Ridge

Ridge UK (Ridge and Partners LLP) is a multi-disciplinary built environment consultancy, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Oxfordshire, providing services in architecture, engineering, surveying, planning, sustainability, and project management to public and private sector clients across the UK.

Copilot implementation - high rise flats with greenery growing outside

ERP Process Mapping, Requirements, Vendor Selection and Change Delivery

Context

To support future growth, Ridge identified the need for a business-wide ERP solution that would modernise core processes and provide a scalable platform for the organisation. The challenge was understanding business requirements, assessing change impacts and selecting the right technology partner with confidence.

Delivery

Nine Feet Tall worked with Ridge from initial discovery through to ERP implementation and adoption.

We mapped processes across core business functions, gathered and validated ERP requirements, and assessed key integration points. The information gathered in this initial phase informed the development of a shortlist of potential solutions and vendors as part of the RFP process, and supported the development of the business case.

Alongside technology selection, a phased delivery roadmap was established alongside a fit-for-purpose governance model to support effective decision making. People and change management was integrated from the outset with an end-to-end change management workstream, including communications, stakeholder engagement, training, business readiness and post go-live support to ensure day one readiness and continued adoption.

Outcomes

ERP technology and systems integration partner successfully selected
ERP Phase 1 delivered on time and within budget
Clear governance and programme structure established to support delivery
Business readiness successfully managed through communications, training and stakeholder engagement
Adoption of new ways of working achieved through effective change management and post go-live support

Context

Building on an existing partnership through Ridge’s ERP implementation and Digital Core Programme, Nine Feet Tall were approached to support the organisation’s exploration of AI opportunities. With growing interest in the potential of Microsoft Copilot to enhance productivity and streamline workflows, Nine Feet Tall partnered with Ridge to design and deliver a focused business pilot.

Prior to this engagement, Ridge had held internal workshops to identify areas where AI could add value. The business sought clear structure, direction, and measurement to turn those opportunities into practical outcomes supported by change management and delivery expertise.

Delivery

Nine Feet Tall collaborated closely with Ridge’s IT and technical delivery team, to plan, coordinate and deliver both an IT and a business pilot of Microsoft Copilot. The IT phase ensured a secure operating environment and identified the most suitable approach for deployment across the business for the pilot trial

The team provided structured support from pilot design through to execution, including user onboarding, tailored communication and training, and the development of clear use case scenarios that demonstrated tangible value. Throughout the pilot, Nine Feet Tall tracked user engagement, collected feedback and assessed the impact of Copilot against defined value drivers. The project enabled Ridge to translate AI curiosity into measurable outcomes, providing the foundation and confidence needed to shape potential further roll-out.

Outcomes

The pilot provided meaningful insight into how AI can enhance productivity, efficiency and creativity across Ridge. By introducing Microsoft Copilot into selected business areas, the team was able to demonstrate tangible improvements in time saving, quality of outputs, generation of ideas and knowledge sharing. Employees reported strong engagement and enthusiasm for adopting digital tools that simplified everyday tasks.

The structured approach to value tracking allowed Ridge to quantify benefits and build a clear understanding of where Copilot can deliver the greatest impact. The outcomes from the pilot have not only informed future AI strategy but also created a solid foundation for when it comes to scale Copilot across the organisation.