Leighton to manage eaga Trust's AWS cloud operations

Leighton has signed a long-term partnership with the eaga Trust, taking responsibility for the charity's Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure and ongoing digital operations.

Under the agreement, Leighton will maintain the trust's existing AWS environment and provide strategic guidance on architectural changes. The work includes modernisation and reviews of cost and operational efficiency across the cloud estate.

Established in 1999, the eaga Trust supports members and their families. It provides funding and services including health and wellbeing support, holiday homes, education bursaries, work-related training and development through its Skill-Builder offering, and services such as will writing and serious-injury insurance.

Richard Marr, chief executive of the eaga Trust, said the contract was awarded after a competitive procurement process and an assessment of expertise and fit.

"This was a really competitive process. What impressed us most about Leighton is the wealth of AWS expertise within their business and their AWS Practise, and their genuine interest in our business and what we do," said Marr.

The partnership supports ongoing work on the trust's digital infrastructure. It plans to use Leighton's recommendations to improve its online services and supporting systems.

"Having the Leighton team as a partner will allow us to improve our digital infrastructure in line with their recommendations and maximise the potential of our AWS estate. It's fantastic to have them on board, and we're looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership," said Marr.

Support scope

Leighton's AWS Practise will provide in-hours support for applications, infrastructure and websites, covering operational service management, ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement.

It will also help maintain existing compliance positions for ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus. The support model includes ITIL service operations, minor enhancements, proactive monitoring and quarterly reviews as part of the continuous improvement approach.

Lee Gilmore, AWS Practise Lead at Leighton, said the engagement will focus on optimising the trust's cloud environment and supporting day-to-day operations alongside the trust's internal team.

"We're delighted to be working with the eaga Trust to optimise their digital footprint. The service they continue to provide to their members is amazing, and being able to support such a worthwhile organisation based here in the North East is a huge opportunity and something we're really proud of," said Gilmore.

Gilmore is also an AWS Hero, an external recognition programme run by Amazon for community contributors.

"Our experts will work closely with the trust's internal team to optimise their AWS estate and ensure they're capitalising on any cost efficiencies available. This is our bread and butter at Leighton, and we're excited to get going and see what we can achieve together over the course of our partnership," said Gilmore.

Leighton background

Leighton focuses on AWS cloud work and software development, delivering custom software projects and providing technical specialists who work alongside customer teams.

Its AWS team holds more than 70 AWS certifications and more than 70 AWS accreditations. Leighton also organises the AWS North Community Conference and runs events including Serverless North East and the AWS North East User Group.

The company recently launched its AWS Practise as a specialist unit responsible for AWS infrastructure and application support, and for delivery under the eaga Trust agreement.

Leighton lists British Airways, Atom Bank, Hays Travel, EQUANS, IAG Loyalty and Greggs among its customers. The eaga Trust partnership adds a not-for-profit organisation to the list and places the AWS Practise at the centre of a managed support arrangement with regular review points.

The work will continue on a long-term basis, with quarterly reviews to assess progress and identify further changes across the trust's AWS environment and associated digital services.