Highstream completes major IT overhaul for ‘Most Innovative Business’ in North Wales

Highstream unified LCA Group’s IT infrastructure from two former sites – in Runcorn and Ewloe – into the company’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hawarden, North Wales.

As well as installing a bespoke local network infrastructure for the new facility, Highstream also integrated complex security and CCTV systems, and linked up a new UK-first ?500,000 precision 3D laser machining centre.

Independent validators have hailed the new system and the new infrastructure improvements secured Cyber Essentials Plus status, a class-leading security standard endorsed by UK Government.

“With the level of innovation going on at LCA Group’s new facility in Hawarden we knew this would be a complex exercise,” said Paul Williams, Highstream Solutions’ Managing Director.

“It meant replacing everything from two sites into one, amalgamating some of the most advanced equipment in UK manufacturing and delivering second-to-none security integrated at all levels – from infrastructure through to end-user processes - all of which are critical to the work LCA Group do and the sectors the company serves.”

To ensure the seamless delivery of the new IT and security systems, Paul and his team worked over the Christmas and New Year break – a down time period for LCA’s facility.

The LCA Group team have now moved to highly-secure cloud-based systems including data storage, email and security, and they were also equipped with recently-launched Microsoft 365 Business solution software packages.

Only recently, Highstream announced it had been awarded Microsoft “Silver” Partnership status – a highly sought after endorsement recognising the firm’s consistent capability, expertise and commitment after securing verified customer references.

The Highstream team also now offers ongoing support to all the LCA Group team by providing an outsourced IT Helpdesk as well as strategy consultation.

“LCA Group placed a high level of trust in us to deliver the best solution,” Paul added. “So we’re delighted to have helped them achieve the same levels of innovation in their IT and security as they demand in all the work they do. We’re also supporting them as a remote IT helpdesk, so we’re on hand to support the team on an ongoing basis.”

“Paul and the team have been incredible support partners for our business,” said Alan Sheppard, Managing Director of LCA Group, recently named the ‘Most Innovative Business of the Year’ at the North Wales Business Leaders Awards.

“We gave Highstream a clean slate to create a new technology solution that was bespoke to our business. Critical to this was that it was delivered seamlessly as we have significant volumes of work ongoing at the new facility in Hawarden. The team have been relentless about delivering the best possible solution for us.”

A range of big brands and SMEs in Cheshire and North Wales are now using Highstream Solutions to outsource their IT, cloud and print. Highstream is currently serving a range of companies and counts Chester-based Coda Investments, Legat Owen and Winsford-based Tiger Trailers among its ever-growing client roster.

As well as working with Microsoft, over the last year, Paul and the team have also signed deals to become a registered partner of Dell, providing hardware directly to Highstream Solutions clients, and with German printer brand UTAX for print solutions.

“We want to become the first name on the list for successful and growing businesses in Cheshire, Warrington, Shropshire or North Wales, when it comes to choosing the right IT support, solution and hardware provider,” Paul added.