Case Study: Enhancing Security and Reducing Costs for Greg Rowe Limited

Who Is The Client?

Greg Rowe Limited is a leading UK-based tap design and manufacturing company that serves both businesses and consumers. With a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs, they provide a wide range of tap solutions for residential and commercial spaces. Their products combine aesthetic appeal with functionality, catering to modern design trends and sustainable water solutions. Given their broad customer base and reliance on digital tools for sales, distribution, and internal operations, cybersecurity and IT efficiency are crucial to their business success.

What Was The Problem?

The client needed to improve their cybersecurity strength without significantly increasing their IT expenses. Cyber threats have been rising across industries, and even businesses with basic security measures such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) have been targeted in breaches. To safeguard their data and operations, the client wanted to enhance their security policies, ideally by adopting Microsoft Business Premium Licences. These licences would provide advanced security features such as Conditional Access Policies and additional Microsoft 365 tenancy security measures. However, upgrading from Microsoft Business Standard to Microsoft Business Premium would significantly increase their monthly per-user cost—an important consideration for a company with 30 users. 

What Was Our Solution?

Our approach focused on both improving security and identifying cost-saving opportunities to offset the additional licensing expenses. With the Microsoft Business Premium Licences, the client could leverage several new tools beyond security enhancements, including: 

• Microsoft Intune for comprehensive device management 
• Microsoft Defender as a built-in antivirus solution, replacing their existing third-party provider (ESET) 
• Advanced account and device security policies through Entra ID and Conditional Access 

To balance the cost increase, we conducted a thorough analysis of their existing IT infrastructure. We found that the client was maintaining two separate domain controllers: 

• A server hosted in Azure, incurring a monthly subscription fee. 
• An on-premises server, which required ongoing maintenance and support costs. 

By transitioning their domain controller functions to Entra ID and Intune, both of which were included in the Premium Licence package, we were able to eliminate the need for both the Azure server and the on-premises server. This resulted in immediate cost savings. 

Additionally, replacing ESET with Microsoft Defender further helped mitigate the cost increase from upgrading to Premium Licences. 

What Was The Result?

Through this solution, the client achieved significant improvements in security while also benefiting from cost reductions: 

• Enhanced Security – With Microsoft Business Premium Licences, they now have robust security measures, including advanced Conditional Access policies and streamlined device management. 
• Cost Savings – By using a Microsoft Business Premium license, costs were consolidated and largely offset by savings from replacing existing services, including ESET, Azure server costs, and on-premises server running and support costs. 
• Simplified IT Management – With Entra ID and Intune, account and device security is now consolidated under a single platform, reducing administrative complexity and improving efficiency. 

By strategically leveraging Microsoft Business Premium Licences and optimising IT infrastructure, we enabled the client to achieve superior security without a net increase in costs. This approach not only protected their business against modern cybersecurity threats but also streamlined their operations, positioning them for long-term growth and IT sustainability. 

Is Your Cybersecurity Ready For A Refresh?

If your business or organisation is in need of a security update, contact us today to learn how we can help modernise your communication and stock management systems. 

Based in East Anglia, we work with SMEs to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. Book your free consultation today for a free systems review.