In The Sky IT was founded by John Smithe, a technology consultant with nearly two decades of experience delivering complex digital transformation programmes for some of the UK's largest organisations. His clients have included Oxford Instruments, Manchester Airport Group, Scottish Water, Vodafone, Jet2, Games Workshop, and Tesco.
That background matters, because it means In The Sky IT brings a level of technical depth and delivery experience to every engagement that small organisations could not otherwise access. When you work with us, you're not getting a generalist IT support company. You're getting someone who has solved complex technology problems at enterprise scale and now applies that thinking to businesses that need it most... the ones without a large and well-funded IT department
Why we exist
Most small businesses, startups, and non-profits make their most important technology decisions without anyone qualified in the room. They rely on whoever in the team is least afraid of computers, or on a quote from a supplier with a vested interest in the answer. The result is expensive mistakes, missed opportunities, and technology that gets in the way of the work instead of enabling it.
In The Sky IT exists to change that. We act as the IT director your organisation needs but probably can't afford to employ full time. Giving you honest, expert advice and practical delivery capability on the projects and decisions that matter most.
How we work
We are technology-agnostic. We don't have a preferred platform, a preferred vendor, or a preferred solution. We design what's right for your organisation, then implement it. Our background spans cloud platforms, web technologies, DevOps, AI integration, and infrastructure. But the tool is always secondary to the problem.
Most engagements begin with a free consultation to understand where you are, what you're trying to achieve, and what's getting in the way. From there we work on a project basis, a retained advisory basis, or a combination of the two. Whatever gives your organisation the most value.
Who we work with
Our primary focus is small and medium-sized businesses, early-stage startups, and voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Manchester and the Northwest. We work remotely with clients across the UK and internationally where the project is a good fit.
We have a particular commitment to the VCSE sector. Non-profits and charities face the same technology challenges as commercial organisations but with tighter budgets, less internal resource, and higher stakes when things go wrong. We understand those constraints and work within them.
About John
John After studying for a Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering convinced him not to work in the Aeospace sector, John took a job with a local web diesgn agency building custom WordPress themes and he ahs been working in IT ever sicnce. He is a member of the British Computer Society and an active member of both Pro Manchester and the Spinningfields chapter of BNI.
John is actively involved in his church community as a member of Redeemer Church in Chorlton, South Manchester where is leads the AV setup team and plays bass guitar as part of the worship band. His interests outside technology include tabletop roleplaying games, live theatre, and immersive experiences. These interests directly inform In The Sky Events, a sister business running immersive gaming weekends in partnership with The Social Gathering Company and In The Sky Productions, an up-and-coming Theatrical Production company due to produce its first show this Christmas season.
In The Sky IT Ltd is registered in England and Wales. Company number: 16313322. Registered address: 184 Horton Road, Manchester, M14 7QF.