Cloud-Based SD-WAN and Security Service Edge Solution for Multi-Site UK and Northern Ireland Network

The GMC is seeking suppliers to provide a modern SD-WAN and Security Service Edge (SSE) solution to replace its current point-to-point Ethernet WAN infrastructure. The organisation operates from 7 main UK and Northern Ireland locations: three sites in Manchester, one in London, one in Belfast, one in Edinburgh, and one in Cardiff. With approximately 1,800 staff operating in a hybrid model (20% onsite), the new solution must support secure remote access via VPN to Manchester and London datacentres. Current infrastructure includes Cat 6 structured cabling at all sites, with four locations having secondary backup circuits and two providing direct internet connectivity. The strategic objective is to transition from the managed WAN model with service provider CPE to a flexible, cloud-based SD-WAN architecture that provides improved scalability, resilience, and security across the entire network estate.