Case Study

Illingworth Ingham – Infrastructure & Managed IT

Warehousing & Logistics
Business Communications
Managed IT Services

Novem modernised Illingworth Ingham’s IT infrastructure & provided fully managed IT services.

Client

Illingworth Ingham

Date

2024

Employee Count

50+

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The challenge

Illingworth Ingham, a trusted timber supplier with over 90 years of experience, needed a modern IT infrastructure capable of supporting multiple sales outlets and a busy warehouse operation. The business required a secure, scalable platform to replace ageing systems, improve connectivity between sites, and deliver rapid recovery in the event of a major failure. With a growing IT estate and reliance on EPOS and logistics software, resilience and visibility were essential.

Our approach

Novem partnered with Illingworth Ingham to design and implement a solution that combined infrastructure modernisation with advanced continuity measures:

Migrated email services to Microsoft 365, enabling secure, cloud-based collaboration across all locations.
Refreshed server infrastructure and migrated business-critical applications, to modern hardware running the latest Microsoft technologies.
Designed and deployed a mesh MPLS network with resilient backup connections to ensure uninterrupted communication between sites.
Implemented a business continuity platform with automated offsite replication and rapid recovery capabilities.
Rolled out endpoint management across all devices for proactive monitoring and security.

Overview
Technical Implementation
Timeline & Process
Disruption
Cost Saving

Overview

Novem delivered a modern IT environment tailored to the needs of a multi-site timber supplier. By combining infrastructure upgrades with advanced continuity and monitoring, Illingworth Ingham gained a platform that supports operational efficiency and resilience.

Technical Implementation

The project included migration to Microsoft 365, deployment of new server hardware, and design of a mesh MPLS network with integrated failover. A Datto continuity solution was implemented to provide automated backups and rapid recovery, while endpoint monitoring ensured security across all devices.

Timeline & Process

Following an in-depth consultation, Novem executed the migration and infrastructure upgrades in phases to minimise disruption. Connectivity enhancements and continuity measures were deployed in parallel to maintain operational stability throughout the transition.

Disruption

The migration was completed with minimal downtime thanks to careful planning and staged implementation. Staff experienced a smooth transition to new systems, supported by Novem’s engineering team.

Cost Saving

By consolidating services under a managed agreement, Illingworth Ingham achieved predictable monthly costs and reduced risk of downtime. The proactive monitoring and continuity solutions deliver long-term savings by preventing costly outages and safeguarding business-critical systems.

The results

Illingworth Ingham now operates on a robust IT platform that supports its retail and warehouse operations seamlessly. Staff benefit from synchronised email and domain services, while the MPLS network ensures reliable connectivity between all sales outlets. The disaster recovery solution has reduced recovery times from days to minutes, safeguarding business continuity even in the event of a critical failure. With proactive monitoring and asset tracking in place, the company has full visibility of its IT estate and confidence in its ability to maintain operations.

In numbers

60

Minute Backup Increments

10

Recovery Time Cut From 48 Hours to Minutes

365

Days A Year Backup Verification

Customer Stories

Make an enquiry

You will hear from either:

Mike Ryan

Director

Stephen Meadowcroft

Head of Solutions Architecture

Or if you prefer to get in contact another way, reach out from one of the methods below.

marketing@novem-it.co.uk
0800 046 9957
Manchester Office: Blenheim Court, Carrs Rd, Cheadle, SK8 2JY
Wales Office: Bryn Eirias, Abergele Rd, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8BY
Solihull Office: Colman House, Station Rd, Knowle, Solihull, B93 0HL
Rugby Office: Unit 4, Davy Court, Rugby, CV23 0UZ