How Swerve's IT partnership powers Viranda's commercial property success story

From IT uncertainty to seamless operations: How proactive support enables a growing property investment firm to focus on what matters most.

Company Introduction and Challenge

Since 1986, Viranda has been one of New Zealand’s most trusted partners for individuals looking to build commercial investment property portfolios. Executive Director and founder Andrew Guest, together with director Courtney Young, leads a skilled team that has acquired around 750 commercial buildings directly for their clients - whether personally, through trusts, or company entities.

“We started in 1986, helping people who wanted to get into commercial property investment but didn’t have the skills, saw conflicting advice everywhere, or just didn’t have the spare time,” Andrew explains. “We chose to operate as an independent advisor, always acting in the client’s interest, and only recommending properties that stack up.”

Nine staff keep the business moving. Five specialise in Commercial Property Management, two focus on Facilities Management, Maintenance and Projects, and two look after Finance and Management Accounting. 

Keeping Pace with Technology

As Viranda grew, so did the reliance on technology. Andrew puts it plainly: “The real challenge is keeping up in a changing IT environment. You need a partner who keeps you informed about change, about the potential for improvement, makes sure your systems run efficiently, and bridges the gap between the technology and the people who use it in the real world.”

What Viranda needed was not merely an IT provider who would fix issues as they arose, but a partner that understood the unique pressure of working in a client-focused business. Andrew says, “It’s not about dominating an IT platform, it’s about recognising what our people need so they can deliver for our clients. Swerve’s strength has always been allowing Viranda’s business to get on with what matters most.”

The Move to Swerve

There was no single event that triggered the partnership. “Our previous IT support started to fall short and it became clear we needed more. The right IT supplier is more than just someone who answers the phone and fixes things - they need to be proactive, and they need to truly understand your business,” says Andrew.

Swerve’s offer inspired confidence from the outset. “It starts with trust in the relationship, and this quickly builds confidence in performance,” Andrew recalls. “We never wanted long-winded onboarding; we wanted a partner who listened and responded. Swerve delivered that.”

The Swerve Solution

Swerve assessed the company's needs and provided:

  • Comprehensive IT support

  • Advice and implementation for networking, backup, and security

  • Assistance with optimal communication and email setup

  • System configuration and ongoing support

  • Proactive system monitoring to enable uninterrupted business operations

Most important, Swerve respected that IT should never create roadblocks for a busy, client-driven team. “Swerve knew that we couldn’t have complex or unreliable systems getting in the way of client service,” says Andrew. “When IT does what it’s meant to do, it stops being a distraction and becomes a strength.”

Implementation and Results

The transition exceeded expectations. Andrew recounts, “The whole process was smooth and helpful. Any required consultation happened up front and, even with network upgrades or installations, they worked after hours where possible so there was no disruption for our team.”

  • Consultation with directors and shareholders at each key stage

  • Structured, transparent project management

  • Transition and upgrades commonly performed overnight or weekends

  • Prompt solutions to any minor issues, with no adverse impacts

Tangible Business Benefits 

Since the partnership with Swerve, Viranda reports:

  • Long-term stability in their IT systems

  • More reliable and innovative software tools

  • Dramatically improved communications (internally and with clients)

  • Greater business efficiency and agility

  • The confidence to expand - with growth from 9 to a projected 14 staff over the next two years

Andrew puts it simply: “Our company’s performance in information management and client communications has gone from strength to strength. We don’t track stats on it, but the results speak for themselves.”

Looking Forward

With robust IT foundations, Viranda is positioned for ongoing growth. “We expect to grow from nine staff to 14 in the next two years, and Swerve is right alongside as we expand,” says Andrew.

The partnership goes beyond just support calls:

  • Innovation continues, especially as new software and security challenges emerge

  • Swerve’s help enables Viranda to embrace new technologies painlessly

  • Local support means help is always on hand, and Swerve’s understanding of NZ business keeps things practical and relevant

Why We Recommend Swerve

Andrew concludes, “Swerve aren’t just a supplier, they’re our partner. They support our function without getting in the way, and they’re always available as we find new ways to improve. Why would I recommend Swerve? Because they provide the independence and continuity every business needs. They equip you, support you, and keep working to help you stay ahead.”

About Viranda
Viranda is New Zealand's independent specialist in commercial property investment, helping clients build durable portfolios with expert analysis, acquisition, and ongoing support.

Swerve delivers complete IT support to New Zealand businesses, with a focus on proactive, reliable technology that frees business owners and their teams to succeed.

Ready to transform your IT partnership and enable business growth? Connect with Swerve and learn what’s possible.

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