Technology Reseller v38

01732 759725 NEWS : RESELLERS 10 Cardiff-headquartered Circle has acquired Macclesfield-based Fabric IT, as part of a strategy to expand its Microsoft portfolio. The acquisition of Fabric adds significant Microsoft Dynamics capabilities to the Group’s overall offering and increases group headcount to 100 and annual turnover to £25 million. Fabric IT provides a range of Microsoft- centric cloud managed services to SMEs across the UK, with competencies around CRM, ERP, Power Platform and Modern Workplace, as well as business IT, cyber- security and infrastructure (Azure) support services. As a Microsoft Gold Partner with expertise in Microsoft Dynamics, Fabric IT complements Circle’s tier 1 CSP partner status, enabling the Circle Group to offer the full Microsoft Cloud Suite and seamlessly deploy and manage end-to-end Microsoft solutions. Circle has a strong managed service offering covering Microsoft Cloud services, cyber-security, critical infrastructure support, back-up/disaster recovery and networking, including a 24x7x365 Network Operations Centre. Circle makes strategic acquisition of Fabric IT Tristan Carter Firstcom Europe unifies group identity Cloud telecommunications provider Firstcom Europe is merging the identities and operations of each of its constituent companies to project a unified image to the market. As part of this process, its UK subsidiary companies, Telesis and Difference Corporation, will now operate under the banner of Firstcom Europe. Over the last six years, Firstcom has made eight acquisitions, reaching an annual turnover of more than € 36m, with operations in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Poland. The highlighted U, in the Firstcom Europe logo refers to its unified communications product, Universe, which brings together video, chat, voice, fax and team collaboration on the one platform. www.firstcomeurope.co.uk Amplifi expands into Europe with Comma acquisition Comma Group, a London-based international management consultancy focused on connecting people and data to improve commercial results, has been acquired by Amplifi, a strategy and information management consultancy headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The acquisition enables both Amplifi and Comma Group to expand their global reach, strengthen their services and deliver people-centric digital transformations to clients worldwide. Corey Mellick, CEO of Amplifi, said: “This is the first step in Amplifi’s growth-through- acquisition strategy and lays the foundation for our European expansion efforts. Joining forces with Comma Group positions us as one of the largest MDM consultancies anywhere, and we look forward to working with Comma’s strong management team.” As well as expanding Amplifi’s reach, Comma Group brings additional service offerings in data quality, data migration and R&D, plus key technology partnerships with InRiver, Riversand, Stibo Systems, Tibco and Winshuttle. Co-founded in 2015 by Leigh Wells, Sam Goss, Mike Evans and Mike Bonsall, Comma Group works with B2B and direct- to-consumer brands in manufacturing, distribution, apparel, retail, health and beauty, and food and beverage. Following the acquisition, it will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Amplifi operating under the name Comma, part of Amplifi. www.goamplifi.com Office Circle takes on Amazon Local office supplies dealers are pushing back against conglomerates like Amazon with the launch of a new website offering more than 21,000 office products with local delivery nationwide. Office Circle aims to provide local service at a national level as a one-stop shop for B2B supplies and equipment, with deliveries straight to offices or the homes of remote workers, plus dedicated services including furniture installation and a free toner recycling service. Products are available at competitive prices and will be delivered to customers’ doors free of charge. Office Circle Managing Director Mike Martin said: “We work hard to make sure customers have fast access to the best supplies. We’re proud to say that our trusted local partners make it all possible, offering tailored, personal support and a first-class service to local businesses every single day.” officecircle.co.uk . Blue Orange partners with Sophos Lancashire-based IT specialist Blue Orange is adding enhanced levels of cybersecurity to its managed services portfolio after becoming an official Sophos MSP partner and completing a two-month accreditation training programme for sales and technical support staff. Blue Orange Operations Manager Tristan Carter said: “We can now offer Sophos security on an MSP monthly rental basis rather than an out-of-the-box yearly solution, paid upfront.” Babble strengthens cyber capabilities Unified comms, contact centre and cyber solutions provider Babble has strengthened its cyber capabilities with the acquisition of managed IT services provider 81G Blue. This is its third deal since receiving backing from lead investor Graphite Capital in November and its seventh since the start of 2020 – with more in the pipeline. With bases in London, Burton and Newcastle, Babble has annual revenues of £35 million, over 90% of which is recurring, and over 15,000 cloud-based users, 24,000 mobile connections and 3,000 CCaaS-supported agents. https://babble.cloud/ Top SDG rating for Softcat Softcat PLC, the technology reseller and solutions provider, has become the first FTSE 250 company to receive a five-star rating from Support the Goals in recognition of its support for the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A five-star rating is only awarded to organisations that actively involve their suppliers in their efforts to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. www.softcat.com