Home Bargains has appointed Evolve Business Group to deliver a fully managed network solution across its UK store estate, in a bid to enhance security and operational efficiency.
The partnership will see Evolve roll out its managed connectivity and secure payment infrastructure to more than 650 stores, with 50 sites already live.
It is understood that the new system consolidates multiple legacy networks, including those for payments and CCTV, into a single managed solution, providing real-time visibility and faster issue resolution through Evolve’s 24/7 technical support desk.
To minimise downtime, each store will benefit from dual connectivity with automatic failover, ensuring transactions and in-store systems remain online if a connection is interrupted.
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The retailer added that configuration updates, including firewall rules and security changes, will be “centrally deployed to all stores simultaneously”, with the aim to streamline management and accelerate the rollout of new features.
Working in partnership with Mako Networks, Evolve has integrated several bespoke components to ensure compliance and scalability, including fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology and secure, PCI-compliant links to payment and gift card data centres.
Home Bargains head of IT Infrastructure and services Tony Mullen said: “The partnership with Evolve has simplified our infrastructure and improved resilience, offering value without compromising on service or quality. These upgrades will support our continued expansion as we grow towards 1,000 stores nationwide.”
Evolve Business Group CEO Alan Stephenson-Brown added: “Home Bargains is a major British retailer with exceptional growth ambitions. We’re proud to deliver a secure, reliable and future-proof network that supports its success and enhances the customer experience.”
Earlier this year, the discount chain unveiled its “cutting-edge” £400m one-million square foot automated distribution centre just outside Liverpool.
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It’s great to see Home Bargains investing in a more resilient and secure network setup—especially with such a large store footprint. Consolidating payments, CCTV, and other systems under one managed solution should really streamline operations and reduce downtime. The dual connectivity approach is a smart move too, given how critical uptime is in retail environments today.