Behind the screens with Nexus Open Systems

For over 25 years, Nexus Open Systems has been quietly powering some of the South West’s most trusted businesses – from law firms to financial services and everything in between. Based in Exeter, the company provides a broad range of IT support, cloud solutions, cybersecurity and consultancy across England and Wales, with clients as far afield as Birmingham and Cardiff.

Founded in 1998, Nexus has grown into a close-knit team of nearly 50, combining technical know-how with proactive problem-solving. From legal firms to housing associations, their mission is simple: to help organisations make smart, safe use of technology.

“We’re not just here to fix something when it breaks,” says Sarah Bailey, Head of Marketing. “We work as a strategic partner- looking at how IT can help you scale, protect your data, or just make things easier for your team.”

That people-first approach is one of the reasons Nexus has returned as a sponsor for the DASLS Legal Awards 2025, this time backing the Law Firm of the Year (up to 4m turnover) category. “We work with a lot of legal clients,” says Sarah. “With the nature of the data they handle, cybersecurity and compliance are absolutely critical. It’s a sector that really aligns with what we do, so getting involved and celebrating some of the fantastic work happening locally just made perfect sense.”

This is the second year Nexus has supported the DASLS Awards, and the team will once again be there on the night, cheering on clients and presenting an award. “Last year was brilliant – really well attended, great atmosphere, and a lot of firms we know and work with were nominated,” Sarah says. “It’s always nice to see clients winning awards and to support the sector more widely.”

Last year’s DASLS event, she adds, was full of sparkle, celebration, and a little bit of suspense. “Everyone is there to have a good time, you’re genuinely rooting for people you work with. There’s definitely more to the evening than just the glamour!” she laughs.

While the legal sector is a key focus, Nexus works with businesses of all sizes who see technology as a core part of their operation - not just a tick-box.

“A lot of what we do is preventative,” Sarah says. “It’s not just about fixing something when it breaks. We look at how we can stop issues happening in the first place.”

That includes advanced cybersecurity packages like their managed SOC (Security Operations Centre), offering round-the-clock monitoring for potential cyberattacks. It’s the kind of service that would once have been out of reach for smaller businesses, but thanks to AI and automation, it’s now both scalable and affordable.

“AI has really levelled the playing field,” Sarah explains. “Solutions that used to be too expensive for SMEs are now much more accessible. It means even a 40-person team can benefit from enterprise-grade protection.”

AI is fast becoming a key pillar of their work. Nexus now offers AI consultancy to help firms navigate tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, helping them automate routine tasks, cut costs and use the right tools safely.

“We’re finding there’s a lot of appetite, but also a lot of nervousness,” says Sarah. “People don’t always know where to start, or what’s safe to use. Our role is to help them use AI in a smart, secure way – without putting sensitive data at risk.”

It’s not just tech support on offer, either. Clients can access services like a Virtual Chief Information Officer - a senior-level advisor who works with leadership teams to align technology with business goals.

“Whether it’s growth, acquisition or launching something new, we help map out what tech you’ll need to get there,” Sarah explains. “It’s a more strategic relationship, and it’s something a lot of our clients really value.”

They also offer onboarding support, disaster recovery solutions, cloud migration, Microsoft 365 support and more.

“We’re not a break-fix company,” Sarah adds. “We work with business leaders to look at the bigger picture - whether that’s growth plans, acquisitions, or futureproofing infrastructure. We’re very much about being proactive, not reactive.”

Cybersecurity remains front and centre for Nexus in 2025, with plans to launch a summer event focused on how businesses can prepare for, and recover from, cyberattacks. “We want to be part of the education piece,” Sarah adds. “A lot of businesses still don’t know what to do if they’re hit.”

Until then, the focus is on continuing to support organisations with the tools they need to stay safe, smart and future-ready.

“We’re proud to be based in Exeter and proud to support local firms,” Sarah says. “Technology is moving so fast but with the right advice and the right setup, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. That’s what we’re here for.”

Sarah and the team pride themselves on demystifying tech for their clients, often with practical, no-nonsense advice that sticks.

“Turn on multi-factor authentication. Keep your software updated. Don’t use your dog’s name as your password,” she jokes. “Honestly, a lot of IT advice is just basic hygiene, but the difference it makes is huge.”

It’s this kind of clarity that’s made Nexus a go-to partner for businesses who want to stay secure without getting lost in the jargon.

With a 25-year track record, a growing team, and a client list that ranges from Exeter to the Midlands, Nexus is proving that IT doesn’t have to be impersonal. In fact, their strength lies in something refreshingly human.

“We’ve got clients who’ve been with us for decades,” Sarah adds. “We’re not about pushing the latest tech just for the sake of it – we’re about finding the right solutions that genuinely add value. Our aim is to earn your trust and act as your dependable IT partner.”