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Learn more about our sustainability offeringCase Study: Badgemaster
Badgemaster UK, based in Newstead, Nottinghamshire, is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of bespoke name badges and identification solutions. Founded in 1992, Badgemaster has grown from a small portacabin operation into an industry-leader with a purpose-built facility on the former Newstead Colliery site.
They’ve built up their reputation based on their craftsmanship and innovation, Badgemaster serves a prestigious client list spanning the hospitality, healthcare, retail and corporate sectors.
Badgemaster: The First Name(Badge) in Sustainability
Sustainability is deeply embedded in Badgemaster’s ethos. The company has put their name(badge) behind eco-friendly practices by offering a growing range of badges made from renewable materials like bamboo, oak and alderwood, all sourced from certified sustainable suppliers.
Up to 20% of Badgemaster’s production now employs these sustainable materials. Bamboo, in particular, is a popular choice as it’s a highly renewable resource that significantly reduces the environmental footprint of badge production. Bamboo offers not only an eco-friendly alternative but also a sleek, durable, modern aesthetic that appeals to companies prioritising sustainability.
WM Morrisons, for example, specifically chose Badgemaster’s bamboo badges for their staff across stores and offices, aligning with their sustainability initiatives.
Badgemaster’s Nottinghamshire-based facility uses ISO-approved processes to craft badges that are not only visually appealing but also significantly reduce environmental impact. Customers can choose laser engraving or digital printing to personalise their wooden badges.
By integrating sustainability into their product range, Badgemaster demonstrates a commitment to greener business practices while delivering exceptional quality and customisation.
Badgemaster’s Badge of Honour
Badgemaster was honoured to receive a Royal Warrant of Appointment – originally granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 and recently reaffirmed by His Majesty King Charles III. This is because Badgemaster exemplifies British excellence in manufacturing.
Their clients include high-profile brands such as WM Morrisons, Selfridges, Hilton, The John Lewis Partnership, Virgin and the NHS, solidifying their position as a trusted partner across a wide range of business sectors.
The Summary
Badgemaster is a fantastic success story. Like many fast-growing businesses, they’d outgrown their existing IT infrastructure. They engaged RDS to build a modern, scalable system that supports their current operations and is primed for future growth. The company had a range of requirements:
- Consistent IT Support: A need for unified and reliable IT services to reduce inefficiencies and promote sustainability.
- Updated Systems: IT systems that would help fast-track scalability.
- Print Fleet Standardisation: To help deliver greater efficiency and sustainability.
- Telecommunications: A modern phone system that supports modern workflows and helps future-proof the business.
Managing and updating these systems created opportunities to scale in line with business growth and to prioritise sustainability.
The Solution
Badgemaster turned to Right Digital Solutions (RDS) for a comprehensive IT transformation. We worked closely with them to deliver a phased plan for Cloud Migration, modernising their infrastructure and unifying their systems.
Phase 1: Cloud Migration
RDS migrated Badgemaster’s IT systems to the Azure cloud, moving away from outdated on-premise solutions. Key areas include:
- Transitioning manufacturing software and Sage systems.
- Migrating their entire server estate.
- The migration was seamless, minimising downtime and providing improved scalability, reliability and security.
Phase 2: Managed Print Services
To address print inefficiencies, RDS’ Managed Print team consolidated Badgemaster’s mixed fleet into a standardised single-brand solution. Benefits include:
- Automated toner ordering and detailed reporting for greater efficiency.
- Low-energy devices that supported sustainability goals.
- Contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted print operations.
- This overhaul provides a reliable and cost-effective printing solution, aligned with Badgemaster’s sustainability objectives.
Phase 3: Unified Communications
- RDS introduced a Managed Communications system – a modern 3CX phone system, tailored to the needs of Badgemaster’s 100 office-based employees.
- This solution enhanced communication efficiency and integrated seamlessly with their IT infrastructure.
The Benefits
- 1Unified IT Approach - A single support team for IT, print and telecoms, streamlining operations and ensuring consistency.
- 2Improved Efficiency - Migrating to the cloud and consolidating print fleets reduced operational bottlenecks and downtime.
- 3Enhanced Sustainability - The use of energy-efficient devices and Badgemaster’s bamboo badges demonstrated a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices.
- 4Scalability - Modern infrastructure and cloud-based solutions provide the flexibility to grow that Badgemaster needs.
- 5Simplified Account Management - Unified billing and a dedicated account team improved clarity and reduced administrative burdens.
Responsive, knowledgeable, experienced, diligent, available. A team of experts! RDS has delivered exactly what we needed, when we needed it. Having one support team across IT, print and telecoms has simplified our operations and allowed us to focus on what we do best - delivering quality products to our clients. Managing Director of Badgemaster Ian Bradbeer