Are you looking to adopt Microsoft 365 Copilot into your business but aren’t sure what you should do to prepare for a successful implementation? With artificial intelligence (AI) continuing to reshape modern businesses, Copilot is leading the way as a transformative tool for businesses in Reading and Berkshire. Let’s explore how you can prepare for a streamlined Copilot integration that positively impacts your business.
What Is Microsoft 365 Copilot & Why Are Businesses Adopting It?
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered assistant embedded within familiar Microsoft 365 applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. By leveraging large language models and organisational data via Microsoft Graph, Copilot assists users in drafting documents, summarising meetings, and analysing data – all within the tools they already use.
The adoption of Copilot has been significant. As reported in this article, Microsoft Copilot has 33 million active users as of the beginning of 2025 and has been downloaded 36 million times since its launch – proving its popularity.
Preparing for Microsoft 365 Copilot: A Guide for Reading and Berkshire Businesses
With the continuation of Copilot becoming more widely adopted, businesses in Reading and Berkshire should be keen to harness its AI-driven capabilities to enhance their productivity, streamline workflows, and reduce manual effort. However, successful implementation requires more than just flipping a switch. Let’s walk through exactly how your business can prepare:
- Review Licensing and Eligibility
To use Microsoft Copilot, your organisation must be running Microsoft 365 E3 or E5 licences, with Copilot available as an additional subscription. It’s essential to check your current Microsoft 365 plan to confirm you have the appropriate licensing. Additionally, ensure you budget for Copilot add-on costs, as these are charged per user and should be factored into your IT roadmap. - Ensure Technical Readiness
Next, verify that your technical environment meets Microsoft’s prerequisites before deployment. This includes confirming that all Microsoft 365 apps are on the Current Channel or Monthly Enterprise Channel to ensure compatibility with Copilot. Ensure modern authentication is in place across all apps and services to support secure access, and make sure that Microsoft Graph is enabled and properly configured – as Copilot leverages this tool. - Audit and Clean Up Your Data
Copilot draws upon content across your Microsoft 365 environment to deliver intelligent suggestions and summaries. This includes emails, documents, chats, and meeting notes. To ensure quality results, clean up legacy data to remove outdated or duplicate content from SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams. Review data permissions to ensure sensitive information is properly restricted – preventing Copilot from surfacing content inappropriately. Also, tag and classify documents using tools like Microsoft Purview to enhance data governance. By investing time into tidying up your data, you will see more accurate and useful AI outputs. - Enable Supporting Features
Some of Copilot’s most valuable features rely on specific Microsoft 365 services being active. Make sure your meeting transcription is turned on in Teams so Copilot can summarise calls and extract action points. Loop components are enabled for dynamic content sharing and real-time collaboration. Additionally, optimise Microsoft Search, as Copilot relies heavily on enterprise search functionality. It’s worth double-checking these features in your tenant settings, as they often need to be switched on and configured by an administrator. - Develop an AI Governance Framework
Introducing AI into your workplace demands clear policies to manage risk and ensure ethical use. To achieve this, outline how employees should and shouldn’t use Copilot, define who gets access to Copilot and to what extent, and for transparency around how Copilot is being used, set up audit trails and clear reporting. This supports compliance – especially GDPR and industry-specific regulations – while also building confidence among staff and stakeholders. - Provide User Training and Change Management
Rolling out Copilot successfully means investing in people, not just platforms. To support a smooth transition, deliver training sessions to show staff how to get the most out of Copilot in their daily workflows. Create quick-start guides tailored to your internal processes and set up champions or early adopters in each department to lead by example and gather feedback. The more confident your team feels about using Copilot, the more likely they are to embrace it productively.
SolCo’s Expertise in Microsoft 365 Copilot Implementation
At SolCo, we specialise in providing tailored IT support in Reading and Berkshire, with a focus on facilitating the adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Serving local businesses since 2008, we have built a strong reputation, based on trust and expertise. Our services include:
- Comprehensive IT Support: We offer ongoing assistance to ensure your IT infrastructure supports Copilot’s requirements.
- Customised Implementation Plans: We develop strategies that align with your business goals and technical landscape.
- Training and Support: We provide user training to maximise Copilot’s benefits and ensure a smooth transition.
Don’t Miss: Live Webinar on Microsoft 365 Copilot
If you’re keen to see how Microsoft 365 Copilot is already transforming the way businesses work, make sure to register for our upcoming webinar “How Businesses Are Boosting Efficiency with Microsoft 365 Copilot.”
Details:
Tuesday, 15 July
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (GMT+1)
Online event
This session will feature real-world demonstrations and insights from Copilot specialists, exploring how AI is helping businesses drive productivity and operational excellence.
Register here to reserve your spot and discover what Copilot could do for your business.
Book a Chat with Us Today
Adopting Microsoft 365 Copilot can significantly enhance your organisation’s productivity and efficiency. By understanding the necessary steps and leveraging expert support, businesses in Reading and Berkshire can seamlessly integrate this powerful tool into their operations. Book a chat with us today to get started.
