Havant Borough Council inks three-year managed services contract

Havant Borough Council has appointed UK-based cloud and connectivity provider Exponential-e as its new Managed Services Provider, marking a significant step in the council's ongoing digital transformation efforts.

The three-year contract encompasses the management of the council's infrastructure, network, end-user services, and security environment. Implementation commenced in May 2025, with full service go-live anticipated in July, aligning with the conclusion of the previous IT services agreement to ensure seamless continuity.

This partnership aligns with Havant Borough Council's commitment to modernising its IT infrastructure in support of its broader digital strategy. The council's Digital Strategy 2020–2024 outlines ambitions to create a 'digital council' with digitally savvy staff and services designed to be accessible and convenient for customers.

Key objectives include adopting a 'digital by default' approach, investing in digital tools, and ensuring services are secure and compliant with data protection regulations.

Under the new agreement, Exponential-e will facilitate the migration of the council's IT systems to a Microsoft Azure Cloud infrastructure, delivering a secure and scalable foundation for future innovation. The cloud-based environment will include:

• Dedicated Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
• Dedicated Firewall Service
• Managed LAN and Wi-Fi Services
• UK-based data hosting, in line with the council’s firm data sovereignty requirements

All infrastructure assets will remain under the council’s ownership, reflecting a growing trend among local authorities to retain strategic control while partnering with specialist providers for delivery.

Exponential-e will also oversee the upgrade and management of the council's 680+ end-user devices, including the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. A fully managed service desk and professional services support function are included to ensure reliable day-to-day performance and responsive issue resolution.

“We are excited to partner with Havant Borough Council to deliver a modern and future-ready IT environment that supports future innovation,” said Afshin Attari, Director of Public Sector and Unified Platforms at Exponential-e. “Our goal is to ensure the council benefits from enhanced security and improved speed of service delivery to serve residents effectively.”

Future outlook

This contract is part of Havant Borough Council's broader efforts to enhance digital engagement and service delivery. The council has been proactive in involving residents in shaping its Local Plan through digital platforms, aiming to foster continuous community engagement. Additionally, the council's Customer Access and Experience Strategy 2025–2028 emphasises the importance of harnessing digital technology to improve customer interactions and service efficiency.