Newland Hurst - System Specification & Selection

"Connor and Sean made a great team and did all of the leg work for us, ensuring that our new MSP was the most appropriate fit for our organisation.

We were able to sit back with confidence, knowing that the team at Ballards, with their professional understanding and great knowledge were there to help us make what was a very important decision for us and our clients".

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Key challenge

Newland Hurst provides residential care and support for adults with learning disabilities, with a strong focus on enabling individuals to live fulfilling and independent lives in a safe and supportive environment.

As the organisation continued to evolve, Newland Hurst began exploring opportunities to enhance its IT support model, seeking a managed IT services provider (MSP) that could align with its growing operational needs, strengthen security and compliance, and deliver reliable, responsive support for both staff and residents.

Operating within a regulated care environment, Newland Hurst required an MSP capable of maintaining high levels of data security, supporting care management systems, and ensuring minimal disruption to day-to-day operations. Reliability, safeguarding of sensitive data, and alignment with care sector regulations were key requirements.

Newland Hurst wanted to ensure that they selected the right MSP and partner to support the needs of the current organisation, but that also aligns to their long-term strategy and continued development of services.

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Work completed

Ballards conducted an independent IT MSP specification and selection following a proven structured methodology. Initially, discovery workshops were held with Newland Hurst to fully explore their current IT environment, operational challenges, and support requirements, alongside gaining a clear understanding of their future plans.

This was issued to a researched “short list” of suppliers in the form of a Request for Proposal (RFP) and requirements document. Particular focus was placed on experience within the care sector, security capabilities, service responsiveness, and cultural alignment with a values-driven organisation.

Formal evaluation and detailed scrutiny of supplier responses then followed, alongside facilitated service reviews and supplier presentations. Ballards assessed each provider against key criteria including service delivery, technical expertise, sector experience, and commercial value.

Ballards also assisted in the review of supplier contracts and service level agreements (SLAs), and led the procurement and commercial negotiations with the preferred provider, ensuring best value and favourable terms for Newland Hurst.

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Results

The support provided by Ballards was very well received by Newland Hurst, greatly assisting in their decision to select a new IT managed service provider. Newland Hurst were very complimentary of the structured and detailed approach, and of our in-depth but impartial knowledge of the MSP marketplace.

The selected provider is well positioned to support Newland Hurst’s operational needs, enhance system reliability and security, and provide a scalable platform to support the organisation’s future growth and continued delivery of high-quality care.

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