Mitchells and Butlers launches £13m network upgrade

Mitchells and Butlers has officially launched a £13m digital transformation programme to modernise connectivity and security across more than 1,700 pubs, restaurants and hotels.

The project, which is in partnership with Focus Group and underpinned by Cisco infrastructure, is said to represent one of the technology provider’s largest commercial deals in the UK hospitality sector. The cloud-managed network will update operations for 18 brands and approximately 6,000 users.

News of the deal follows an 18-month process. Focus Group will use an automation-first approach to deploy internet service provider connectivity and hardware simultaneously, limiting trading disruptions across Mitchells and Butlers’ estate. 

The infrastructure update includes Wi-Fi 7, upgraded local area networks and secure service edge technology. Focus Group has also integrated Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 backup systems and a Mitel contact centre solution into the managed platform.

Initial deployment figures show 75% of sites migrated to fibre-to-the-premises connectivity on the first day of the project. The completed rollout will move the hospitality operator toward a full zero-trust security architecture.

Neil Hall, chief executive of Mitchells and Butlers, said: “By bringing together the best of Cisco technology with our expertise in automation, cloud and security, we’re not just delivering a network. We’re building a digital foundation that will empower M&B’s brands, teams and customers for years to come.”