Building a scalable IT foundation for a growing multi-academy trust
How Broadleaf Trust strengthened cybersecurity, optimised Microsoft 365 licensing and gained access to specialist IT expertise through a strategic partnership with Vizst.
The vision
As Broadleaf Trust continued to grow, its vision was to build a scalable, secure and reliable technology foundation that could support both its schools and its long-term ambitions..
The Trust wanted to complement its internal IT expertise with specialist support, ensuring it could confidently manage increasing complexity while maintaining high standards of service, security and operational resilience
The challenges
Having grown from a single school into a multi-academy trust, Broadleaf needed its IT strategy, infrastructure and support model to evolve alongside the organisation.
While the Trust had a capable internal IT team, increasing scale brought new challenges around infrastructure design, cybersecurity, Microsoft licensing and long-term technology planning.
The departure of a trusted IT consultant left a gap in specialist expertise, creating the need for a partner that could provide advanced technical support, strategic guidance and additional resource when required. Broadleaf needed a solution that would strengthen operational resilience, improve visibility across its technology estate and provide confidence that critical systems were being managed effectively as the Trust continued to grow.
The solution
Broadleaf partnered with Vizst to create a bespoke support model designed around the needs of a growing multi-academy trust. Acting as an extension of the internal IT team, Vizst provided specialist expertise across infrastructure, cybersecurity and Microsoft licensing, ensuring Broadleaf had access to the skills and guidance required to support its expanding technology estate.
The partnership began with fourth-line support and infrastructure design services, providing access to experienced engineers who could support complex projects and help maintain reliable, high-performing systems. Vizst also worked closely with Broadleaf to optimise its Microsoft 365 licensing model, replacing outdated arrangements and improving efficiency across the organisation.
As cybersecurity requirements continued to evolve, Vizst helped Broadleaf assess existing technologies, improve visibility of cyber risks and implement solutions better aligned to the Trust’s needs. By bringing multiple services together under a single trusted partner, Broadleaf gained a more streamlined and consistent approach to managing its IT environment.
The results
Scalable IT support
Access to specialist expertise to support
continued growth
100+
Strengthened
cybersecurity
Improved visibility, control and protection
across the environment
Optimised Microsoft
licensing
Reduced inefficiencies and
simplified licence management
Trusted technology
partnership
Consolidated services under a
single expert provider
As Broadleaf continued to grow, Vizst’s support scaled alongside the organisation. The Trust gained access to specialist skills, strategic guidance and technical expertise without increasing complexity for the internal IT team.
By consolidating infrastructure support, Microsoft licensing and cybersecurity services under one trusted partner, Broadleaf improved operational confidence while creating a stronger foundation for future growth.
The benefits
Fourth Line
Expertise
Access to specialist engineering
support when needed
Improved resilience
Maintained reliable and high-performing infrastructure
Licensing optimisation
Maximised value from Microsoft 365 investments
Enhanced cybersecurity
Strengthened protection against
evolving threats.
Reduced complexity
Consolidated services through
a single partner.
Strategic guidance
Supported future growth
with expert advice.
“Broadleaf’s partnership with Vizst has evolved into a trusted, long-term relationship built on expertise, reliability and confidence. By acting as an extension of the Trust’s internal IT team, we’ve helped create a scalable support model that strengthens cybersecurity, simplifies technology management and supports future growth”
Ben Cutcliffe
Vizst Technology