The recent infoboss unlocked event brought together leaders, partners, and sector specialists to explore how organisations are transforming their approach to data.
Across the sessions, speakers shared real world insights on governance, automation, regulation, agentic AI and the growing value of trusted information.
In Part 2. Colin Sales – CEO of 3C Consultants – outlines how his partnership with infoboss has transformed his business.
Business Transformation
When Colin Sales took the decision to shift 3C Consultants towards a data centred business model in early 2020, he was responding to a growing truth in social housing that organisations were struggling with data management and that this was negatively impacting the lives of those living and working in social housing, sometimes catastrophically.
The consequences were becoming impossible to ignore. What followed was a complete transformation of 3C’s business model, driven by infoboss technology, sector expert Nicky Hawkins, and a renewed commitment to data integrity.
Today, 3C is seen as a leader in the sector, delivering measurable improvements in governance, compliance, and operational efficiency. 3C won a Social Housing Innovation Award in 2025 specifically for the work they are doing supporting organisations in this area. Colin’s journey shows how trusted data can reshape both a consultancy and the clients it serves.
Turning data into a business advantage
Before 2020, 3C operated as a traditional IT consultancy, with demand focused on ‘technology’ rather than information management. Workloads fluctuated and revenues were inconsistent. Some of the sector’s biggest issues and indeed disasters stemmed from ungoverned and unreliable data. Housing providers needed more than guidance: they needed a system that could prove data accuracy beyond doubt.
The move to infoboss, branded as Data Logic for social housing, enabled that shift to address:
- the sector’s historic lack of accountability following incidents such as Grenfell and Rochdale
- the Regulator of Social Housing’s increased demand for verifiable, auditable data
- the need for a ‘single version of the truth’ to support governance, safety, and financial resilience
The result was a transition from unpredictable consulting income to contracted, cash generative, profitable, recurring revenue.
Perhaps however, the most significant change has been philosophical. A move away from helping organisations migrate from one technology platform to another, towards solving the underlying data problems that drive risk, inefficiency, and governance failures.
There are cultural challenges ahead, particularly within IT teams shifting to an information first mindset. Yet this is also an opportunity for stronger leadership and sector wide improvement.
Interest continues to rise across executive networks, with conversations and peer groups increasingly focused on data assurance. The momentum is unmistakable.
“Data related risk is the most significant thing the sector has to deal with”
Data has now become the regulator’s top priority, overtaking physical access, cyber security, and traditional operational risks. In 80 percent of provider downgrades, poor data management is identified as a principal cause.
Data Logic gives 3C’s clients what they previously lacked: clear evidence that their information is accurate, complete, and traceable. This strengthens board oversight, improves compliance readiness, and supports borrowing capacity by demonstrating strong governance.
A platform built for complexity
Infoboss supports both cloud and on premises deployment, giving 3C the flexibility to meet differing security and infrastructure requirements.
Once deployed, the platform attaches to almost any source system to create a single version of truth. It integrates audit and verification, highlights errors, and helps identify training needs at user level. This builds a culture of accuracy and proactive data management rather than reactive correction.
Integrations with Power BI adds further value, improving visualisation and reporting across departments and teams. Beyond the core platform, 3C has expanded into related compliance support including FOI, DSAR, and planned eDiscovery services.
Infoboss’ ability to refine and adapt the platform has been essential for supporting the evolving needs of housing providers.
This combination of technology and consultancy has shaped a competitive edge that has led to rapid demand. 3C is now delivering multiple active projects for organisations ranging from London councils to large regional housing providers. Referrals arrive organically as more executives seek to tackle legacy data issues head-on.
Recurring value
The transformation has reshaped 3C’s financial picture. Around one-third of revenue now comes from recurring Data Logic licences, creating predictable income and improving margins.
“We now have recurring licences that generate profitable, cash generative, recurring revenues which I believe has significantly increased the companies value. Client feedback also confirms that Data Logic is now fundamental to day-to-day operations and markedly improving the lives of those in social housing.”
Clients see clear return on investment too. Colin gave an example of a 5,000 home association that could achieve a £125,000 of savings in just six months on a £40,000 investment.
“Efficiency gains came from automated governance, reduced manual data checks, and the removal of costly assurance consultants.”
A business transformed
Colin’s journey shows what is possible when technology, expertise, and strategic vision come together with a clear purpose. infoboss has not only reshaped 3C Consultants, but it has helped raise expectations across the social housing sector.
Better governance, safer decisions, and stronger financial resilience all begin with accurate, trusted information. By building a business around that principle, Colin has positioned 3C for sustained growth while supporting organisations that need these capabilities most.
To learn more about how infoboss can support your organisation, get in touch.