Places Leisure, a not-for-profit social enterprise operating over 100 leisure facilities across the UK, has embarked on a significant digital transformation to support its rapid expansion and improve operational efficiency.
Facing the challenge of rolling out new sites quickly and moving away from outdated on-premises infrastructure, the organisation turned to its long-standing technology partner, Node4, to implement a modern SD-WAN solution based on Fortinet technology.
IT Director Keiron Butcher and Head of Technology Support Andy Jones explained that the new SD-WAN platform has dramatically streamlined the process of launching new facilities. Previously reliant on traditional server-based systems, Places Leisure now uses Node4’s managed SD-WAN to deliver templated applications, services, security, and infrastructure across all sites. This approach has proven to be both fast and cost-effective, aligning with the organisation’s not-for-profit ethos.
A key benefit of the new infrastructure is enhanced security. Since many facilities operate on behalf of local authorities, data protection is paramount. The SD-WAN includes next-generation firewalls configured through templated designs, ensuring consistent, robust security across every site. It also provides valuable security analytics, giving the IT team centralised insights into threat detection and organisational security trends without the need to log into multiple firewalls.
The upgraded network has also significantly improved Wi-Fi quality and customer experience. Keiron highlighted that guest Wi-Fi now offers faster, more reliable connectivity even during peak periods, allowing for seamless use of fitness wearables, social media, streaming, and other applications. This has directly enhanced customer satisfaction and reduced complaints about Wi-Fi performance, which previously limited capacity at busy sites. Additionally, the improved network has optimised the online booking system, achieving around 99.9% system availability — reducing frustration and boosting revenue.
The benefits extend beyond connectivity. Places Leisure is also deploying innovative cloud-based solutions, including Lynxight, an AI-powered anti-drowning system. This system relies on stable Wi-Fi to provide real-time alerts, using CCTV cameras to detect potential drowning incidents and notifying staff instantly via smartwatches. Keiron credits Node4’s expertise in templating and integration for enabling rapid deployment of this safety-critical technology across multiple sites.
