Ardonagh

An intro to Ardonagh

The Ardonagh Group is the UK’s largest independent insurance distribution platform and a top 20 global broker. It comprises entrepreneurial and specialist brands, operating from over 150 locations worldwide with a workforce of more than 9,000. Ardonagh offers a wide range of insurance-related products and services across the UK, Ireland, and international markets. From complex multinational firms to individuals seeking personal policies, their scale, expertise, and understanding of local communities enable them to deliver tailored product and risk solutions in collaboration with insurer partners.

The Challenge

Ardonagh Advisory, amid a strategic acquisition program, needed to establish a robust approach for integrating newly acquired businesses into their corporate IT estate. This complex initiative encompassed applications, networks, server infrastructure, and corporate IT systems, with a requirement to create a repeatable model for future acquisitions.

The Solution

We developed and implemented a comprehensive integration framework that combined immediate delivery capabilities with long-term strategic improvements.

First, we deployed a discovery team to conduct a thorough analysis of:

• Current corporate IT infrastructure
• Historical integration approaches
• Existing delivery governance
• Integration backlog and priorities

Based on these insights, we expanded our engagement with technical and delivery specialists who:

• Designed target infrastructure and network architectures
• Managed stakeholder relationships across multiple business units
• Coordinated with third-party providers
• Led project and program management
• Provided hands-on technical delivery

Beyond individual integrations, we identified opportunities to enhance Ardonagh’s overall integration capabilities. This included refining the corporate infrastructure design and strengthening delivery governance, creating a more efficient and scalable approach for future acquisitions.

The Impact

Our partnership delivered significant value across multiple dimensions:

The immediate integration projects were completed successfully, earning praise from stakeholders in both existing and newly acquired business units for technical excellence and smooth user experience.

More importantly, the improvements to technical solutions and delivery governance created lasting benefits beyond our initial engagement. The enhanced integration framework now serves as a blueprint for future acquisitions, providing Ardonagh with a scalable approach to growth.

This success has led to an expanded partnership, with Ardonagh engaging us for both the remaining integration backlog and future acquisition projects. Our relationship continues to evolve as we help Ardonagh optimise their approach to technical integration across their growing portfolio.