Having a secure, efficient, and future-ready IT infrastructure isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s essential. That’s why Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce embarked on a mission to transform their IT operations, boost cybersecurity, and drive better value for their members.
After a detailed and competitive tender process, EBC Group was selected as their new IT partner, topping the scores across all key areas including technical capability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
About Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce:
The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is a leading business support organisation dedicated to championing local businesses and driving economic growth across the region. With a strong network of members spanning various industries, the Chamber provides essential services, including business advice, networking opportunities, policy representation, and international trade support.
Committed to fostering innovation and digital advancement, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in helping businesses navigate challenges, embrace new technologies, and achieve sustainable growth. By continuously evolving its own operations, the Chamber sets an example for the local business community, ensuring it remains a forward-thinking and digitally enabled organisation.
The Challenge
Before partnering with EBC Group, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce faced several IT inefficiencies and fragmented systems. Their existing setup lacked strategic oversight, modern security, and cohesive management—resulting in unnecessary costs and operational challenges.
Challenges at a Glance
Inefficient Infrastructure: Staff accessed Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktops despite having no need for a hosted server setup, leading to avoidable costs.
Duplicate Hardware: Employees used both Thin Clients and laptops, unnecessarily increasing hardware expenses.
No IT Strategy or Account Management: The previous provider offered no dedicated Account Manager or long-term IT planning.
Fragmented Support: Multiple suppliers handled different areas of IT and hardware, creating confusion and onboarding issues.
Outdated Telephony: The Gamma Horizon system was underperforming and lacked integration with other business tools.
Weak Cybersecurity: Limited security and endpoint management left the organisation vulnerable to cyber threats.
Unmanaged Connectivity: The BT Leased Line was unsupported by the IT partner, and no virtual firewall was in place to protect the network.
The Solution
EBC Group delivered a comprehensive solution that addressed all of the Chamber’s pain points and set them up for future growth.
Solutions at a Glance
Retirement of Azure Virtual Desktop
C&WCC moved to a streamlined Microsoft 365 Business Premium setup, eliminating unnecessary licensing and infrastructure costs.
Simplified Hardware Environment
Staff now use a single laptop device, supported by port replicators for office setups—cutting costs and enhancing flexibility.
Dedicated Account Management
EBC Group provides strategic IT guidance and a central point of contact, ensuring seamless support and ongoing optimisation.
Unified IT Support
By consolidating procurement and support under one roof, EBC Group removed inefficiencies and improved onboarding and user experience.
Modern Telephony with Microsoft Teams Phone
Integrated communications within Microsoft 365, offering better collaboration and simpler management.
Enhanced Cybersecurity & Compliance
Microsoft Defender, Intune, and Conditional Access policies now protect endpoints and identities, while SharePoint Online supports secure file sharing and remote access.
Monitored Connectivity & Improved Network Security
EBC Group now manages C&WCC’s BT Leased Line, complete with Cisco networking and a virtual firewall hosted in their ISO27001-certified data centre.
Cost Savings & Scalability
The new IT setup has not only improved performance and security—it’s reduced costs by an impressive 41%.
Seamless Transition, Strong Partnership
One of the Chamber’s biggest concerns was the potential disruption during the transition. Thanks to EBC Group’s well-structured and proactive migration plan, the process was quick and seamless.
Beyond the transition, EBC Group continues to support the Chamber with responsive helpdesk services, proactive monitoring, and regular health checks—ensuring that their IT infrastructure remains secure, scalable, and aligned with their evolving business needs.
The Results: Ready for a Digital Future
The partnership has already yielded powerful results for the Chamber:
✅ Improved performance across all departments
✅ A centralised, scalable IT infrastructure
✅ Increased cybersecurity and resilience
✅ Significant cost savings and better value
✅ A trusted technology partner for future growth
Moving Forward Together
The collaboration between EBC Group and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce is more than a service arrangement—it’s a strategic partnership focused on digital transformation and long-term success.
With the right technology, expert guidance, and future-proofed systems, the Chamber is now empowered to focus on what they do best: supporting businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Full Case Study Available Here:
Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
Industry: Public SectorLocation: Coventry & Warwickshire
