Discover why cloud repatriation is rising in the UK. Learn how to regain control of workloads, reduce costs, and build a smarter hybrid IT strategy.

The cloud was supposed to be the answer to everything. Fast, flexible, scalable, and cost-effective. But now, a growing number of UK organisations are stepping back and rethinking their cloud-first strategies. 

Enter cloud repatriation – the growing trend of moving workloads out of the public cloud and back to on-premises, private cloud, or hybrid environments. 

At first glance, it might look like a step backwards. But for many, cloud repatriation is a smart, strategic shift driven by rising costs, compliance pressures, and the need for greater control. 

What is cloud repatriation?

Cloud repatriation is the process of moving applications, data, or workloads away from the public cloud and back into in-house infrastructure, colocation data centres, or private cloud environments. 

It’s not a wholesale rejection of the cloud – but rather a rebalancing act. Many organisations are choosing hybrid IT models that give them the agility of the cloud where it matters, and the stability and cost control of on-prem where it counts. 

Why are UK organisations repatriating workloads?

According to the ONS, 71% of UK businesses were using cloud services in 2023. But now, a significant number are questioning whether the cloud is always the best – and most cost-effective – option. 

Here’s what’s driving the cloud repatriation movement: 

1. Cost control and predictability

Cloud costs can quickly spiral. A recent UK Cloud Price Index found that 42% of firms reported unexpected cloud bills as a top concern. Dynamic pricing, egress fees, and unused resources make budgeting difficult. For some workloads, running them on-premises offers greater cost stability and long-term savings. 

2. Data sovereignty and compliance

With strict data privacy laws like GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act 2018, many industries – especially finance, healthcare, and government – need more control over where their data lives. Cloud repatriation can make compliance easier by keeping sensitive information on UK-based infrastructure. 

3. Performance and latency

Applications that require low latency – such as real-time analytics or manufacturing controls – often perform better when hosted close to users. Repatriating these workloads helps reduce lag and improve reliability. 

4. Complexity and vendor lock-in

Managing sprawling, multi-cloud environments can get messy. IT teams are reporting growing concerns about vendor lock-in and the effort needed to integrate disparate systems. Cloud repatriation gives businesses the chance to consolidate and simplify. 

How to build a cloud repatriation strategy

Repatriating workloads isn’t a quick fix. It’s a strategic IT decision that requires planning, technical expertise, and support from the right partners. 

Here’s how to approach it: 

1. Assess and prioritise workloads

Not everything should leave the cloud. Start with a review: which workloads are driving up costs, underperforming, or causing compliance headaches? Prioritise repatriation based on value, risk, and effort. 

2. Design the right infrastructure

Whether you’re going hybrid, private cloud, or on-prem, make sure the environment is scalable, secure, and optimised. This could mean refreshing data centre tech, investing in hyperconverged infrastructure, or building a secure private cloud. 

3. Manage the migration

Smooth repatriation requires careful coordination. Plan for minimal downtime, data integrity, and seamless integration with existing systems. 

4. Optimise and secure

Once workloads are back in-house, don’t set and forget. Apply strong governance, monitor performance, and continually optimise your infrastructure to make the most of your investment. 

Where hybrid it comes in

For most businesses, cloud repatriation doesn’t mean going cloud-free – it means building a smarter, hybrid environment. 

With hybrid IT, you can: 

• Run stable, high-cost workloads on-premises for better ROI 

• Use public cloud where elasticity and speed matter most 

• Keep sensitive data local for compliance and peace of mind 

• Avoid lock-in by spreading risk across cloud and on-prem platforms 

Hybrid IT gives you the flexibility of cloud with the control of on-prem, and cloud repatriation is often the catalyst that brings this balance into focus. 

Partner with the 848 Group for a smarter hybrid strategy

At 848 Group, we’ve supported businesses across the UK through every stage of digital transformation – from full cloud migration to strategic cloud repatriation. We understand when workloads belong in the cloud – and when it’s time to bring them home. 

Our team of specialists combines expertise in public cloud platforms, on-prem infrastructure, and hybrid IT design to build environments that are efficient, secure, and aligned to your goals. 

Whether you’re responding to rising cloud costs, compliance demands, or simply looking to regain control, we’re here to help you navigate the next step. 

Let’s build a hybrid IT strategy that works for you. 

Contact us today or email us at [email protected] to explore how cloud repatriation could benefit your business.