Wireless network upgrade supercharges connectivity for leading insurer
Drawing on its expertise in electrical data networks and infrastructure delivery, Actemium partnered with sister company Axians to deliver a secure, high-performance wireless network for Covéa Insurance. The upgrade transformed connectivity across a complex, live office environment - improving user experience while minimising disruption and preserving the integrity of a Grade II listed building.
Project overview:
Sector: Commercial Buildings
Location: Halifax, UK
Expertise: Data Networks
Scope: Survey | Install | Cabling Infrastructure | Technical Support
Delivery partner: Axians UK
CLIENT & REQUIREMENTS
Covéa is an award-winning provider of both commercial and personal lines insurance. Following the consolidation of staff into a Grade II listed mill in Halifax, alongside evolving hybrid working practices, the business required a secure, reliable and easily accessible wireless network for their main offices.
The Dean Clough site accommodates over 800 staff across six floors, within a historic Victorian mill. While architecturally significant, the building presented ongoing challenges in delivering consistent, high-performance connectivity.
Sister company Axians UK was engaged by Covéa Insurance to upgrade the existing wireless network, with a focus on improving user experience and enabling more flexible ways of working.
The requirement was to deliver a robust wireless solution while:
- Maintaining business continuity in a live office environment
- Minimising disruption to staff
- Preserving the historic fabric and aesthetics of the building
THE CHALLENGE
Delivering modern network infrastructure within a heritage environment required a carefully engineered and highly coordinated approach.
Key challenges included:
- Working within a live, high-occupancy office
- Preserving the architectural integrity of the building
- Upgrading infrastructure without impacting daily call activity
- Coordinating installation across multiple floors and comms rooms
- Ensuring consistent coverage and performance throughout the site
THE SOLUTION
Working in close collaboration with Axians, Actemium delivered a fully integrated, future-ready wireless network infrastructure upgrade, designed to enhance connectivity. The solution included:
- A full cabling survey across all six floors to assess existing infrastructure and maximise reuse
- A flexible installation strategy, with night-shift working to eliminate disruption
- Installation of 54 wireless access points (WAPs) with associated structured cabling
- Integration with upgraded network switches and comms rooms (two per floor)
- Installation of bespoke bracketry and galvanised conduit, ensuring visual consistency with the existing environment
CLIENT BENEFITS
The deployment of a Wi-Fi 6-enabled network allowed Covéa Insurance to adopt wireless as the primary access method for users moving forward, supporting modern, flexible working. The solution delivered a range of benefits to the client, including:
- Enhanced connectivity and user experience across all floors
- Minimal disruption to staff through out-of-hours delivery
- Sensitive installation approach, preserving the building’s historic character
- Improved network reliability and performance
