Building a better digital workplace with Microsoft 365 and Fresh
The way we work has changed. Hybrid and remote working are now the norm, and organisations need digital tools that connect people, processes and information—wherever work happens. Microsoft 365 sits at the centre of this transformation, offering a powerful suite of cloud-based applications that support collaboration, communication and productivity.
But to truly unlock the value of Microsoft 365, businesses need more than just the tools—they need the right approach. That’s where Fresh comes in.
Microsoft 365: the foundation of the modern workplace
Microsoft 365 brings together familiar apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook with powerful collaboration tools such as Teams, SharePoint and the Power Platform. It enables teams to co-author documents in real time, host meetings, chat, and share files—all from any device, anywhere.
Behind the scenes, Microsoft 365 includes a wide range of features for IT admins, content owners and power users. These tools help ensure a consistent, secure and user-friendly experience across the organisation.
Security remains a top priority. Microsoft’s enterprise-grade protection includes identity and access management, endpoint security and advanced threat protection—giving businesses confidence that their data is safe in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Creating a connected employee experience
The modern workplace is no longer defined by a physical office. Employees expect seamless access to tools, information and colleagues, whether they’re at home, in the office or on the move. Microsoft 365 supports this shift by enabling:
- Effective communication and collaboration – Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive make it easy to connect, share and work together in real time.
- Frictionless information management – Cloud-based storage and intelligent search help employees find what they need, fast.
- Scalable, secure infrastructure – Built-in security and compliance features protect your organisation while supporting growth and change.
Microsoft Viva: enhancing the employee experience
Microsoft Viva builds on the Microsoft 365 ecosystem to deliver a more holistic digital workplace experience. Integrated directly into Teams, Viva brings together learning, wellbeing, knowledge and communication in one place:
- Viva Learning – Encourages continuous development by surfacing training content from internal and external providers.
- Viva Topics – Uses AI to organise knowledge and connect people to the information they need.
- Viva Insights – Offers personalised recommendations to help employees focus, recharge and collaborate effectively.
- Viva Connections – Brings your SharePoint intranet into Teams, creating a central hub for company news, resources and engagement.
Together, these tools help organisations support employee wellbeing, foster a culture of learning and make information more accessible.
Fresh: the modern intranet built for Microsoft 365
Fresh is a modern intranet solution designed to bridge the gap between out-of-the-box SharePoint and complex custom builds. Built on 20 years of intranet expertise, Fresh combines best-practice architecture with flexible customisation options to deliver a digital workplace that evolves with your business.
Why choose Fresh?
- Fast deployment – Fresh Go offers a templated approach for quick setup, while Fresh Explore supports deeper planning and customisation.
- Built on SharePoint – Leverages Microsoft’s roadmap and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 tools.
- Custom components – Includes web parts and features developed in response to real client needs.
- Ongoing support – Dedicated client success managers ensure your intranet continues to deliver value over time.
Intranet options: ready-made vs custom-built vs Fresh
Feature |
Ready-made intranet |
Custom-built SharePoint intranet |
Fresh intranet |
| Microsoft 365 compatibility | Often partial; may duplicate features or require extra authentication | Full, but requires manual configuration | ️✅ Fully integrated with Microsoft 365, Viva, Teams and SharePoint |
| Deployment speed | Fast, but limited flexibility | Slow, due to complex setup | ️✅ Fast with Fresh Go, flexible with Fresh Explore |
| Customisation | Limited; often vendor-controlled | High, but resource-intensive | ️✅ Balanced; customisable with managed components |
| Security and data control | Data may be stored outside your network | Full control, but requires IT oversight | ️✅ Full control; data stays within Microsoft 365 |
| Integration with Microsoft tools | Often lacks extensibility with Power Platform, Azure, etc. | Possible, but needs development | ️✅ Native integration with Microsoft ecosystem |
| Support and updates | Vendor-dependent; may lag behind Microsoft changes | Internal or external support required | ️✅ Ongoing updates and support aligned with Microsoft roadmap |
| Exit strategy | Often unclear or complex | Fully controlled by your organisation | ️✅ Clear and flexible, built on Microsoft standards |
| IT alignment | May be seen as “Shadow IT” | Requires IT involvement | ️✅ IT-friendly and supported |
Why build on SharePoint?
With over a million organisations using Microsoft 365 and Teams, it makes sense to build your intranet on the same platform. SharePoint offers deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, robust security, and a familiar user experience. Fresh enhances this foundation with custom features, repeatable frameworks and expert guidance—so you can get the most from your investment.