Swallow Drinks, a leading independent drinks wholesaler in Birmingham, had a growing concern: their aging on-premise server. Despite not facing immediate technical issues, the server’s increasing age and lack of support left them vulnerable to significant risks like hardware failures, reduced performance, and software incompatibility. Without dedicated IT support, any disruption could potentially lead to costly downtime, impacting their ability to serve clients and grow their business.
About Swallow Wholesale Drinks:
Swallow Wholesale Drinks Solutions are a proud family-run business born and built in the West Midlands, celebrating over 38 successful years as Birmingham’s leading independent drinks wholesaler. With an impressive product portfolio consisting of Beers, Wine & Spirits, Ciders and Soft drinks, they distribute a vast range of premium brands to the on-trade across the city and its surrounding areas.
They continue to supply a variety of on-trade establishments with a tailored selection of high-quality products. Delivering six days a week in their fleet of branded vehicles, Swallow Drinks aims to provide all of their customers with a fast, professional service that meets their on-going demands.
Their fantastic 24,000 sq ft warehouse based in Birmingham, boasts a stock holding of over 2500 different products, that’s forever changing based on both customer and consumer demands and leading industry trends. Due to their recent expansion in customers they have required a new site to expand capacity to fulfil customer needs.
The Challenge
Swallow Drinks relied on an aging server that was no longer covered by a support contract. With no dedicated IT team, they faced several risks:
Challenges at a Glance
Potential hardware Failures: As their server aged, the chances of hardware issues escalated, which could lead to major disruptions in their operations.
Performance degradation: The old server’s performance was diminishing, making it difficult to keep up with the demands of their expanding business.
Software incompatibility: Running outdated technology meant Swallow Drinks couldn’t easily integrate new software solutions or benefit from modern security updates.
Unpredictable downtime: With no active IT support contract, they were vulnerable to unexpected failures that could lead to operational downtime, risking revenue loss and customer dissatisfaction.
This situation created a sense of uncertainty, where the next IT issue could severely hinder their ability to fulfill orders and serve their customers efficiently.
The Solution
EBC Group stepped in to provide a comprehensive IT overhaul tailored to Swallow Drinks' specific needs. The goal was to not only replace the outdated server but to future-proof their entire IT environment, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.
Key elements of EBC Group's solution included:
Solutions at a Glance
Upgrading to a modern, secure IT infrastructure: EBC Group replaced Swallow Drinks' aging server with a robust and reliable system, eliminating the risks of hardware failure and performance degradation.
Proactive support: Instead of the reactive approach of their previous setup, Swallow Drinks now has a dedicated IT team that monitors and maintains their systems, addressing issues before they escalate.
Seamless transition: The switch to EBC Group’s infrastructure was smooth, well-coordinated, and minimally disruptive to Swallow Drinks' daily operations. Engineers worked closely with their software provider to ensure everything functioned as expected, with the company kept informed throughout the entire process.
This modernisation has drastically improved their IT performance, while also providing enhanced security and peace of mind. As Swallow Drinks continues to expand, they now have an IT infrastructure that can grow alongside them.
The Results: Focused on Growth, Not IT Issues
The impact of EBC Group’s solution went far beyond technical improvements. By addressing the vulnerabilities of Swallow Drinks' previous system, EBC Group has allowed the company to shift their focus from worrying about IT failures to driving their business forward.
Operate with confidence: The new system ensures uptime and reliability, allowing Swallow Drinks to meet customer demands without fear of technical disruptions.Leverage IT as a growth tool: With a modernised IT setup, Swallow Drinks can now explore new opportunities to leverage technology for efficiency and growth.
Reduce stress and uncertainty: The proactive support provided by EBC Group means Swallow Drinks no longer has to worry about unexpected IT failures, allowing them to concentrate on their core business.
Conclusion:
EBC Group’s partnership with Swallow Drinks exemplifies how modern IT solutions can not only mitigate risks but also empower businesses to operate more confidently. By delivering a future-proof infrastructure and personalised support, EBC Group has enabled Swallow Drinks to continue their legacy as one of Birmingham's most respected drinks wholesalers while positioning them for future growth.
Their proactive approach, combined with an understanding of Swallow Drinks’ specific needs, has transformed their IT experience from a source of concern to a foundation for business success.
Swallow Drinks can now focus on what they do best—delivering high-quality drinks and exceptional service to their customers—while EBC Group ensures that their IT systems remain secure, efficient, and ready for any future challenges.
Full Case Study Available Here:
Swallow Wholesale Drinks Solutions
Industry: Wholesale DrinksLocation: Birmingham
