said:
“Based on this, we designed a customised IT plan that addresses the specific needs of the event. We worked with the organisers to ensure that our plan is aligned with their vision and objectives for the event.”
A significant investment in IT
So ahead of this year’s Show, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society has made a significant investment in its IT systems.
First 4 IT’s support for the Show included setting up high-speed internet points throughout the showground. The team ensured that all areas have access to an encrypted network that can cope with streaming and card payments.
Confidence in the Show’s online integrity is vital. So the company ensures that all data collected during the event – such as exhibitor registrations and visitor surveys – is secure.
The team at First 4 IT will also be providing technical help and a troubleshooting service throughout the Show to exhibitors, vendors and visitors.
And when the Great Yorkshire Show – one of the premiere agricultural shows in England – is all over, First 4 IT provides the YAS with post-event support. This includes analysing data collected during the event, providing a detailed report of the IT support provided during the event, including any feedback received, and providing recommendations for future improvements.
High praise for First 4 IT
Allister Nixon, chief executive of the YAS, said:
“First 4 IT is not only located nearby but also demonstrates a high level of proactivity and quick responsiveness in addressing any issues that may arise.”
Put simply, First 4 IT is one of YAS’s trusted partners and has been relied upon to put on many a successful show.
Andrew said:
“We provide customised IT support that meets the specific needs of the event, ensuring that exhibitors, vendors, and visitors have a seamless experience. With our experienced team of IT professionals and state-of-the-art technology solutions, we ensure that the event runs smoothly and efficiently.”
The 164th Great Yorkshire Show will be held at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate from Tuesday 11 to Friday 14 July, 2023.
Find out more:
Whether you’re putting on a great show or have more modest, but no less essential, requirements, call First 4 IT on 01423 859 370 to see how we can help, or check out our website at www.first4it.co.uk.
It’s live! Boundless Networks is ready to install full fibre broadband in your home

This advertorial is sponsored by Boundless Networks
Boundless Networks is now connecting customers to its Ultrafast Full Fibre broadband, with speeds of up to 900Mbps, in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Now, you may be thinking “I already have fibre broadband, what is the difference?” but it is likely you just have Partial-Fibre broadband rather than Full Fibre.
Partial-Fibre broadband takes a fibre cable to a local cabinet but only uses a copper cable to your home, copper is not able to deliver the fast speeds reached on full fibre networks.
Using CityFibre’s FTTP network, Full Fibre from Boundless is future-proof and its technology is capable of much faster speeds so your broadband connection is ready for the future and not just today.
Why choose Boundless?
Boundless Networks is different to the big guys with real people delivering excellent customer service. There are no hidden fees either, Boundless will always be upfront about how much you’re going to be paying.
Unlike larger companies, they don’t sentence you to a contract for years. Instead, they believe in just providing a good service. Offering a rolling monthly contract and saying that people stay because they want to; not because they have to.
The product speaks for itself, with a top package of 900Mbps you can rely on Boundless to give you fast and reliable broadband. If something does go wrong, simply give customer service a call and, with their customers being 358% more likely to recommend them to friends and family than the industry average, they will be sure to work all avenues until your broadband works again.

The Boundless customer service team are always on hand to help
Stress-free installation
Once ordered, installations dates are typically available within six days, but if you aren’t quite ready you can book your installation over a month in advance.
You can choose the date and time of the installation and will get a text from the engineer with an estimated arrival time. The actual installation is stress-free for the customer and once completed you will be fully functional and able to connect.
Customer testimonial
Don’t just take it from Boundless themselves, Graham Allwood was the first person to get connected with Boundless on CityFibre’s FTTP network. Here are some questions Boundless put to Graham:
- Why did you choose Boundless Network?
“They were a local business offering something others do not, namely a one month contract with the aim of good service in order to keep customers.”
- Have you noticed an improvement in your broadband speed?
“Yes. The speeds are fantastic. I cannot fault it one little bit.”
- How was the installation process?
“Installation went smoothly. They turned up when they said they would, very polite and kept me informed every step of the way. As it was a new install, they were often asking me my preference for where I would like the new cable to be placed.”
- What is the customer service like from Boundless?
“Not had to use it much, but on the few times I have, they were responsive and quick to resolve my questions.”
- What would you say to someone thinking about upgrading their broadband with Boundless Networks?
“Go for it! It’s nice to see a local business trying hard to improve customers experience with such a unique package. I would definitely recommend Boundless Networks should anyone ask me.”