Large UK holiday parks company embrace cloud

Originally a coastal farm, The Flower of May Holiday Parks began to develop as a tourism business in the 1970s. Now one of the largest family-run holiday park groups in the UK, it has grown to encompass 10 holiday parks throughout Yorkshire with the Head Office based at Scarborough. It employs around 40 full time staff and many more in the holiday season. The choice for customers from Glamping, Country Cottages, Tent & Touring Caravan pitches or Luxury Lodges with Hot Tubs means there is something for everyone. On park facilities vary from fully fledged bar & meals service & indoor pools to quiet parks away from the bustle of normal life.

The Situation

Flower of May had an aging on premise Microsoft Exchange 2007 server which was their primary email communication service. As the company expanded, the need to communicate more efficiently with both customers and between parks became essential.  Microsoft main line support for Exchange 2007 server had ended, therefore the company needed a new future proof email communication service that was always on, always available, safe and secure and in addition allowed for full archiving to keep mailbox sizes manageable.

The Solution

Practical Networks spoke to the management team at Flower Of May and listened to their requirement’s for a new email system. Choices were discussed in regards upgrading the on premise exchange server or moving to a cloud email service. It was agreed that the current email system be decommissioned and email data for all users migrated to Microsoft Office365 Exchange Online cloud based email alongside Mimecast Office 365 email security, archiving and continuity services to cover any interruptions in Office365 availability.  Email services were migrated by Practical Networks to Office 365 and Mimecast very quickly and efficiently with no interruption to communication or business flow.

The Result

Now Flower Of May Holiday Parks have an up to date cloud based Office 365 email system, which offers end users anywhere access that’s secure, reliable and compliant.  Each user benefits from a huge 50GB mailbox with large file send of up to 150mb in size. There’s shared calendars and contacts out of the box and collaboration is simplified with Office 365 groups.  Email continuity is provided by Mimecast services for Office 365  so Flower Of May users are safe in the knowledge that if there is an interruption in office365 services, emails are still sent and received and that important online booking isn’t missed. Mimecast services for Office 365 also offers Flower Of May users comprehensive security coverage and multi-vendor protection against email threats such as spear-phishing, spam and malware protection.

“A smooth installation was followed by an immediately superior network system. This combined with a much appreciated level of support ensures that we are very satisfied customers” – Joanne Atkinson