In today’s fast-moving hospitality sector, the right technology partnership is more important than ever. At Cisco, we’ve witnessed first-hand how powerful collaboration between expert partners and visionary customers can unlock new opportunities. Our recent project with Focus Group and Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) stands as a prime example – a story of trust, innovation, and shared ambition across more than 1,700 venues throughout the UK.
Focus Group: A Trusted Cisco Partner with a Vision
Focus Group has built a reputation as one of Cisco’s most forward-thinking partners in the UK and EMEA region. Their commitment to an automation-first approach, deep investment in technical expertise, and dedication to operational excellence have set them apart. Over the course of 18 months, Focus Group invested significantly in presales and technical resources to lay the groundwork for the MAB project. Their vision extends well beyond deployment, with specialised teams in place to manage operations, governance, and security for the long term.
What distinguishes Focus Group is their ability to see the bigger picture. They don’t just deliver Cisco solutions; they integrate complementary technologies – such as Microsoft Azure, M365, and managed backup and recovery services – making them a true strategic partner for customers seeking a holistic digital transformation.
““This collaboration with Mitchells & Butlers represents exactly what we strive for at Focus Group, combining innovation with real-world impact. By bringing together the best of Cisco technology with our expertise in automation, cloud, and security, we’re not just delivering a network — we’re building a digital foundation that will empower MAB’s brands, teams, and customers for years to come.”– Neil Hall, CEO, Focus Group
Mitchells & Butlers: A Hospitality Leader with Ambition
Mitchells & Butlers is one of the UK’s largest and most recognizable operators of pubs, restaurants, and hotels, representing 18 well-known brands and supporting around 6,000 users across the country. As a business, MAB is no stranger to innovation. With a large and diverse estate, MAB needed a technology refresh that would not only modernise its infrastructure but also create a foundation for growth, security, and exceptional guest experiences in a rapidly evolving market.
When it came time to select a technology partner, MAB sought a solution that could go beyond connectivity. The goal was a seamless, secure, and future-ready digital environment that would empower their teams and delight their guests for years to come.
“Partnering with Cisco and Focus Group marks a major milestone in our journey to transform the digital infrastructure across 1,700 Mitchells & Butlers locations. By embracing next-generation Cisco technologies (Wi-Fi 7, SD-WAN, and Secure Connect), and leading with Focus Group’s automation-first approach, we’re building a network that will not only be secure and resilient, but ready to grow with us. The unified, cloud-first approach is simplifying how we operate, unlocking cost efficiencies, and most importantly, empowering our teams to deliver consistent and outstanding experiences to our guests. It’s a bold step toward future proofing our business and staying ahead in a fast-moving digital world.” — Andrew Benson, Mitchells & Butlers
Coming Together: How Cisco, Focus Group, and MAB Built the Future
The collaboration between Focus Group, MAB, and Cisco began with a simple ambition: to deliver a next-generation digital platform at scale, with flexibility and security at its core. What followed was one of Cisco UK’s largest-ever commercial deals – a $17 million agreement that grew far beyond its original scope thanks to the shared vision and hard work of all three organisations.
A cornerstone of the project was Focus Group’s automation-led approach, which delivered significant cost efficiencies. Instead of pocketing these savings, Focus Group worked with MAB and Cisco to reinvest them into expanding the project scope – adding more sites, users, and advanced features than originally planned. This spirit of partnership and transparency enabled everyone to aim higher and achieve more.
Over the course of the engagement, the solution evolved from an initial focus on Meraki SD-WAN and Wi-Fi to a comprehensive digital platform, including upgraded LAN infrastructure, Secure Service Edge (SSE), Endpoint Detection and Management (EDM), and the transition to Advantage licensing across all Cisco product suites. Crucially, the solution also paved the way for a complete security transformation, with plans to deploy Secure Access and Access Manager to strengthen MAB’s zero-trust posture.
Throughout, collaboration between teams has been key. Regular communication, knowledge sharing, and the involvement of Cisco’s technical and account specialists—such as Ben Bodinham and Ben Jones—helped ensure the project stayed aligned with MAB’s business objectives and delivered maximum value.
“We are thrilled to partner with Mitchells & Butlers on this transformative journey to futureproof their business with next-generation Cisco technologies. This significant investment marks an exciting next stage in our relationship, where together with Focus Group, we will deliver a secure, resilient, and scalable network that empowers their teams and enhances guest experiences across 1,700 locations. We are grateful to Focus Group for their invaluable partnership in bringing this joint vision to life and look forward to driving continued innovation and success alongside Mitchells & Butlers.” – Ben Jones, Cisco Commercial Director UKI
Looking Forward: Lasting Impact
As the rollout continues, hundreds of MAB sites are set to benefit from a modern, secure, and flexible network. With Wi-Fi 7, multi-gigabit switches, and cloud-managed services, MAB will be able to adapt quickly to industry changes, support new digital initiatives, and deliver even better experiences for guests and staff.
The success of this collaboration is already being recognized beyond the project itself. Plans are in place for a fireside chat at Cisco Live 2026, a long-form case study, and internal enablement materials to inspire other Cisco teams and customers.
The partnership between Focus Group, Mitchells & Butlers, and Cisco is a testament to what can be achieved when expertise, innovation, and a shared commitment to success come together. As MAB’s transformation progresses, we look forward to sharing more stories of how technology is helping to redefine hospitality for the future.
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