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NHS SBS Cloud Solutions 2 framework extended

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NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has announced an extension to its Cloud Solutions 2 framework, which will now run until April 24, 2028. This framework provides a compliant and competitive procurement route for a wide range of cloud services to the NHS and other public sector organisations.​

The framework is designed to support public sector bodies in their digital transformation journeys, offering services from initial consultancy and design to complete end-to-end cloud solutions. It is structured into four lots covering solution design and consultancy, infrastructure and platform services, support services, and end-to-end cloud solutions. This structure is intended to guide organisations through their cloud adoption process, from readiness assessments to the procurement and ongoing support of cloud infrastructure.​

Bramble Hub is a named supplier on all four lots of the framework, allowing us to offer a wide array of cloud-related services from our network of partners. The framework allows for both direct award and further competition, providing flexibility for public sector organisations to select their preferred suppliers.

Proceed Group: specialists in SAP data archiving

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“We only do a few things, but we do them very well.” (Robert Reuben, Joint MD, Proceed Group)

For more than two decades, Proceed Group has been helping organisations around the world take control of their SAP data landscapes. With deep specialism in archiving, decommissioning, content management and data compliance, the company has become one of the most trusted SAP data-management partners globally. Today, it works extensively across both the private and public sectors to support cloud migration, system optimisation and regulatory compliance.

A heritage built on SAP expertise

“We feel like we’re the specialist surgeon… if you’re going to have heart surgery on your SAP system, you’ll want someone who’s done it before”

Proceed Group was founded in 2001 by Nick Parkin, whose technology pedigree began in cryptography research. After developing expertise in ERPs and studying for an MBA, Nick saw a growing need for expertise in SAP data archiving, decommissioning, and content management in enterprise systems, which led him to found Proceed.

Since then, the company has grown into a global organisation with 14 offices and more than 900 customer projects delivered worldwide. Its consistent focus on SAP data management has established Proceed as a long-standing SAP Gold Partner, supported by a global SAP master services agreement.

The company has helped more than 140 organisations migrate to SAP S/4HANA, delivering over £180 million in cost savings through reduced data volumes. Its consultant base is one of the largest pools of SAP ILM specialists globally, giving customers confidence that even the most complex data challenges will be handled with precision.

What Proceed Group does

Proceed’s services span four key areas:

  1. SAP archiving and ILM

“Archiving helps customers shrink their main database right down… when you’re paying for cloud by the gigabyte, it’s an enormous saving.”

Archiving is essential for reducing data volumes, improving performance and enabling smoother moves to SAP S/4HANA. Proceed is recognised internationally for SAP Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) expertise, having helped customers reduce more than 18,000TB of data. For public-sector organisations, this means lower cloud costs, faster backups and improved compliance with statutory retention requirements.

  1. System decommissioning with Proceed Cella

“Proceed Cella lets customers retire old systems completely while still being able to report on and access historic data.

Many organisations continue to run costly legacy systems purely to retain access to historic data. Proceed’s decommissioning approach – powered by its SaaS platform, Proceed Cella – enables full retirement of these systems while maintaining intuitive, read-only access to data. Supporting both SAP and non-SAP systems, Proceed Cella can deliver up to 80% total cost-of-ownership savings.

  1. Content management

Unstructured documents, often overlooked, can significantly increase storage costs and slow down SAP systems. Proceed supports SAP content migrations, OpenText VIM, Extended ECM and SharePoint integration, helping customers reduce stored documents by up to 50% while improving workflow efficiency.

  1. GDPR and data protection

Despite GDPR being several years old, many organisations still face compliance gaps. Proceed assists with retention rules, ILM-based deletion and data privacy automation. Its tool, Proceed Automate, shortens compliance timescales dramatically by simplifying tasks such as redaction and deletion.

Supporting complex public-sector programmes

Proceed has a strong footprint in the UK public sector, supporting councils, non-departmental bodies and central government organisations. Gloucestershire County Council, for example, reduced its SAP data volume by 64% as part of its preparation for SAP HANA.

Many public bodies rely on Proceed to reduce the size of systems ahead of cloud migration or to decommission legacy environments that must be retained for audit reasons. As Joint Managing Director Robert Reuben explains:

“Many customers must keep old data for regulatory or audit reasons, but they don’t want the cost or risk of running ageing systems. We provide a smarter alternative – a secure, compliant, accessible place for that data without the burden of maintaining the legacy system.”

Specialist skills, long-term relationships

“We’re completely focused on our customers and partners. We want successful projects and long-term relationships.”

Proceed’s delivery model blends technical depth with a customer-first mindset. Its consultants bring niche expertise, enabling them to anticipate challenges and guide clients through every stage of complex programmes.

This combination of know-how and partnership-driven delivery means customers often return for subsequent phases of work, confident that their systems and data remain in safe hands.

Enabling organisations through every stage of their SAP journey

Proceed supports organisations facing a wide range of transformation drivers, including:

  • Moving SAP landscapes to hyperscalers
  • Migrating to SAP HANA or SAP S/4HANA
  • Consolidating systems after mergers
  • Addressing performance challenges
  • Meeting GDPR and data-protection obligations
  • Managing divestments where data must be separated

Each project begins with a clear assessment and business case, supported by proven processes and tools designed to make delivery efficient, predictable and compliant.

Looking ahead

With a growing team, a maturing suite of software tools and rising demand for its services, Proceed’s vision is to remain the worldwide partner of choice for SAP archiving, decommissioning and content management. Via our thin-prime business model, Bramble Hub can supply their SAP expertise and products to organisations across the UK public sector.

For more information about Proceed Group, please see their partner page.

AI growth zones: accelerating regional innovation across the UK

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The UK government has confirmed the creation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) growth zones – new innovation clusters designed to accelerate digital infrastructure, stimulate regional investment, and help position the UK as a global leader in AI. Among the first announced locations, North Wales has been highlighted as a flagship site, with government projections indicating the potential for 3,400 new jobs if planned developments proceed as intended.

What the zones are expected to deliver

Each zone is being designed to provide a supportive environment for AI infrastructure and innovation, with the government outlining several intended benefits:

  • Faster delivery of AI infrastructure: Proposed planning reforms, specialist support, and efforts to reduce legal and planning barriers aim to help datacentres and related projects progress more quickly through approval stages.
  • Improved access to affordable power: The government has announced plans for priority or accelerated grid connections and the potential for site-specific energy solutions, particularly for high-demand AI and datacentre developments.
  • Local investment, skills, and job creation: Up to £5 million per zone has been earmarked to support AI adoption, research and development, and workforce training – intended to attract additional private investment and equip local organisations to make practical use of emerging technologies.

These measures are part of a broader ambition to unlock up to £100 billion of public and private investment across all growth zones nationwide, though the scale and timing of delivery remain dependent on future investment partnerships.

Powering new regional tech hubs

AI growth zones are intended to operate as collaborative regional ecosystems, encouraging interaction between research institutions, technology providers, public services, and local businesses. With the promise of accelerated planning approvals, enhanced power infrastructure and dedicated funding for adoption and skills, the zones are expected to stimulate innovation in areas that have historically seen lower levels of digital investment.

The proposed North Wales zone spans sites including Prosperity Parc on Anglesey and the Trawsfynydd area of Gwynedd, locations that feature prominently in government plans for modern industrial renewal. Other zones include Culham in Oxfordshire, where the concept was initially piloted, as well as two new zones in the north-east of England.

Opportunities for public sector technology suppliers

For organisations delivering digital solutions to the public sector, the AI growth zones present a potential expansion in demand for AI-enabled services. NHS organisations, local authorities, and education providers could gain more direct access to emerging AI capabilities, supporting developments such as automated triage tools, advanced analytics for planning, and improved data-driven decision-making.

A key part of the government’s strategy is the creation of regional adoption hubs within the growth zones, which are expected to direct funding towards the practical use of AI in critical public services. As planning processes are streamlined and infrastructure barriers are addressed, suppliers experienced in public sector procurement may see increased opportunities for scalable AI solutions, consultancy work, and managed services; although the pace of demand will depend on how quickly individual zones progress from planning to delivery.

Supporting a national transformation

The AI growth zone programme is supported by a cross-government taskforce intended to accelerate planning decisions, coordinate investor engagement, and support local delivery. While many elements of the programme remain dependent on securing private investment and specialist infrastructure, the initiative reflects a national commitment to strengthening the UK’s position in global AI development.

For technology organisations, including many Bramble Hub partners, the rollout of growth zones signals a growing landscape for collaboration, digital transformation, and innovation. As regional capacity builds and government frameworks continue to prioritise home-grown technology, the UK public sector is entering an increasingly dynamic phase of AI-driven opportunity.

Whitespace partners with Birmingham City Council on environmental services platform

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Bramble Hub, working in partnership with Whitespace Work Software, has been awarded a contract with Birmingham City Council.

Through this engagement, Whitespace will provide a modern, configurable platform to support the council’s environmental services operations. The focus is on improving service management and reporting while keeping operational details confidential.

Birmingham City Council is one of the UK’s largest local authorities, responsible for delivering a broad range of services to residents and businesses across the city, including waste and environmental services, housing, planning and community support.

Whitespace Work Software delivers proven software for local authorities and service providers, helping teams manage field operations, optimise routes and resources, and enhance customer experience through timely information and insights.

This award was made via the Crown Commercial Service RM6259 Vertical Application Solutions framework (Lot 3: Housing, Environmental & Planning Solutions).

Codex Software: full-cycle software development expertise and rapid delivery for the public sector

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“Our strength is that we can adapt – small teams, large teams, high-bureaucracy environments or fast-moving innovation groups.”

Across the public sector, organisations are under intense pressure to modernise services, streamline operations and deliver better outcomes for citizens. In healthcare especially, digital transformation is no longer optional: it is essential. Codex Software, an international software development company founded in 2011, has positioned itself as a trusted partner for healthcare providers and innovators seeking agile, technically robust solutions.

With headquarters in Cheltenham and development hubs in Poland and Portugal, Codex – a new Bramble Hub partner – brings together more than 100 engineers specialising in full-cycle software development, cloud and DevOps engineering, and bespoke artificial intelligence solutions. Their breadth of technical expertise, combined with a track record of rapid and reliable delivery, makes them well placed to support public sector organisations working to modernise systems and improve patient outcomes.

Bramble Hub met up with Codex’s Denis Lazerev, Anton Zaleski and Matt Smith to explore the company’s success. On meeting the team, it rapidly became obvious obvious that Codex is a company steeped in technical capability, with a track record of delivering quality systems to tight timescales.

Full-cycle software development designed for complex environments

“We work like a start-up but deliver at enterprise scale – our priority is getting value live quickly.”

Codex’s core strength lies in its ability to deliver across the entire product lifecycle, from initial analysis and prototyping, through to full-scale development, integration and long-term support. Their teams work confidently across a range of technologies, including Java, .NET, JavaScript and Node.js, Python, relational and NoSQL databases, graph data models, and all major cloud platforms including AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.

This deep technical capability enables Codex to confidently support a wide variety of projects, from modern cloud-native applications to large-scale workflow automation. Crucially, their approach is grounded in flexibility: they are comfortable joining projects at any stage, collaborating with established internal teams or taking full ownership of delivery.

Proven experience delivering digital solutions for healthcare

“Healthcare is a major focus for us – during COVID we built a full appointment system for an NHS Trust in just one week.”

While Codex works across multiple sectors, healthcare has become one of their strongest and most strategically relevant ones. Their experience ranges from staff and rota management tools to patient-facing systems and clinical auditing platforms, all designed to improve efficiency, safety and patient care.

One of Codex’s standout solutions is Audit Angel, a clinical audit platform used to improve quality management, regulatory compliance and operational decision-making. The platform simplifies data collection and analysis for clinicians, reducing the administrative burden that often slows improvement initiatives. It also reflects Codex’s ability to design and build complete software products that scale effectively across NHS environments.

Codex has also demonstrated its capability to work at speed when it matters most. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team developed and deployed a full appointment management system for an NHS Trust in just one week; helping staff coordinate patient flow at a time when rapid response and operational clarity were essential. This combination of urgency, quality and reliability is a hallmark of Codex’s approach.

Beyond individual products, the company supports healthcare providers in building digital workflows, improving patient engagement, and enabling data-driven decision-making. Their teams are well equipped to collaborate with integrated care boards, digital transformation teams and local innovation groups across the NHS, particularly where new pathways or systems require agile development and technical leadership.

Leading capabilities in artificial intelligence

“AI has become a core part of what we do, from call-centre support systems with human-in-the-loop design to virtual tutoring for higher education.”

AI is another area in which Codex brings substantial expertise, helping organisations introduce intelligent automation, enhance customer interaction and gain greater insight from their data. Their work includes building AI chatbots for customer support, automated agents for workflow optimisation, and decision-support tools tailored to organisational needs.

Codex also supports research-driven innovation through platforms such as RAISE, an advanced deep learning framework based on neuro-evolution techniques. Developed with leading AI researchers, RAISE enables the generation and optimisation of sophisticated AI models. For healthcare, where accuracy, adaptability and trustworthiness are paramount, this capability opens the door to solutions such as improved triage tools, patient communication systems and intelligent operational dashboards.

By building bespoke AI systems rather than relying solely on generic models, Codex helps ensure that solutions align with real-world clinical and operational requirements.

Enterprise-grade integration and workflow expertise

In addition to healthcare and AI, Codex is well known for its enterprise workflow and integration capabilities. Their long-standing work with HP, supporting more than 200 print service providers around the world, demonstrates their capacity to build high-availability platforms and integrate them seamlessly with third-party systems. This experience is highly transferable to public sector contexts, where interoperability, resilience and long-term maintainability are essential.

A trusted technology partner for the public sector

“We’re interested in working with innovators within the public sector, especially healthcare and integrated care boards.”

Codex’s success is reinforced by strong client feedback. Senior leaders at organisations such as HP, Macmillan and Axiell praise the company’s technical depth, reliability and collaborative approach. Their ability to provide high-quality engineering talent – combined with a clear focus on outcomes – has helped them build lasting partnerships across multiple sectors.

For public sector organisations, Codex offers the right blend of skills, scale and experience to support both immediate digital needs and long-term transformation. Whether building new clinical systems, modernising legacy workflows, or deploying AI to improve efficiency, Codex delivers technology that is both innovative and dependable.

Through our thin-prime model, Bramble Hub is proud to offer Codex’s systems development prowess to public sector customers via our presence on public sector frameworks. For more information about them, see their partner page.

Bramble Hub appointed as supplier on new CCS transport technology framework

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We are happy to announce that we have been appointed as a supplier on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) new Transport Technology framework.

This appointment enables Bramble Hub to supply specialist solutions and services across three of the framework’s eight lots, supporting public sector organisations in the planning, delivery, and optimisation of modern transport systems. Through our network of expert technology partners, we are able to help customers access innovative, cost-effective, and future-ready transport technologies.

CCS’s new framework is designed to support the continued transformation of the UK’s transport infrastructure, providing buyers with access to suppliers who can deliver high-quality, compliant, and scalable solutions. Bramble Hub is proud to continue enabling public sector organisations to procure with confidence through established and trusted routes.

Integrated Skills to deliver regional GIS solution for North East councils

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Bramble Hub and our partner Integrated Skills have been awarded a contract with Northumberland County Council to deliver a shared RouteSmart and GIS solution for the North East Region RouteSmart Partnership.

The project will provide regional access to advanced mapping and route optimisation software, hosted securely and supported through a managed service. This collaborative approach will enable participating councils to improve the efficiency and coordination of essential local services.

Northumberland County Council leads the partnership, which brings together seven local authorities across the region: Durham, Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, and Hartlepool. The shared arrangement allows the councils to benefit from a consistent, cost-effective platform that supports data-driven decision-making.

Integrated Skills, Bramble Hub’s delivery partner, specialises in route optimisation and GIS technologies that help local authorities enhance operational performance and service delivery.

The contract was awarded through the Crown Commercial Service RM6259 Vertical Application Solutions framework, Lot 3 (Housing, Environment and Planning Solutions).

ZR Consultants (ZRC) and Bramble Hub: Governance, Risk and Change consultancy for the public sector

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Founded in 2003, Bramble Hub partner ZR Consultants (ZRC) is a boutique management consultancy specialising in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) and business transformation. Its promise is straightforward: on time, on budget, and delivered to a standard that redefines expectations of consultancy.

Origins and leadership

ZRC was founded by Zeshan Raja, a hands-on GRC specialist with over 20 years’ experience across telecoms, utilities and financial services. William Bennett joined in 2020, bringing experience from leading businesses in Asia to help scale the firm and deepen client support.

ZRC also commits a portion of its profits to social initiatives, reflecting a belief that commercial success should drive positive social impact.

What ZRC does

ZRC designs and embeds governance, risk and control frameworks that make organisations resilient. Core capabilities include:

  • ERP and GRC controls transformation
  • SOX and ICOFR compliance
  • Cybersecurity governance
  • Regulatory governance reforms (including UK Provision 29)
  • Internal audit co-sourcing, assurance and remediation
  • Complex programme delivery

In short, ZRC builds the governance and control spine of modern transformation.

How ZRC works

ZRC is a lean organisation. Clients work directly with senior practitioners who integrate with internal teams, bringing sector expertise and a focus on outcomes rather than billable hours. This part of the client model consistently earns praise for value, speed and practicality.

Every engagement follows three principles:

  • Design it right from the start: build governance, risk and controls in.
  • Embed, don’t observe: co-own deliverables and share knowledge throughout.
  • Finish well: hand over with full documentation, training and ownership to reduce rework and auditor friction.

Selected programmes

  • BT Group (Global SAP S/4HANA & BPC): Established programme governance and embedded GRC requirements within technical workstreams. Automated key procedures with SAP GRC, reducing dependence on large consultancies while maintaining audit confidence.
  • Severn Trent (Flood response & audit): Structured crisis response through PMO, multi-agency reporting and claims management – recovering £47m against a £20m target while strengthening continuity planning.
  • National Grid (P2P automation): Replaced retrospective checks with continuous control monitoring in SAP S/4HANA, shifting from compliance oversight to proactive assurance.

AI governance

ZRC’s INSIGHT platform consolidates data from multiple systems into real-time dashboards with configurable metrics, trends and governance tracking. It provides a single source of truth for control health, risk posture and progress, enabling faster, better decisions.

Why customers choose ZRC

  • Results that matter: Senior, specialist teams delivering measurable outcomes: cost savings, automation, and accelerated delivery.
  • Controls that last: Designs that auditors trust and operators can sustain.
  • A values-led ethos: Diversity, integrity and social responsibility embedded in daily practice.

ZRC builds resilient organisations by engineering governance and controls into transformation, delivering faster, leaner and with lasting impact. The partnership with Bramble Hub enables us to supply their GRC expertise across the UK public sector via a selection of government framework agreements.

Manchester Pathology Network chooses ProfilerLive

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Bramble Hub, working with our specialist technology partner ProfilerLive, has been awarded a contract with the Greater Manchester Imaging and Pathology Network (GMIPN).

Under the agreement, ProfilerLive will provide their SaaS solution to support network-wide data management, collaboration, and reporting. The two-year service includes onboarding, configuration, data migration, and training, ensuring a seamless implementation and consistent user experience across the organisation.

GMIPN brings together NHS trusts and laboratories across the region, working collaboratively to improve diagnostic services and patient outcomes through innovation and shared digital infrastructure.

The ProfilerLive platform enables secure, scalable access to performance and quality data, helping healthcare teams monitor compliance, improve efficiency, and support evidence-based decision-making.

This contract was awarded through the NHS SBS Cloud Solutions 2 framework, which supports efficient, compliant procurement for NHS organisations and their partners.

Commercial Intuition: delivering data-driven transformation through people, purpose, and partnership

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Bramble Hub and our partner Commercial Intuition work together to deliver transformative consultancy and systems solutions to the UK public sector.

Founded by Allan King five years ago, Commercial Intuition has grown steadily from a one-person consultancy into a thriving business built on two complementary strengths: management consultancy and systems delivery. The company works across central and local government, defence, energy, and housing, as well as the private sector, providing customers with clear insight and hands-on support for complex transformation programmes.

People are at the heart of Commercial Intuition’s success. Brandon Robertson, Head of Consulting, explains that the company takes pride in being an alternative employer, exploring ways to engage a diverse range of people through apprenticeships and non-traditional career pathways. This focus on inclusion and social value is supported by their active work with schools and charities, alongside a company-wide commitment to community impact.

Data-led change

Commercial Intuition’s consultancy approach stands out for its use of experienced P3M practitioners and data-led transformation. Rather than relying on traditional, qualitative models, the team brings an engineer’s precision to organisational transformation, measuring belief systems, communication patterns, and cultural drivers to help clients make smarter, evidence-based decisions.

The company has recently enhanced this data-led approach with a new suite of products designed to help organisations build a stronger foundation for change and improvement. This includes a set of training materials focused on upskilling client teams and reducing the risk of change failure; a one-day innovation workshop that produces leadership-approved initiatives ready to launch immediately; and a series of maturity assessments that clearly identify areas for development and provide practical guidance for improvement. Upcoming innovations include a new ‘knowledge-as-a-system’ offering, designed to make expert consultancy more accessible to smaller organisations.

Alongside its consultancy work, Commercial Intuition’s systems division delivers ERP solutions using Odoo’s comprehensive suite of applications, helping organisations of all sizes manage their data more effectively.  This helps clients make decisions, streamline and grow, and better capture and collaborate on new opportunities.

Customers in central government

Commercial Intuition works with government departments to strengthen delivery, governance, and organisational capability. Combining strategy, systems thinking, and practical change support, the company helps teams deliver more effectively, make better use of data, and embed sustainable improvements. Their approach links strategic intent with measurable outcomes, aiming to improve transparency, accountability, and performance at every level.

Across a range of programmes, Commercial Intuition has supported departments to modernise systems, enhance decision-making, and build internal capability. Their focus is always on leaving behind capability, not dependency, ensuring that clients can continue improving performance long after the engagement ends.

Example case studies include:

  • Redefining a department’s PMO through a full assessment and VMOST (Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategy, and Tactics) alignment
  • Developing a board-level balanced scorecard to improve governance transparency
  • Conducting a data and systems review to streamline reporting and introduce automation
  • Embedding agile practices by providing an experienced Scrum Master for digital transformation
  • Redesigning a Strategic Asset Management Plan to guide long-term investment decisions
  • Supporting the development of a Full Business Case for a system redevelopment
  • Strengthening cybersecurity and risk management using the Secure by Design framework

Through our thin-prime model of doing business, Bramble Hub is able to supply Commercial Intuition’s expert services to the UK public sector via a number of procurement frameworks.

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