Taking data maturity to the next level at Howden
the challenge
To keep pace with its rapid growth, Howden needed a partner who could bring deep technical expertise, strengthen the team’s capabilities, and help build a scalable foundation for the future.
Raising the overall data maturity of the group was not only critical to anticipating and catering to the data demands of a rapidly evolving business, but also central to unlocking new avenues of revenue and leveraging the transformative power of AI.
While the company was well-placed to advance its data handling capabilities, largely due to its ability to be agile and onboard the latest technology when needed, it soon became clear that a partner could play a pivotal role.
Howden’s data team is small and nimble, and was able to carry out the initial thought leadership itself. However, as the scope and scale of the data operation expanded, the prospect of turning into a large internal team went against a model that had, to this point, suited the company extremely well.
In addition, Howden realised it required a range of different expertise and a partner which could also deliver.
data services
Data Services – Data Platform Modernisation, Strategy, and Advisory
the solution
Following a competitive selection process, Dufrain was chosen for its upfront, engaging approach and its ability to fit Howden’s culture and capability needs. They describe Dufrain as:
Reassuring. Culturally aligned. Cooperative.
The Dufrain team:
- Recommended and delivered the design definitions for a new data lake
- Built a data platform using Azure ADF and Databricks Delta Lake, including a Unity Catalog
- Took a long-term, problem-solving approach focused on real delivery
- Worked closely with the internal team to embed scalable, lasting solutions
The result was not just technical delivery, but a partnership grounded in mutual trust and cultural alignment.
the outcome
- Significant improvements in data processing and platform capability
- Self-serve reporting enabled better, faster decision-making
- Freed up the internal team to focus on growth rather than bespoke tasks
- Created a more data-driven business equipped to scale with demand
- Boosted team confidence, performance and readiness for the next stage
All set to make your data AI-ready?
In one conversation, we’ll explore your challenges, share ideas, and leave you with clear next steps – questions to spark internal discussions and practical ways to progress your data and AI journey with confidence.
Let’s talk
Victoria Whittaker
Head of Business Development