MERCATOR IT SOLUTIONS LIMITED

Mercator IT Solutions Ltd

Mercator IT Solutions provides digital solutions and services to the Public Sector, driving digital transformation through Open Source and Cloud technologies. We supply both delivery teams and specialist individuals to deliver meaningful outcomes while supporting user needs. Our tailored services can cater to individual projects or full Cloud transformation programmes.

Features

• Agile, Waterfall & Hybrid Delivery Methodologies
• Hybrid & Multi-Cloud Solutions and Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Cloud Managed Services: Optimisation, Networking, Migration
• Cloud Security & Compliance: Safeguarding cloud environments
• Cloud Training: Providing Training and Upskilling
• Cloud Data Services: Migration & Analytics
• User Centred Design and User Research, Discovery Research, Service Design
• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Platform as Service (PaaS), Containerisation
• DevOps Architecture, Native Development, Delivery and Support
• CI/CD pipeline automation

Benefits

• Mercator bring over 10 years trusted expertise in public sector
• Flexibility to choose the delivery approach to suit your needs
• Increase in flexibility, scalability, cost optimisation through hybrid solutions
• Robust security and compliance measures to safeguard your environments
• Providing up to date training and upskilling supporting your teams
• Leveraging cloud data tools to provide better insights
• Improved user experience and customer satisfaction through design
• Align products and services with user needs and expectations
• Streamlined development and automated deployment processes
• Faster time to market and improved quality

£400 a unit a day

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at opportunities@mercator.group. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.

Framework

G-Cloud 14

Service ID

318752037299878

Contact

Martin Drewitt
01892 611161
opportunities@mercator.group

Planning

• Planning service: Yes
• How the planning service works: We ensure delivery value to end users through our comprehensive Planning Service, providing a consultative and collaborative approach to implementing solutions that meet your current and future needs.; We start with a thorough pre-discovery/discovery phase, where our subject matter experts facilitate workshops and In depth discussions to understand your business objectives, existing processes, challenges, and desired outcomes.; ; Following this, we architect and design an optimised solution adhering to industry best practice. Our consultants implement the solution through a comprehensive implementation plan. Overseeing the implementation is our dedicated delivery manager, making sure it meets your requirements and delivers quality outcomes. Post-deployment, our support team takes over, providing continuous monitoring, maintenance, upgrades, and enhancements to facilitate and ensure continuous improvement and operations.; ; We provide you with the flexibility to engage with our end-to-end service or part of based on their strategic objectives, needs and priorities throughout the lifecycle of the project. We prefer agile but we are equally experts in waterfall and hybrid delivery.
• Planning service works with specific services: No

Training

• Training service provided: Yes
• How the training service works: Mercator Digital Academy can provide short term cloud-based programming training courses which will equip Trainees with the skills necessary to leverage cloud computing platforms for developing, deploying, and managing applications. This training covers fundamental concepts of cloud computing architecture, including Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Individuals on the courses will learn to utilise leading cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).; ; Key Topics in cloud-based programming training include:; - Cloud infrastructure – Understanding the architecture and components of cloud platforms, including virtual machines, storage, networking, and security.; - Learning to design, develop, and optimise applications specifically for cloud environments, leveraging microservices and serverless computing.; - Understanding industry best practices for securing cloud-based applications and data, including identity and access management, encryption, and compliance standards.; - Scalability and Performance – Techniques for designing highly scalable and efficient applications in the cloud.; ; By completing cloud-based programming training, Trainees can gain the expertise needed to harness the full potential of cloud computing for developing innovative and scalable solutions, thereby advancing their careers in software development and IT infrastructure management.
• Training is tied to specific services: No

Setup and migration

• Setup or migration service available: Yes
• How the setup or migration service works: Mercator will assist in migrating your services through our consultative approach. Our subject matter experts will focus on your business needs and objectives to ensure no loss of service occurs for end users during the transition.; ; We will begin by conducting in-depth discussions to thoroughly understand your current environment, requirements, and desired future state. Our team will then develop a risk minimising migration strategy and plan to facilitate a seamless transition from your legacy systems to the new solution.; ; We can manage and deliver the entire migration, or you can deliver the migration using your own teams with the support and guidance of our consultants.; ; If it’s preferred that we can augment your existing team, we’ll provide the right skills and resources to get the migration started and prepare you to bring the work in-house whenever you’re ready to assume full ownership.; You can choose any of the migration approaches mentioned, and we will deploy a tested methodology, tools and experience to provide a risk-free migration minimising disruption and impact on your service operations.
• Setup or migration service is for specific cloud services: No

Quality assurance and performance testing

• Quality assurance and performance testing service: Yes
• How the quality assurance and performance testing works: Mercator brings extensive experience providing Quality Assurance and Performance Testing services, fully covering all aspects of your systems, platforms, and applications so that they meet the functional, non-functional and operational criteria set before deployment. Our testing approach covers the whole end-to-end solution with all linked upstream and downstream dependencies.; ; Our team starts by consulting with your people working together with you to identify requirements for defining acceptance standards, quality metrics, performance indicators and expected results. Then our testing specialists create specialised test strategies as well as plans using industry best practice.; Our testing services include:; ; - Functional tests; - User tests; - Compatibility tests; - Integration tests; - Performance and load tests; - Security audits/tests; - Data migration verification/validation ; ; We use various test automation frameworks/tools that help us to reach a wider range of coverage thereby enabling continuous integration (CI) & continuous delivery (CD) processes. As part of these we also provide comprehensive test data management, defect tracking, and reporting mechanisms.

Security testing

• Security services: Yes
• Security services type:
  • Security strategy
  • Security risk management
  • Security design
  • Cyber security consultancy
  • Security testing
  • Security incident management
  • Security audit services
  • Other
• Other security services:
  • Security Governance and Compliance
  • Application Security and Data Protection
  • Security Monitoring and Response
  • Digital Identity Management
  • Threat and Vulnerability Management
  • Endpoint protection
  • Threat Intelligence Analysis Platform
  • Secure Cloud Migration/Modernisation
  • Platform, Network, NCSC Cyber Security
  • Government Security by Design Standard
• Certified security testers: Yes
• Security testing certifications:
  • GBEST
  • CHECK
  • CREST
  • Tigerscheme
  • Cyber Scheme
  • Other
• Other security testing certifications:
  • OSCP
  • OSCE
  • CISSP
  • CEH

Ongoing support

• Ongoing support service: Yes
• Types of service supported:
  • Buyer hosting or software
  • Hosting or software provided by a third-party organisation
• How the support service works: Mercator IT Solutions supports your cloud hosting and software services by providing specialist expertise to ensure all cloud platforms and solutions are tuned for optimum performance. Our ongoing cloud support services are tailored to meet your needs, offering a flexible cost-effective solution.; ; Our team is dedicated to developing a customised support model that aligns with your specific business and budget needs. Whether you need 24/7 monitoring, proactive maintenance, or on-demand support, we can design a solution that fits you.; ; Our cloud support services include, but are not limited to:; - Proactive monitoring and alerting; - Platform Performance optimisation; - Security and compliance management ; - Incident management and resolution; - Cloud cost optimisation; - Managed updates and upgrades; - Knowledge transfer and training; ; Our cloud support services are designed to be scalable and adaptable, allowing us to grow alongside your business and adjust our support model as your needs evolve. We work closely with you to understand your requirements, challenges, and long-term goals, enabling us to provide tailored solutions.

Service scope

• Service constraints: There are no current constraints to services we supply.

User support

• Email or online ticketing support: Yes, at extra cost
• Support response times: SLA's are mutually agreed and tailored specifically to clients needs.
• User can manage status and priority of support tickets: No
• Phone support: Yes
• Phone support availability: 9 to 5 (UK time), Monday to Friday
• Web chat support: No
• Support levels: At Mercator, we believe in providing tailored support. We are committed to creating a support plan that aligns with the specific needs of your business. We will work closely, in collaboration with you, in order to receive the most effective and efficient assistance throughout our partnership. Please revert to our pricing document for costs.

Resellers

• Supplier type: Not a reseller

Staff security

• Staff security clearance: Other security clearance
• Government security clearance: Up to Developed Vetting (DV)

Standards and certifications

• ISO/IEC 27001 certification: Yes
• Who accredited the ISO/IEC 27001: UKAS
• ISO/IEC 27001 accreditation date: 01/09/23
• What the ISO/IEC 27001 doesn’t cover: N/A
• ISO 28000:2007 certification: No
• CSA STAR certification: No
• PCI certification: No
• Cyber essentials: Yes
• Cyber essentials plus: No
• Other security certifications: Yes
• Any other security certifications: ISO9001

Social Value

• Social Value:

  Social Value

  • Fighting climate change
  • Covid-19 recovery
  • Tackling economic inequality
  • Equal opportunity
  • Wellbeing

  Fighting climate change

  At Mercator Digital, a Small Medium Sized Enterprise (SME), we are strongly committed to positively and proactively addressing climate change and minimising our environmental impact.; To reach this goal we have set ourselves ambitious objectives of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UN Paris Agreement goals. Our short-term targets align with the 1.5°C pathways, showing our commitment to science-based climate targets. This is further reinforced by our Ecovadis certification, ISO14001 standard compliance, and ongoing efforts to digitise paper-based systems.; ; Business travel has been reduced significantly over the past year and necessary journeys are more environmentally responsible through utilising collaborative working tools with suppliers and clients; permanent staff working almost entirely from home; the travel policy proactively reducing business travel and encouraging the use of public transport, and the implementation of Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.; Mercator seeks to widen its sphere of environmental influence by encouraging staff to use some of their annual volunteering days on environmental projects such as Brighter Crowborough (litter picking sessions); promoting environmental activities through the Mercator app; distributing tips on the Mercator app on how to economise and reduce natural resource depletion at home and elsewhere; extending our IT device refresh cycles and donating old devices to local charities, supporting waste reduction in the community, and encouraging subcontractors and suppliers to develop their own Carbon Reduction Plans and providing support.; Mercator will add value to Buyers by communicating environmental protection/improvement policies to staff at point of onboarding; establishing initiatives/ways of working that will support each Buyer/Call-Off, and developing KPIs with Buyers to deliver additional environmental protection.

  Covid-19 recovery

  Mercator Digital remains dedicated to supporting COVID-19 recovery by making offices safer, adapting our working processes and supporting those affected by COVID-19.; ; We have implemented clear signage and more thorough hygiene measures; a pandemic policy which includes maximum occupancy of rooms in use and shutting down rooms when necessary (during a further outbreak), and setting up sanitising stations and providing employees with individual cleaning materials.; ; We have adapted working processes or introduced collaborative online meet ups to protect those shielding; hybrid working to reduce numbers in offices and volume of staff commuting; flexible working arrangements to support those suffering from Long Covid; a Community Manager, responsible solely for pastoral care, to avoid isolation of remote workers; an Employee Assistance Programme providing among other things, counselling, financial advice and other professional services; online in-house yoga sessions (twice a week) which focus on mindfulness; mental health first-aiders and additional wellbeing training to support all staff; regular team calls; assistance with setting up home working stations to ensure correct ergonomics, and cloud-based working systems including our own timesheet and self-bill system and HR platform.; ; Mercator’s response to the impact of Covid-19 on employment: we have adopted a regional recruitment approach around client locations, and through our Academy, we continue to prioritise retraining and upskilling opportunities to support individuals in transitioning to new roles or industries following redundancy as a result of Covid-19.

  Tackling economic inequality

  Mercator's approach to addressing economic inequality and the digital skills gap is designed to promote growth, innovation, and accessibility in the digital landscape. ; ; We actively create diverse job opportunities, attracting talent from various backgrounds including graduates, those displaced by COVID, tech returners, ex-armed forces and their families, and career changers.; ; Collaborations with educational settings and initiatives further our commitment to economic equality. ; ; University of East London – 68% of students are from ethnic minorities, 57% are the first in their family to attend university, ranked number 1 for addressing inequalities by Times Higher Education Global Impact Ranking. Mercator presented an interactive session on careers in tech and interview and CV-writing techniques.; ; Next Tech Girls – an award-winning social enterprise tackling the skills gaps in the UK tech industry with particular focus on those from ethnic minority and lower income backgrounds. Mercator is part of their role model programme and have delivered an online workshop to 1330 secondary level pupils. ; ; Work Experience – Mercator offers work experience weeks through Next Tech Girls and local schools.; ; Charitable support – Mercator work with Smart Works and Suited and Booted who focus on providing interview assistance (e.g. clothing and coaching) to those struggling to gain employment.; ; We provide training, mentorship, and continuous learning support to our employees. This equips staff with modern digital competencies, addressing the skills gap. Mercator's focused approach to tackling economic inequality and the digital skills gap is integral to our service delivery.

  Equal opportunity

  Mercator Digital acknowledges the importance of representation. We have partnered with Next Tech Girls (NTG) to increase awareness of diverse digital careers. Through this partnership we have been involved in a Role Model meet-up to share experiences and tips for a successful career in tech; held an online event attended by hundreds of girls sharing advice through a Q&A panel, and committed to offering NTG pupils work experience.; ; We support our local cadets by helping to fund facilities on camp, sponsoring awards to be given out and through knowledge sharing during lectures. We have forged links with our local reservists and strengthened our reservist policy. We currently advertise roles on RightJob through the Career Transition Partnership to reach ex-armed forces.; ; To monitor internal equality we have a robust policy which is visible to all members of staff. We are working towards reducing the gender pay gap by ensuring women have the support they need to succeed. We have a salary matrix to promote equality and progression and we provide senior staff with the training in order to implement our recruitment/promotion policies.; ; Mercator gives each employee a budget of 5% of their annual salary for training of their choice, this can be used for upskilling to support promotion or for a change of role. ; ; We utilise a buddy system whereby all new members of staff are buddied with a colleague in the same role. We also offer flexible working arrangements, mental health support, and tailored upskilling to create a more inclusive workplace. ; ; Our recognition as one of the best places to work in the UK in 2024 underscores our success in implementing these practices. Mercator fosters a work environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their potential, regardless of background or identity.

  Wellbeing

  Staff wellbeing is a high priority at Mercator. We have put in place a range of support systems to make sure employees feel valued and looked after.; ; As well as having Mental Health First Aiders, we have employed a full-time Community Manager to support staff and ensure good liaison with line managers, HR and other external bodies where required. The Community Manager is particularly important for those working fully remotely – acting as a frequent touchpoint and assisting with all factors which may impact them, whether personal or professional. This ensures minor adjustments are made early on and employees feel fully supported. In addition, anonymous quarterly wellbeing surveys enable us to monitor the staff body as a whole and ensure policies and strategies promote wellbeing.; ; To boost community spirit Mercator has social events which are either company-wide or profession-specific. These are varied and inclusive, enabling all staff to take part.; ; Mercator’s staff are divided into House groups. These bring staff from different departments together and allow us to support causes that matter to our team through charity fundraising.; ; Other features of our support scheme include: Employee Assistance Programme – including access to legal services, counselling and financial advice; two online yoga sessions per week; coffee break chat in the Mercator app to encourage connectivity; a quiet room in our London office to support neurodiverse employees or those needing prayer space; a day off on an employee’s birthday; volunteering days, enabling staff time to support causes personal to them; days out and expenses for external industry related events which are important to staff members, and a budget for training of employee’s choice, allowing upskilling/cross-training and career progression mapped by employees themselves.

Pricing

• Price: £400 a unit a day
• Discount for educational organisations: No

Service documents

• Pricing document

  PDF

• Skills Framework for the Information Age rate card

  PDF

• Service definition document

  PDF

• Terms and conditions

  PDF

Request an accessible format

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need versions of these documents in a more accessible format, email the supplier at opportunities@mercator.group. Tell them what format you need. It will help if you say what assistive technology you use.