Home Bargains upgrades UK store networks to support expansion
Home Bargains has selected Evolve Business Group to overhaul its network connectivity and payment infrastructure across its UK stores. The partnership aims to strengthen communications and payments resilience in more than 650 locations, with 50 stores already upgraded.
Network consolidation
Under the new arrangement, Evolve will consolidate Home Bargains' multiple legacy networks into a single managed solution. This unified system will cover core network functions, payment processing and CCTV operations. Evolve's service includes proactive monitoring through a round-the-clock technical support desk, which is expected to enhance reliability, improve real-time visibility and reduce the duration of any outages or technical issues.
Maintaining uptime
The infrastructure upgrade is designed to keep stores online even during incidents. Evolve has introduced diverse network connections for each Home Bargains store, with automatic failover capabilities to ensure connectivity if a primary line fails. Firewall rules and system configurations can now be distributed across all locations simultaneously, allowing rapid implementation of new features and reducing administrative burden for the retailer's central team.
Security and compliance
The partnership also covers payment security and data compliance requirements. Evolve has installed secure connections between stores and payment data centres, meeting full PCI compliance standards. Through collaboration with hardware supplier Mako Networks, the solution uses fibre-to-the-premise connectivity as standard at relevant sites. Bespoke elements have been added to maintain performance and support future technology rollouts.
Supporting expansion
Home Bargains, which was founded in Liverpool and now serves over seven million people weekly, plans to increase its store footprint to 1,000 across the UK. The company expects to open approximately 50 new outlets each year with the new network designed to support this expansion effort.
"Having started more than 40 years ago in Liverpool, our customers continue to be at the heart of everything we do. We now serve more than seven million people each week and plan to grow our portfolio to 1,000 stores throughout the UK, opening around 50 new stores a year. The partnership with Evolve has simplified our infrastructure and improved resilience, offering value without compromising on service and quality. These upgrades will support us and our customers as we continue to expand," said Tony Mullen, Head of IT Infrastructure and Services, Home Bargains.
Vendor perspective
Evolve is responsible for rolling out and monitoring the network solution, drawing on its partnerships with both Mako Networks and other telecommunications providers to ensure national coverage, including at less well-served locations. The company's support centre remains fully staffed at all times to manage incidents and deliver technical assistance as needed.
"Home Bargains is a much-loved British brand that has remained true to its roots while achieving incredible growth. As another fast-growing North West business, we're proud to support that success with a secure, reliable and efficient network designed exactly to their needs. Whatever matters most to our customers, our team is dedicated to going the extra mile to deliver innovative technology and personalised support that enables them to grow with confidence," said Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO, Evolve Business Group.
