Burmantofts Community Projects is a Leeds-based charity delivering essential services across financial resilience, energy advice, digital inclusion, and regulated debt support. With 26 full-time staff working across multiple locations, the organisation depends on secure, reliable IT systems to support its operations and safeguard sensitive client data while continuing to grow its impact within the local community.
Burmantofts Community Projects initiated a full IT and cybersecurity review due to an increasingly fragmented technology environment. Multiple providers were being used across telephony, mobile contracts, and server support, leading to inconsistent service levels, limited accountability, and unnecessary operational complexity. This fragmentation made it difficult to control costs, standardise support, or implement strategic improvements.
A key concern was the organisation’s need to achieve Cyber Essentials compliance, which is critical for safeguarding sensitive client data and unlocking future funding opportunities. Their incumbent provider was unable to support this requirement, creating urgency for a more capable and security-focused IT partner.
Alongside this, the charity was part-way through a SharePoint migration, while still reliant on traditional phone systems that lacked flexibility for a mobile workforce. Mobile contracts were spread across multiple suppliers and billing arrangements, reducing visibility and cost efficiency. The organisation required a unified, future-proof solution to modernise systems, improve mobility, and strengthen governance.
Qlic IT proposed a fully integrated managed IT partnership to simplify Burmantofts Community Projects’ infrastructure, strengthen security, and support long-term growth.
We began by conducting a structured review of the existing IT estate, including mobile billing, contract terms, and the status of the SharePoint migration. This ensured a clear understanding of immediate risks, contractual obligations, and opportunities for consolidation. With the incumbent provider already notified, we designed a transition plan aligned to the end of their agreement to ensure a smooth onboarding with minimal disruption.
To address fragmentation, Qlic IT positioned itself as a single strategic IT partner, bringing together support services under one cohesive model. This provides the organisation with consistent service delivery, clear accountability, and direct access to experienced engineers. All support is aligned around Microsoft 365, creating a standardised and scalable platform for collaboration, security, and productivity.
A key element of the solution is the modernisation of telephony through Microsoft Teams Calling, replacing traditional phone systems with a more flexible, cloud-based solution. This enables improved call routing, better user experience, and full support for hybrid and mobile working. Mobile contracts will also be consolidated into a single, cost-effective arrangement, improving control and transparency.
From a cybersecurity perspective, Qlic IT will implement the controls required for Cyber Essentials, ensuring systems are properly configured, policies are in place, and risks are mitigated. This is supported by governance, ongoing consultancy, and proactive monitoring.
To support adoption and maximise value, Bigger Brains training is included, ensuring staff are confident using Microsoft 365 tools and able to work more effectively. This approach not only delivers immediate improvements but also establishes a future-ready IT environment.
By partnering with Qlic IT, Burmantofts Community Projects is set to significantly improve the efficiency, security, and usability of its IT environment. Consolidating multiple suppliers into a single managed service reduces complexity and provides a more consistent and accountable support experience.
The move to a Microsoft 365-centric environment, combined with the completion of the SharePoint migration, enables more effective collaboration and easier access to information. Staff will benefit from improved flexibility, particularly through the introduction of Teams Calling, allowing them to communicate and work seamlessly across locations.
Cost control will improve through the consolidation of mobile contracts and clearer visibility over services and billing. At the same time, the organisation will be in a much stronger position to achieve Cyber Essentials compliance, strengthening data protection and supporting future funding applications.
With ongoing support, training, and strategic guidance, Burmantofts Community Projects will have a secure, scalable, and modern IT foundation that supports both its day-to-day operations and long-term mission within the community.
- Consolidation of multiple IT providers into a single managed service
- Improved governance, accountability, and service consistency
- Clear pathway to achieving Cyber Essentials compliance
- Enhanced protection of sensitive client and organisational data
- Completion and optimisation of SharePoint migration
- Modernised telephony with Microsoft Teams Calling
- Improved staff mobility and flexible working capabilities
Trust Us to Deliver
Michael was brilliant throughout the implementation and certification of Cyber Essentials. he communicated well and went above and beyond to support us through the journey. We allocated 8 weeks to complete however, it was completed in 6 so, exceed our expectations.
Ginger Beniston
Burmantofts Community Projects
