The Client

The client is a FTSE 250 land and property regeneration company in the UK, specialising in transforming former industrial sites and urban edge extensions into sustainable places where people want to live and work. The company owns and manages approximately 14,000 acres across around 100 sites in the North of England and the Midlands, focusing on creating new homes, jobs, and communities while delivering long-term value for all stakeholders.

The Challenge

The client sought to enhance their internal communication and collaboration by developing a company-wide SharePoint intranet solution. Our team, in collaboration with the client’s IT service provider, successfully delivered this project, which included an adoption programme and comprehensive training for the client’s staff.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the project were to:

• Create an all-staff information and communication hub leveraging out-of-the-box SharePoint features.

• Ensure seamless adoption of the new intranet solution through a structured training programme.

Key Initiatives

Detailed Requirements Review

We conducted a thorough review of the requirements and use cases for the company intranet to ensure that the objectives could be met using standard SharePoint features.

Build and Delivery

• Phase I Deployment

  We built and delivered a live Phase I company hub with the required security and access model. This phase included the creation of a user-friendly interface and the integration of essential features to support the client’s communication needs.

  
  

• Restructuring Support

  We supported the client with any necessary restructuring of the SharePoint estate to accommodate the new intranet.

  
  

• Phase II Deployment

  Feedback from the initial Phase was incorporated into a final deployment of the intranet solution prior to roll out across the company.

  
  

Training and Support

We trained the client’s content owners to create and publish content on the company hub ensuring they could maintain the intranet effectively going forward.

Microsoft 365 Technologies Used

• SharePoint

  The core platform for the intranet solution, providing a modern design, improved navigation, and enhanced functionality.

  
  

• Microsoft Teams

  Used for collaboration and communication during the project.

  
  

• Power Automate

  Implemented for automation of workflows and processes.

Key Deliverables

• Company Hub

  A SharePoint-based intranet solution designed to serve as an all-staff information and communication hub.

  
  

• Security and Access Model

  A robust security framework to protect sensitive information and ensure appropriate access levels.

  
  

• Training Materials

  Comprehensive training for content owners to manage and maintain the portal.

Outcomes

Enhanced Communication

The new intranet solution significantly improved internal communication, providing a centralised platform for sharing important information and updates.

Increased Productivity

The adoption of SharePoint and Microsoft 365 technologies enabled the client’s staff to collaborate more effectively and work from anywhere with a better and more productive experience.

Successful Adoption

The structured training programme ensured that the client’s staff were well-equipped to use the new intranet solution, leading to a smooth transition and high user adoption.

Conclusion

The SharePoint intranet solution for the client has yielded significant positive benefits and outcomes. The company hub has greatly enhanced internal communication by providing a centralised platform for sharing important information and updates. The adoption of SharePoint and Microsoft 365 technologies has increased productivity, enabling staff to collaborate more effectively and work from anywhere with a better and more productive experience. Additionally, the structured training program ensured a smooth transition and high user adoption, equipping the client’s staff with the necessary skills to maintain and utilise the new intranet solution effectively. The project successfully met its objectives, resulting in a more connected and efficient organisation.