Nicola Thomson

Microsoft Purview Latest Insights

As Oakland is ‘everything data’ we are always working on the latest and best ways we can help our clients deliver value, with data governance tooling such a huge part of enterprise organisations data governance journey, we jumped at the chance to host a workshop with our Microsoft partners focused on our Microsoft Purview consulting…

Improving Sustainability Reporting for Vistry Group

Vistry Group is the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes. As a responsible developer, they work in partnership to deliver sustainable homes, communities, and social value, leaving a lasting legacy of places people love.

Operating across 26 regions, they build homes all over the UK through their respected brands; Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and Countryside Homes leading their retail sales and Countryside Partnerships driving growth through their strategic partnership model.

Setting the Standards for Responsible Data Use with the ICO’s Data Strategy

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is an independent regulator in charge of upholding the public’s information and data privacy rights. Data is core to their organisation, and they had an ambitious business strategy (ICO25) that needed underpinning with a tailored data strategy.

The ICO regulates and enforces the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Freedom of Information Act 2000, so they had a unique opportunity to set the tone for responsible and innovative data use in the public sector.

Helping a Leading Provider of IT Infrastructure Unlock Sales Growth with a 150% ROI

Our client, a leading provider of IT solutions and services to businesses and the public sector, has grown to be one of the largest IT services firms in the UK, with an ambitious vision for the future.

In the past, growth was delivered through hiring in more sales staff to drive engagement with potential customers; however, at the scale they were approaching, it was recognised that a new approach was needed. The company was looking for help to build a data analytics platform to aid the sales staff in identifying new opportunities. As a sales first business, finding ways to improve the productivity of their sales force is key to driving better margins.

Revolutionising Data Management: Oakland’s 4-Step Method For A More Sustainable Future

With data centres being the world’s second-largest source of greenhouse gases, Oakland, a leading expert in data-driven business transformation, have shared a 4 step process that businesses and data teams can use to adopt a more sustainable approach.

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, the environmental impact of data management practices has come under scrutiny. According to recent studies, data centres contribute approximately 2.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing even the aviation industry (2%).  

In response to this environmental challenge, Oakland’s approach combined with their experience aims to revolutionise how organisations manage their digital data, reducing their carbon footprint and driving change for a sustainable future.

Network Rail Embraces AI: Oakland’s Partnership Marks a New Era in Rail Industry Innovation

Oakland, a leading Microsoft Data and AI Solutions Partner, are collaborating with Network Rail to address the challenges of knowledge management within the rail industry.  Leveraging the power of AI, Oakland has developed a solution to revolutionise how Network Rail harnesses its wealth of information and insights.

Network Rail has just started their new financial period (CP7) – committing an investment of £44 billion in the UK railway infrastructure throughout 2024 to 2029. This significant investment aims to achieve ambitious goals, including a 20% reduction in delays, a 30% increase in capacity, and a 70% decrease in carbon emissions.*

Network Rail: Revolutionising knowledge management through Generative AI

At Oakland, our collaboration with Network Rail stands as a testament to our commitment to driving innovation through technology. Working closely with our client, we embarked on a mission to tackle challenges in knowledge management and harness the potential of AI and natural language processing.

In this case study, we look back on our journey alongside Network Rail and how we effectively harnessed our expertise in data strategy, artificial intelligence (AI), and integration to deliver an effective, long-term solution.