How LSH Auto UK Reduces Data Risk and Simplifies Security

LSH Auto UK, part of one of the world's largest Mercedes-Benz retail groups, operates multiple dealership locations across the United Kingdom with a workforce spanning frontline staff, management, and corporate teams. For Chris Gensmantel, Director of IT, and Perry Peers, IT Operations Manager, the priority was building a scalable approach to data security and governance that could reduce risk and simplify administration — without adding operational burden to an intentionally lean IT team.

CHALLENGE

Managing Data Security Across a Dynamic, Distributed Estate

As LSH Auto UK centralized business data in cloud-based file storage like SharePoint and OneDrive, the organization accumulated a large volume of data requiring proper classification, governance, and access controls. Sensitive information needed to stay accessible to the right users while remaining protected from unnecessary exposure — and as data volumes grew, the team also needed to reduce redundant, obsolete, and trivial (ROT) data to prepare its Microsoft 365 environment for future initiatives like AI and Microsoft Copilot.

With a lean IT team powering every security initiative, LSH Auto UK needed a solution that could carry much of the operational load through automation.

SOLUTION

Automating Classification, Governance, and Access Control

LSH Auto UK implemented the Varonis Data Security Platform to gain visibility into its growing data environment and establish stronger governance. The team began by classifying and labeling documents across Microsoft 365 and putting policies in place to ensure only authorized users could access sensitive data.

With foundational controls established, the organization shifted focus to reducing its overall data footprint by identifying and eliminating ROT data — reducing risk, simplifying management, and improving the overall quality of its data environment. Varonis also simplified day-to-day management through automation and intuitive dashboards, letting a small IT team manage security and governance without dedicated security resources or extensive manual effort.

RESULTS

Reduced Risk, Stronger Governance, Greater Efficiency

With Varonis, LSH Auto UK reduced unnecessary exposure of sensitive data, improved visibility across SharePoint and OneDrive, shrank its data footprint by eliminating ROT data, and minimized day-to-day oversight through automation — building confidence in its overall security posture and a stronger foundation for future AI adoption.

For the IT team, the value extended beyond governance and compliance: automation reduced ongoing oversight requirements, freeing resources for broader business and technology priorities rather than manual administration. Varonis' managed detection and response services added further relief, providing continuous monitoring and alert handling without burdening internal staff.

With strong data governance now in place, LSH Auto UK is focused on the next phase of its journey — further reducing unnecessary data and preparing for broader adoption of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, laying the foundation for secure innovation ahead.