Case Study

How Leyland Modernised Retail Operations

Customer
Leyland, The Decorating Experts, 36 stores across Central London

Challenge
Ageing AX 2012 and bespoke POS system creating instability, limited controls and operational risk across warehouse and store operations

BC4 Solution
• Delivered a full migration to Microsoft Business Central and LS Central
• Implemented an integrated, cloud-based retail platform replacing legacy AX and bespoke POS
• Introduced a configuration first approach to formalise processes and modernise controls
• Protected day to day trading through BC4’s risk first delivery principles
• Provided programme structure, leadership and ongoing post go live stability

Key Results
• Trading protected throughout implementation
• Daily system crashes eliminated
• Warehouse and store teams operating with higher confidence and stability
• Modernised processes and controls across the estate
• Strong digital foundation for the next phase of retail transformation

About Leyland

Leyland is one of London’s most recognisable decorating and DIY retailers. Founded in 1985, it’s been serving the trade and DIY customers for over 40 years. Leyland now operates 36 stores across the capital and the business offers thousands of products spanning paint, tools, plumbing, electricals, hardware and building and construction. As CEO Martin Hastings describes it, Leyland is “a specialist decorating merchant with an extended range, a one stop shop that covers everything from paint and timber to hardware and building supplies,” and very much “an Aladdin’s cave for anyone working on a project.” With a convenience led model that depends on speed and availability, underlying system stability is critical.

The Challenge

When Martin joined the business in early 2023, it became clear that the technology powering Leyland had reached its limits. The retailer was relying on an out of support AX 2012 ERP and a bespoke POS system created many years earlier specifically for the business.

Martin recalls that “it was clear very quickly that we had systems that were not fit for purpose,” highlighting the lack of EDI matching, BI reporting and basic reliability. “Systems were breaking down regularly,” he explains, which put pressure on both warehouse and store teams. In a fast paced environment like Central London, where “availability is everything,” the instability threatened the entire convenience model.

There were deeper risks too. Critical knowledge was held by a small number of individuals, and outdated controls left the business more exposed than it should be. Martin summarises the situation by saying it “became obvious that we needed a partner who could help us rebuild properly.”

From Legacy Systems to a Modern Retail Platform

As Leyland explored its options, it became clear that the transformation would require a partner capable of leading complex retail change while protecting business continuity. BC4’s experience in multi site retail and their structured approach stood out immediately.

Martin explains that BC4 showed “the ability to not only advise but actually deliver a full transformation,” adding that their grasp of the wider retail landscape and disciplined programme structure “gave us confidence very early on.”

A key factor in the decision was BC4’s risk first delivery model. Sid Desai, BC4’s founder, highlights that “you must trade, nothing must impact trading, and if we ever feel something is too risky, we will not let it happen”. Every decision was assessed through that lens, ensuring continuity throughout the programme.

For Martin, this principle gave reassurance that the transformation would be delivered safely. “BC4 demonstrated that they could execute, not just talk. That was the deciding factor.”

Delivering Stability and Control

BC4 replaced Leyland’s fragmented architecture with a fully integrated Microsoft Business Central and LS Central platform. The move created a single, secure, cloud based retail system that brought consistency to the entire operation.

Martin describes BC4’s delivery as providing “a fully integrated Microsoft Business Central and LS Central platform, all cloud based, and importantly, all under one secure, recognised system,” noting that “for the first time, we have a single system rather than lots of bolt ons and workarounds.”

BC4 guided the business through a configuration first approach, avoiding unnecessary modifications and helping Leyland introduce structured processes and modern controls. This shift was significant because the old systems had “a significant lack of controls and business practices,” and the new approach ensured that the retailer could embed consistent operations across the estate.

As Martin reflects on the change, he uses a striking analogy. The legacy setup often felt “like having a house built on sand,” but the new platform “has given us certainty and security,” creating confidence the business had not previously enjoyed. “It is the first time we have had a platform we can genuinely build on,” he adds.

Overcoming Operational Instability

One of the most impressive aspects of the transformation was the stability of the go live period. Retail implementations of this scale often create disruption, yet BC4 delivered the transition without interrupting trade. Martin highlights that “the biggest thing is the lack of noise. Implementations like this usually cause disruption, but BC4 managed the change in a way that did not interrupt trading. For a project of this size, that is extremely unusual.”

Warehouse and store teams immediately felt the benefit. Issues that had become normal under legacy systems disappeared. “Our warehouse teams are no longer dealing with system crashes every day,” Martin explains. “We are able to trade confidently, the stores are operating as normal, and staff feel comfortable using the new system.”

Even as the data warehouse continues to be developed, the business has already seen a measurable reduction in operational risk. “The launch itself has been very controlled and stable,” Martin adds, crediting BC4’s disciplined delivery.

A True Partnership Approach

The collaboration between Leyland and BC4 extended far beyond technology. BC4’s risk aware methodology, consistent communication and close working style helped create a partnership built on trust and shared objectives.

Sid Desai, Founder of BC4, notes that once the core platform is delivered, the relationship evolves into something longer term. “Once the foundation is in place, the relationship becomes about helping the retailer grow for the long term, not just delivering a project,”. BC4 continues to support Leyland with ongoing optimisation and operational guidance.

Results and Measurable Impact

The move to Business Central and LS Central has already delivered tangible improvements across the business.

• Stability restored across stores and warehouses
• Trading protected throughout the implementation
• Structured processes and controls introduced
• Team confidence significantly increased
• Platform ready for future digital development

“The improvements were clear to see,” Martin says. “We are trading confidently, and we now have a stable system to build our future on.”

Positioned for the future

Looking ahead, Leyland is now equipped with the technology and stability needed to accelerate its retail evolution. Martin is clear that the biggest outcome is the shift from constraint to possibility. The new platform “has allowed us to start talking about our digital strategy properly,” enabling the business to explore new initiatives with confidence.

“One hundred percent, this has opened up opportunities for us,” he says. Where the business was previously “holding things together with tape and string,” it now has “solid foundations, a reputable system, and a partner who understands our operational reality.”

“BC4 has given us the platform we need to start developing our digital strategy properly,” he continues. “This is not the end of a project. This is the start of being able to operate the way we want, to operate as a modern retailer.”

From the Founder

Sid Desai, Founder and Managing Director, BC4

“Leyland is a perfect example of the type of partnership we aim to build. Protecting trading was our starting point and our constant reference point. Every decision was assessed through the lens of risk so the business could continue serving customers without interruption.

What matters most to us is not just delivering a system but building a foundation the retailer can grow on. Leyland now has that foundation, and we look forward to supporting their journey for years to come.”