+44 (1223) 979580 office@harkwood.co.uk Cambridge, UK
We design systems around how people work, not around what vendors sell
We design systems around how people work, not around what vendors sell.
User requirements drive the technology, not the other way around. We have been specifying audiovisual and IT systems for over 30 years, including the networks those systems sit on.
The work ranges from a single room or a camera system to a full building or campus. What the projects have in common is a need for competent, independent support: a meeting room that has to work, a network that has grown past its design, cameras that were never properly specified, or a security setup that no one is quite sure of. For smaller businesses, we can also take on the network ourselves: design, configuration, day-to-day management and troubleshooting.
We have no commercial relationships with manufacturers or installers. Your brief is the only thing shaping the specification.
Audio Visual
Meeting rooms, boardrooms, training rooms and reception. Displays, audio, conferencing and control, specified so the room works for the people in it rather than for a product range.
Typical work includes a single room refresh, a refurbishment, or a new build where AV has to be coordinated with the architect and the other building services. The best systems are the ones you barely notice.
IT
Wired and wireless networks, network security, and CCTV for sites that need a clear specification rather than a box-shifting quote.
That covers switching and Wi-Fi that match how the building is actually used, firewalls, segmentation and remote access, and camera systems with sensible coverage, retention and access. We also review what you already have before you spend money replacing it.
Small and medium businesses
Not every organisation needs a tender. If you are a smaller business without your own IT team, we can design, set up and look after your network directly.
That includes planning a new office network or tidying up one that has grown piece by piece, configuring switches, Wi-Fi, firewalls and remote access, and ongoing management so someone is keeping an eye on updates, security and performance. When something stops working, we provide hands-on support and troubleshooting to find the cause and fix it, rather than just restarting things and hoping.
The same independence applies. We recommend equipment on what suits your business.
How a consultancy project runs
Whether the work is AV, IT or both, consultancy projects follow the same steps:
- Understand how the space is used and what the systems need to do
- Review existing systems, or proposals you have already received
- Write a performance specification based on those requirements
- Prepare tender documents and compare responses on equal terms
- Manage procurement through to order
- Check that what is installed matches what was specified
Not every project needs every step. A smaller job might stop at a review and a specification; a larger one runs from brief to final sign-off.
New build and refurbishment
Modern AV and IT systems have to integrate with power, data, containment and the fabric of the building. Early involvement avoids expensive changes later. We work with architects and contractors so the technical requirements do not fight the design.
Procurement
Complex requirements produce complex tender responses. We help you compare like with like. A low bid does not always deliver what you need. An independent specification keeps your requirements at the centre, rather than an installer’s preferred kit list.
Independence
Not all consultancies operate this way. These are commitments, not policies. They’re the reason independent consultancy is worth it.
No financial conflicts
We don’t accept referral fees, commissions, or incentives from manufacturers or installers.
No commercial ties
No directorships, ownership stakes, or subcontracting relationships with any manufacturer, installer or systems integrator.
Incentives refused and disclosed
If a supplier offers us an incentive during a tender, we refuse it and tell you immediately.
All suppliers on equal terms
No preferred vendor lists. No exclusions based on past performance. Businesses evolve.
Technology neutral
Your requirements determine the technology. We have no allegiances to specific brands or platforms.
Full transparency
When manufacturers or integrators contract us directly for technical support, we disclose those relationships to our consultancy clients.
Not all consultancies operate this way.
If you are planning a room, a refurbishment, a network change, CCTV, or a procurement, or you simply need someone reliable to look after your network, we are happy to discuss scope before any commitment is made.