We were told from the outset by Chess that this would be a collaborative process, and they were true to their word. The process was not without challenges, but by embarking from the start with the collaborative approach, we were made to feel part of both the challenges and the solutions and not just the recipient of a paid-for solution.
Sector
Utility
Users
6,500
Solution
SharePoint Online
Scottish Power is a leading UK energy company and part of the global Iberdrola Group. With over 6,500 employees, it is the first integrated energy company in the UK to generate 100% green electricity.
The organisation focuses on wind energy, smart grids and electric mobility, supplying electricity and gas to millions of customers and managing major transmission and distribution networks. It plays a central role in supporting the UK's renewable energy transition.
Evolving Needs in a Changing Workplace
For many years, Scottish Power stored large volumes of business critical information on network file shares. While this approach had worked in the past, the move towards hybrid and home working highlighted growing limitations.
Finding information had become increasingly difficult, and issues around searchability, usability and data security created unnecessary risk. With working patterns changing across the organisation, it became clear that a more modern, governed and accessible approach was needed.
As part of a wider digital transformation strategy, Scottish Power launched a programme to move away from network file shares and establish a future ready model for storing, managing and accessing information.
Partnership Built on Trust and Collaboration
Chess has supported Scottish Power for more than ten years, particularly in SharePoint document management. Building on this strong relationship, Scottish Power asked Chess to reshape its approach to information storage and collaboration using SharePoint Online.
Rather than simply migrating files, both teams used the opportunity to design a modern information environment built around SharePoint’s standard features. Chess worked closely with each department to understand how they operated and what they needed from the new platform. This ensured each site was designed around real processes, clear governance and everyday user expectations.
Workshops, demonstrations and joint scoping sessions helped shape each SharePoint site, improving functionality, strengthening control and delivering a much better experience for both users and administrators. This collaborative approach set the tone for the entire project. Chess provided on site support when required, and Scottish Power teams remained highly engaged throughout. Regular demonstrations helped maintain alignment and reinforced shared ownership.
Modernising the Workplace with SharePoint Online
Moving to SharePoint delivered immediate improvements. Teams could collaborate in real time, work securely from any location and manage documents more efficiently. This helped reduce duplication, improve visibility and make day to day tasks easier.
SharePoint’s built in security, auditing and access controls has given Scottish Power confidence in how its information is being used. Importantly, having a single source of truth helps remove inconsistencies and supported better decision making across the organisation.
SharePoint is now much more than a document repository. It has become a core part of Scottish Power’s digital strategy, enabling integration across systems and creating new opportunities, including the ability to use Microsoft Copilot to support future productivity gains.
Working Together to Deliver Future Innovation
Over more than a decade, Chess Digital has delivered projects for Scottish Power on time and within budget. By combining deep technical expertise with a consultative, hands on approach, Chess continues to strengthen and extend the organisation’s internal capabilities.
The new SharePoint environment is secure, scalable and ready for the future. It supports today’s needs while laying the groundwork for long term innovation and sustained organisational growth.
The collaborative and flexible approach that Chess demonstrated, coupled with their technical strength, ensured a fast and effective delivery, which I value highly.
Conway Williams, Corporate Business Systems Director
