"One team" IT Partnership delivering continuous improvement and a stronger foundation for what's next

BCN embedded into Nichols’ ways of working so it genuinely felt like colleagues working toward the same goal, not a disconnected third party.

That “one team” model created space for more proactive improvement, with BCN spotting opportunities, suggesting ideas and sharing responsibility rather than operating in a purely reactive support pattern.

BCN’s expertise has helped Nichols deliver 200+ technical improvements in 18 months, improving day-to-day systems while also exploring what’s coming next, including cloud and AI opportunities.

Nichols benefits from sustained momentum, frequent, meaningful enhancements that keep systems aligned to the business, rather than waiting for occasional “big change” moments.

A major focus has been automation, removing repetitive tasks and streamlining routine processes so teams can spend more time on higher-value work.

• Joiner and starter automation gives HR teams more time to spend inducting new starters rather than admin tasks.
• Leaver automation: HR sets the leaver date; accounts are disabled on schedule with notifications issued in advance, keeping the business secure.
• Mover changes and permissions: job title updates and various permission requests flow through automated steps rather than manual IT effort.

Faster turnaround for colleagues, fewer repetitive steps for IT teams, and cleaner lifecycle management around access.

BCN supported Nichols in rebuilding a legacy intranet on SharePoint, modernising how internal resources are delivered and maintained.

BCN also rebuilt key internal services, including the lunch ordering system, bringing it onto a more modern footing.

This provided a more maintainable platform for internal communications and services, with a clearer runway for future enhancements.

With SharePoint storage regularly running an enormous capacity, BCN introduced recurring storage management reviews and improvements to how storage is used (including versioning/usage practices).

The team improved predictability and headroom, helping SharePoint continue to scale with the business.

As Microsoft 365 became one of Nichols’ biggest platforms, BCN supported its expansion, including email migration and modern device management.

Over time, Nichols migrated device management to Intune, with BCN handling updates, patching and application rollout as the device estate refreshed.

This resulted in more consistent management, smoother rollouts, and a stronger foundation for secure productivity.

BCN supported Nichols to increase Microsoft security posture, including lifting Secure Score to exceptional standard and implementing Microsoft Purview controls such as DLP policies and sensitivity labels.

BCN also worked alongside security partners providing security management and SOC services to help ensure tools and applications are rolled out consistently.

This improvement gives stronger information governance and a clearer security baseline across the Microsoft environment.

BCN has been migrating legacy services into Azure, enabling Nichols to decommission older on-site hardware and reduce reliance on physical infrastructure in the office.

The team now has a more modern, scalable foundation, and an even better position to adopt cloud-first capabilities and AI over time.

BCN helped Nichols streamline operational workflows by replacing manual Excel-and-email processes with SharePoint and SPFx solutions, including:

• Fleet management SPFx solution: replacing a spreadsheet to track cars/vans, mileage updates, MOT and service due dates, who has each vehicle, ownership transfers by site or ownership group and automated driver notifications.
• A custom PMO platform to support creation of new projects.
• Teamwork integrations and customisations to streamline project delivery, plus moving a process called GPOP away from Excel and into SharePoint.
• A change control request workflow so anyone in the business can request changes (artwork/product/recipe) and route approvals with clear outcomes.

These improvements provided better visibility and governance, smoother approvals, and less time lost to manual updates and chasing.

Confidence in a business-critical operational application

Nichols’ out-of-home operation relies on an application used by 100 engineers and delivery drivers across the UK, and BCN’s support helps ensure Nichols can rely on system availability.

By supporting this application, BCN provides continuity for frontline operations and greater confidence day-to-day.

A stronger foundation for the future (cloud + AI readiness)

Nichols is modernising infrastructure and security foundations through Microsoft Azure migration, modern device management and Microsoft Purview governance, helping create the conditions for what comes next, including cloud and AI.

Value in operational terms (without the price tag)

By automating common requests, strengthening device and security management and modernising core platforms, BCN helps Nichols reduce manual effort and keep improvement flowing, with a service model that flexes between helpdesk support and project delivery.

Nichols values BCN’s breadth of skill set and the way BCN works as an embedded team, bringing proactive ideas, shared ownership and a relationship built for honest conversations.

The embedded approach and long-term continuity also help build deeper understanding of Nichols’ systems and goals over time, supporting faster, more context-aware delivery.

Nichols is continuing to migrate remaining legacy services into Azure and strengthen modern Workplace foundations, building on automation and governance improvements to support future innovation, including AI opportunities.