Director, Hixon Group

Jonathan Lawton

Business technology specialist helping UK SMEs build resilience through secure, reliable and scalable IT.

Jonathan Lawton
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
Experience 20+

Years in IT strategy, cyber security and cloud transformation.

Hixon Group 2011

Founded and leading a trusted managed IT partner for SMEs.

“He has a first class approach to his IT services. With a can do approach, and the highest level of professionalism, he always finds a way to improve and upgrade the systems with very little or no interruption to the business.”
Chris TaylorClient
About

Technology that helps businesses grow safely

Managed IT Cyber Security Microsoft 365 Azure AWS AI Business Continuity Digital skills

I'm the Director of Hixon Group, a UK managed IT services provider helping businesses build resilience through secure, reliable and scalable technology.

Over more than 20 years in IT strategy, cyber security and cloud transformation, I've guided organisations across Staffordshire and beyond to modernise their operations, safeguard their data and unlock sustainable growth.

Hixon Group has grown into a trusted partner for SMEs looking for proactive IT support, Cyber Essentials certification and robust cyber security. I also champion regional digital skills, including our free Cyber Awareness Training programme, to help strengthen Staffordshire's digital future.

School Governor

Helping set the school’s direction and hold leaders to account, with a focus on technology and online safety.

Charity Trustee

Guiding strategy, governance and digital transformation for Disability Solutions West Midlands.

Podcast Host

Built in the Borough. Honest conversations with local entrepreneurs, filmed on location where they work.

Expertise

Where I help

From the helpdesk to the boardroom, practical technology leadership for SMEs.

Cyber security

Information and network security, Cyber Essentials certification and plain English risk advice.

IT security services

Cloud and Microsoft 365

Cloud transformation, migrations and modern workplace solutions for PC and Mac teams.

Microsoft 365 services

Managed IT support

Proactive support, IT service management, networking and technical support that keeps teams working.

Managed IT services

Business continuity

Backup, recovery and data recovery planning so an incident never becomes a crisis.

Cloud backup services

IT strategy and consulting

Helping leaders shape business and technology strategy, and manage change with confidence.

IT consultancy

Digital skills

Free cyber awareness training, workshops and talks that build confidence across the region.

Free cyber training
Staffordshire Cyber Resilience Programme

From a local problem to a Gold award on the world stage

In early 2024 we saw a surge in ransomware hitting local micro businesses. Working with Keele Business School, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, we built a free training and diagnostic platform around one idea: many owners weren't ignoring cyber risk, they just didn't want to admit what they didn't know.

Keele Business School Staffordshire Chambers Shared Prosperity Fund
  • GoldEFMD Excellence in Practice 2026, Ecosystem Development
  • FreeTraining and diagnostic platform for Staffordshire SMEs
  • PublishedEFMD Global Focus special issue
  • DublinPresented at University College Dublin
Experience

Two decades in IT

From defence information management to leading a managed services business.

  1. 2011 to present

    Director

    Hixon Group Limited

    Leading a Microsoft Partner and Cyber Essentials certified MSP, helping customers shape business and technology strategy.

  2. 2011 to 2014

    Service Relationship Manager

    EMIS Health

    Delivered training to NHS customers and staff, and linked system users with EMIS to support service quality.

  3. 2006 to 2011

    Regional Information Support Officer

    UK Ministry of Defence

    Managed the iHub, records and information policy, and delivered data protection training.

  4. 2004 to 2006

    IT Operations Manager

    Interplan Leisure

    Kept infrastructure and production systems fit for purpose against company and regulatory standards.

Credentials

Certified and always learning

  • MCSE Desktop Infrastructure
  • MCSA Windows Server 2012
  • Kaseya Certified Technician, RMM
  • Kaseya Certified Administrator, Datto RMM
  • Datto Certified Practitioner, RMM
  • Datto Certified Deployment Specialist
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA A+
  • Microsoft Windows and Devices (MPN16022)
2019

Mercia Centre for Innovation Leadership

Keele University Business School. Coaching and an innovation focused action plan for business growth.

Partner

Microsoft Partner

Hixon Group is a Microsoft Partner and Cyber Essentials certified.

10 certifications

Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, Kaseya and Datto

Technical depth across infrastructure, networking and remote monitoring and management.

Recommendations

What people say

20 recommendations on LinkedIn from clients and colleagues.

A great mix of being informative and entertaining… There's a real benefit to hearing from someone who's been there, tripped and got themselves back up by learning from the mistakes.
Andy SpencerFletcher Moorland
Jonathan isn't traditional in his approach to IT but is more innovative and forward thinking, which I think is really important for those businesses wanting to utilise IT to make themselves more efficient.
Vanessa FullerPremier Tax Solutions
Jon was always a 'go to' person as a member of our team and now I am his customer, I'm pleased to say that his can-do attitude still prevails.
Paula TurnockFormer manager at EMIS
Jonathan and his team have been an excellent integration partner… Not only have they supported our head office "traditional" IT services but have allowed us to roll out new EPOS/Back-office across multiple sites.
Rob CrosslandTotally Delicious Limited
From minor things like storage running low… to sending a replacement laptop to Tenerife to enable us to keep working whilst on a family holiday!
Kevin Taylor-MurphyClient
He's always been there on the phone when needed… It also helps to have such an all round nice person on hand to talk you through some of the more technical tasks.
Craig HancockCreative Director, client
Fantastically technical and just all round nice guy! He's seen me through some horrendous situations, but every time we've come through the other side and ultimately got the issue resolved.
Alex JenningsCity Electrical Factors
I've seen what a dedicated and knowledgeable IT professional he is and what a great team he has. His problem solving skills are exceptional!
Poul MorganColleague
Jonathan Lawton, Director at Hixon GroupNewcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire