Cloud Design Box
Cloud Design Box is a UK-based Microsoft Global Training Partner building structured SharePoint and Teams intranet platforms for schools, multi-academy trusts, and independent schools. Its proprietary web parts, MIS-driven automation and Viva Connections cards serve 800+ organisations via tiered annual subscriptions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersKingston upon Hull, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Cloud Design Box does
Cloud Design Box Ltd is a UK-based, privately held software company founded in 2015 by Tony Phillips and headquartered in Kingston upon Hull. Operating inside the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, the company provides a structured intranet and digital workplace platform built on SharePoint and Microsoft Teams, primarily serving the UK and international education sector — including state schools, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), and independent and international schools — with a secondary offering for business organisations. The firm positions itself as a Microsoft Global Training Partner with CPD certification and discloses a customer base of more than 800 organisations.
The product portfolio centres on four interconnected components: the SharePoint & Teams Intranet Platform, the CDB MegaMenu (a security-trimmed, role-aware navigation layer for SharePoint), the CDB Portal (a suite of operational tools including Class Dashboard, Assignment Analytics, Class Drop-In, Student Assignment Search and Self-service Site Creation), and an Automation & Provisioning Engine that integrates with MIS systems such as Arbor, SIMS and iSAMS to automatically create Class Teams, Subject Teams, student folders and academic-year archives. Differentiated IP includes a proprietary library of education-focused SharePoint web parts and a set of Viva Connections cards (My Assignments, My Classes, Staff Directory, Birthdays and Work Anniversaries, CDB Menus) that the company states are exclusive to it. These are bundled into three annual subscription tiers — Essentials, Standard and Excellence — alongside an AI Readiness package that prepares Microsoft 365 environments for Microsoft Copilot Teach.
Revenue is generated predominantly through annual subscription contracts priced by organisation size and tier, supplemented by an active channel of 11+ managed service partners, approved-supplier status on the G-Cloud Digital Marketplace and the DfE-approved Everything ICT framework, a Microsoft Global Training Partner channel, and a customer referral programme branded CDB Connect. The company is bootstrapped with no disclosed external funding or institutional investment and operates with an 11–50 person team under a leadership group comprising founder/CEO Tony Phillips, COO and co-founder Darren Hemming (20 years of SharePoint experience), and CRO Joanne Harkin-Arro.
Cloud Design Box firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cloud Design Box
- Legal name
- Cloud Design Box Ltd
- Website
- https://clouddesignbox.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Cloud Design Box is a UK-based Microsoft Global Training Partner building structured SharePoint and Teams intranet platforms for schools, multi-academy trusts, and independent schools. Its proprietary web parts, MIS-driven automation and Viva Connections cards serve 800+ organisations via tiered annual subscriptions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cloud Design Box industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Workplace / Intranet Software (Education)
- NAICS
- Computer Training (611420), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Managed Application Platforms (App PaaS & Runtime Services) (HDABAAAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Cloud Computing & Infrastructure (AWS/Azure/GCP, Virtualization) (EDABAFAB)
Keywords
Where Cloud Design Box is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kingston upon Hull
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cloud Design Box business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Microsoft 365 Intranet Solutions: Recurring subscription-based revenue from structured SharePoint and Teams intranet solutions. Packages include Essentials, Standard, and Excellence tiers with varying feature sets and support levels. Pricing is quote-based, tailored to organisation size and requirements.
- Referral Rewards Program: Channel incentive program where existing customers earn discounts by referring new organisations. First referral earns 5% off renewal, with additional referrals earning progressively higher discounts up to 100%.
- Support & Training Services: Ongoing technical support, teaching & learning support, and training services included in subscription packages. Dedicated customer success management and managed academic year rollover services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Essentials: Strong foundations for modern Microsoft 365 environments |
| Subscription | Annual | Standard: Operational optimisation and consistency across organisations |
| Subscription | Annual | Excellence: Strategic alignment and sustained digital maturity |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
Cloud Design Box product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cloud Design Box provides a SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Viva Connections-based intranet and digital workplace platform primarily for schools, multi-academy trusts, and independent schools, with secondary offerings for business organisations. The platform bundles a portal, navigation, automation, AI readiness, and analytics tools, supported by add-on web parts and managed support and training services.
Product overview
Cloud Design Box is a unified intranet and digital workplace solution built on Microsoft 365 (SharePoint and Teams), offered to both the Education and Business sectors. The core platform consists of the SharePoint & Teams Intranet Platform, the CDB MegaMenu (navigation command centre), the CDB Portal (operational tools suite), and the Automation & Provisioning Engine. These are complemented by a library of custom Education and Business SharePoint Web Parts (Class Dashboard, Staff Toolbox, My Assignments, My Classes, Staff Directory, Hero Banner, CDB Menus, and others), purpose-built Viva Connections Cards exclusive to Cloud Design Box (My Assignments, My Classes, Staff Directory, Birthdays and Work Anniversaries, CDB Menus), and an AI Readiness programme preparing environments for Microsoft Copilot Teach. The product portfolio is delivered through three tiered Education packages — Essentials (core foundations), Standard (enhanced teaching & learning tools + analytics + adoption support), and Excellence (strategic governance + enhanced analytics + premium support) — plus Support & Training Services. Assignment Analytics is a named feature within the Standard and Excellence packages providing homework and assignment insights across Teams.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- CDB Connect: Referral rewards programme allowing existing customers to earn discounts by referring new organisations to Cloud Design Box.
Products and services
- CDB Portal
- SharePoint & Teams Intranet Platform
- CDB MegaMenu
- Automation & Provisioning Engine
- Education SharePoint Web Parts
- Business SharePoint Web Parts
- Viva Connections Cards
- AI Readiness (SharePoint Copilot Readiness Assessment)
- Assignment Analytics
- Support & Training Services
Quantifiable outcome
- 2x increase in homework assignments at Ark Boulton Academy
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Cloud Design Box
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Cloud Design Box technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
AI capability7 records
Feature12 records
Cloud Design Box partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MicrosoftcoreCloud Design Box is a Microsoft Partner, Education Partner and Global Training Partner. Deep integration with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Teams, and Viva Connections. Listed on Microsoft Global Training Partner finder.
- CST LimitedcoreManaged service partner providing technical solutions to help businesses become more future-proof. Delivers enterprise-level resources and experience with personal service.
- D&D NetworkscoreEducation specialists for primary & secondary schools as well as colleges and further education institutions. Builds robust and efficient packages keeping data safe and systems secure.
- EducaitecoreHelps independent schools maximise operational efficiency with strategic services for IT audits, roadmap planning, technology deployment, support, cybersecurity and AI.
- Elmdale IT ServicescoreTrusted managed service partner specialising in education IT support, infrastructure, cloud services and cyber security for schools, colleges and MATs.
- JoskoscoreEmpowers education through digital transformation since 1999. Cuts edge technologies, AI and digital transformation in education.
- MSP LabcoreThe IT authority for Independent Schools. IT counsel and strategic projects help prestigious Independent Schools deliver consistently outstanding IT.
- InTech EducationcoreLeading IT partner for independent schools and colleges providing technology/infrastructure, IT support services and cyber security.
- M-Tech SystemsminorManaged service provider with a legacy spanning over two decades, empowering industries with cutting-edge technology solutions.
- Partnership EducationminorSpecialist ICT services provider to the Education Sector.
- Schools ICTminorOffering high quality, cost effective IT services to schools, academies and MATs. Local authority led, on a not-for-profit basis.
- StyleTechminorUK-based bespoke software solutions provider with over 26 years of experience. Services include Microsoft 365, AI, and Team Augmentation.
- HaldorcoreAward-winning educational tools seamlessly integrated in Microsoft Teams. Gives teachers and students all the tools they need and makes Teams an all-in-one platform for schools.
- ArborcoreMIS that brings everyone together, from office staff and teachers to parents and school leaders. Cloud Design Box integrates with Arbor for student data sync.
- LockercoreConnects MIS with Microsoft 365, Teams, Google Classroom and Active Directory for seamless data integration.
- SalamanderSoftcoreProvides fully bespoke user management services to schools, colleges and universities. Works with Active Directory, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and other systems.
- Everything ICTcoreApproved by DfE as part of 'Find a Framework' initiative. Specialising in education sector with ICT products, solutions and services representing more than 6,000 schools.
- G-Cloud Digital MarketplacecoreGovernment-approved online catalogue where public sector customers can buy cloud-based computing services. CDB is an approved supplier.
- Tablet AcademycoreImpartial organisation supporting educational institutions in transforming teaching and learning. Supports over 1000 schools and trains over 40,000 teachers a year.
- Cornerstone Academy TrustminorMicrosoft Training Academy with local, national and international reputation for innovative use of technology in education.
- Good2LearnminorLoved by kids, backed by teachers. Maths and English learning platform with award-winning lessons and interactive exercises.
- EdRuptionminorMission-driven education company founded by Philippa Wraithmell, an educator and author with over 15 years of experience in the education sector.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cloud Design Box competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- RM plc: Long-established UK education technology incumbent providing hardware, software, and managed services to schools and MATs. A much broader portfolio than CDB but overlaps in school-facing software, MIS, and IT services.
- AvePoint: Global Microsoft 365 data management, governance, and migration platform. Competes more broadly than CDB across all M365 customers but overlaps directly in SharePoint governance, oversharing control, and Copilot-readiness tooling.
- Insight Enterprises: Global Microsoft partner and IT solutions integrator with a Microsoft 365 practice spanning advisory, deployment, and managed services. Competes with CDB at the larger end where Insight can bundle intranets into broader transformation deals.
Direct peers
- Content+Cloud: UK Microsoft-focused managed service provider delivering Microsoft 365, Azure, and security services to enterprise and education customers. Comparable as a competing Microsoft 365 partner that also pursues education and intranet workloads.
- NetSupport: UK education software vendor with classroom management, safeguarding, and remote-support tools sold into schools and MATs. Comparable as a UK-headquartered education software specialist with deep K–12 distribution.
- Atomwide: UK-based education IT and managed services provider that has historically offered SharePoint and intranet-style platforms to schools and MATs. Directly competes with CDB in the UK education Microsoft 365 intranet space.
- Valo Solutions: Finnish-built digital workplace and intranet product that runs natively on top of Microsoft 365 SharePoint and Teams. Direct product-level competitor to CDB MegaMenu and CDB Portal in the Microsoft 365 intranet category.
- Firefly Learning: UK-headquartered learning platform and school intranet used by independent and international schools. Competes with CDB for the same school digital-experience budget, particularly at the premium independent-school tier.
Emerging players
- Wonde: UK school data integration company that syncs MIS data into Microsoft 365 and Google Classroom. Adjacent to CDB's automation engine — overlaps in MIS-to-Microsoft-365 provisioning and could expand up the stack.
- Engage Squared: Australia/UK-headquartered Microsoft 365 and SharePoint specialist consultancy and product builder (incl. intranet platforms). Comparable as a smaller, Microsoft 365-native intranet and digital-workplace builder competing for similar transformation budgets.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cloud Design Box social profiles
Digital presenceCloud Design Box financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cloud Design Box leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Cloud Design Box funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cloud Design Box M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cloud Design Box
What does Cloud Design Box do?
Cloud Design Box provides a SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and Viva Connections-based intranet and digital workplace platform primarily for schools, multi-academy trusts, and independent schools, with secondary offerings for business organisations. The platform bundles a portal, navigation, automation, AI readiness, and analytics tools, supported by add-on web parts and managed support and training services.
Is Cloud Design Box a public or private company?
Cloud Design Box is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Cloud Design Box founded?
Cloud Design Box was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Cloud Design Box based?
Cloud Design Box is headquartered in Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Cloud Design Box make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Microsoft 365 Intranet Solutions are the primary driver. The others are referral Rewards Program and support & Training Services.
Who are Cloud Design Box's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are RM plc, AvePoint and Insight Enterprises. Direct peers are Content+Cloud, NetSupport, Atomwide, Valo Solutions and Firefly Learning. Emerging players are Wonde and Engage Squared.
Does Cloud Design Box have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cloud Design Box.
What industry is Cloud Design Box in?
Cloud Design Box's product category is Digital Workplace / Intranet Software (Education). Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDABAAAD, Managed Application Platforms (App PaaS & Runtime Services), with a secondary code of EDABAFAB, Cloud Computing & Infrastructure (AWS/Azure/GCP, Virtualization). Its NAICS code is 611420 and its SIC code is 7372.