How Softcat helped Heathcote Group Build a Network Fit for Growth
Project at a Glance
Heathcote Holdings, a family-owned UK group operating across recycling, waste management, organics, plant hire, agriculture and land management, engaged Softcat to support a group-wide network refresh as part of a broader IT modernisation programme. With multiple businesses historically operating independently, the group saw an opportunity to create a more centralised, reliable and scalable IT foundation to support increased use of cloud-based and digital systems. Softcat worked closely with Heathcote’s leadership to assess the existing environment, design a standardised networking strategy, and deliver a Cisco Meraki-based solution across key sites. The project improved network reliability, enabled the adoption of digital workflows, and established a consistent platform to support Heathcote Holdings’ long-term growth and IT consolidation strategy.
devices now supported on the network
minutes of downtime during operational hours during core network deployment
Challenge
As Heathcote Holdings continued to grow and modernise, the group identified an opportunity to bring greater consistency and resilience to its IT estate. Each business had historically operated its own infrastructure, suppliers and standards, creating complexity as the organisation moved towards a more centralised IT function. Network reliability, particularly within the Countrystyle Recycling division, was a key consideration as the business increased its reliance on cloud-based and app-driven systems. At the same time, Heathcote was transitioning from paper-based processes to tablets and digital workflows, highlighting the need for stronger, more consistent connectivity across operational sites. Alongside the technical requirements, there was a need to build a clear and credible business case that aligned network investment with operational efficiency and long-term strategy.
Critical Success Factors:
1
Reliable network performance
A highly reliable network capable of supporting business‑critical and app‑based workflows without regular outages.
2
Centralised IT control
Centralised management and visibility to support a maturing, group‑wide IT function.
3
Business-aligned technology investment
A strong, defensible business case that aligned technology investment with operational efficiency and long‑term strategy.
Solution
Softcat partnered with Heathcote Holdings to assess the existing network environment and design a solution that could support both immediate operational needs and the group’s longer-term IT ambitions. Taking a consultative approach, Softcat worked closely with Heathcote’s internal IT leadership to develop a standardised, scalable networking architecture based on Cisco Meraki, providing centralised management and visibility across sites. Detailed wireless site surveys were carried out at key locations to optimise access point placement and reduce unnecessary hardware spend. Softcat also supported the development of a comprehensive internal business case and delivered the implementation through a hybrid model, combining Softcat Professional Services with Heathcote’s in-house IT team to ensure a smooth rollout without disruption to operations.
- Cisco Meraki network architecture providing centralised management and visibility across multiple sites.
- Comprehensive wireless site surveys that optimised design and reduced unnecessary hardware spend by 60%.
- Hybrid delivery model combining Softcat Professional Services with in‑house IT capability.
Results
The new network delivered a significant improvement in reliability, removing recurring outages and providing a stable platform for business-critical and cloud-based systems. With consistent WiFi coverage across operational areas, Heathcote has been able to accelerate its move away from paper-based processes and adopt tablet and app-driven workflows at scale. Device usage on the network has more than doubled, supporting more digital ways of working across the group. The optimised network design ensured investment was focused where it delivered the most value, while the successful delivery of the project strengthened confidence in the internal IT function and created momentum for further group-wide IT consolidation initiatives.
- Eliminated recurring network outages and improved operational reliability.
- Enabled a successful transition from paper‑based to digital, app‑driven processes.
- Provided a scalable foundation for consolidated, group‑wide IT operations.
Softcat supported us significantly in how we created that business plan internally, and helped us demonstrate the benefits and the cost analysis in a way that made sense to the business.
Blair Ogilvie
Group IT Director, Heathcote Holdings