Case Study

Learning for Life

As we grew, the problems just grew with us. We were getting syncing issues, duplicate files, and sometimes we couldn’t even access what we needed. It was affecting everything we did, and the staff were getting more and more frustrated.

Regional Training Partners is a specialist transport and logistics training provider based in Tees Valley, trading since 2007. Following a change in leadership and a shareholder-driven push for growth, the business relocated from a long-term managed business centre to dedicated industrial premises in early 2025 — a move that exposed an immediate and significant gap: they had no independent IT infrastructure whatsoever.
Two men standing beside a Regional Training Partners van in a parking lot.

The Challenge

As Learning for Life grew, the outdated systems they had in place quickly became unsuitable for their needs. The original file structure was now slowing them down. Staff were struggling to access files when they needed them, information was getting duplicated and core business functionality was being impacted across both locations.

As the number of minor issues increased, it became a major problem for both the wider team and Marie to deal with on a daily basis. Tutors couldn’t access key resources, managers found themselves dealing with complaints and the support team were logging ticket after ticket. Instead of concentrating on the learners, too much time was being lost trying to keep the IT working from one day to the next.

Customer Feedback

As we grew, the problems just grew with us. We were getting syncing issues, duplicate files, and sometimes we couldn’t even access what we needed. It was affecting everything we did, and the staff were getting more and more frustrated.

Learning for Life
Owner, Benoli Wholesale
Customer Opinion

We switched to Smart IT and they have been brilliant, support calls and requests have been dealt with promptly and they have offered help and advice on various matters and products. They are very friendly and always willing to help and advise.

Richard Gledhill
Managing Director
Customer Opinion

We switched to Smart IT and they have been brilliant, support calls and requests have been dealt with promptly and they have offered help and advice on various matters and products. They are very friendly and always willing to help and advise.

Richard Gledhill
Managing Director
Customer Opinion

We switched to Smart IT and they have been brilliant, support calls and requests have been dealt with promptly and they have offered help and advice on various matters and products. They are very friendly and always willing to help and advise.

Richard Gledhill
Managing Director

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The Solution

Smart IT were appointed to carry out a full review of the organisation’s requirements and identify the core issues with the current system. Once the root cause was clear, they worked with Marie and her team to put a proper structure in place. SharePoint was reorganised and Microsoft Teams was introduced as the hub for collaboration across the two business locations.

This solution was implemented alongside a tailored support plan to ensure the team were trained on best practice with the new systems and software, as well as how this would help support them with day to day tasks moving forward. Training sessions were run on-site, backed up by detailed step-by-step guides so staff had resources to refer back to. Managers were given extra support to help their teams, and Smart IT engineers were always on hand for questions.

The first few days of the rollout weren’t easy, there were teething problems. But with clear guidance and support on hand, initial issues were quickly resolved. Within a couple of days, the solution was implemented smoothly and the team were beginning to feel much more confident using it.

Two men sitting at a round table in an office with a window and potted plant.

The Result

Learning for Life now has a tailored IT solution that is suitable for their team, as well as being futureproofed for further company growth and expansion. Staff no longer lose time to syncing errors, managers aren’t tied up with endless complaints, and Marie can finally focus on the most important part of her role — supporting learners.

“My life is so much easier. I’m not constantly dealing with IT problems, the managers are happier, and the staff can just get on with their jobs. It means I can focus more on the learners, which is what it’s all about for us.” – Marie Matthewson, Learning for Life

Marie also highlighted how supportive the Smart IT team had been throughout the process:

“They kept their promises, put in the hours, and made sure everything works the way it should. The staff who came on-site were brilliant, so supportive, and nothing was too much trouble.” – Marie Matthewson, Learning for Life

With the right systems now in place, Learning for Life has a solid platform to keep growing and continue delivering life-changing education for the people who need it most. To find out more about how Smart IT can provide tailored solutions for your business, contact us today.

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