01732 759725 NEWS : RESELLERS 12 Node4 acquires ‘perfect fit’ risual Node4, backed by Providence Equity Partners, has strengthened its Microsoft Cloud capabilities and UK public sector footprint with the acquisition of risual, an IT managed services and solutions provider and Microsoft Azure Expert MSP employing 170 people in the UK. Node4’s acquisition of risual follows that of TNP in July 2021 and is part of a strategy to support strong organic growth with acquisitions that enhance its ability to provide end-to-end services and help UK businesses move to secure, cloudbased platforms. As a Microsoft Expert MSP accredited to major public sector digital and IT service frameworks including the Crown Commercial Service (CCS), risual brings significant expertise, skills, experience and revenue to Node4’s managed services business, strengthening its focus on all three Microsoft cloud platforms and furthering plans by Node4, itself an Azure Expert MSP, to create a Microsoft Centre of Excellence. Andrew Gilbert, CEO of Node4, said: “As Node4 evolves as a business delivering more cloud-led transformation services, risual represents a perfect fit given its track record, consultancy skills and managed services in the public cloud. With complementary Microsoft skill sets, Node4 and risual are ideally suited to deliver the change that matters for clients and the transformation outcomes they need.” Ball rejoins Cardiff IT community with Flotek launch Jay Ball, Founder and Managing Director of Welsh telecoms business Datakom, which he ran for 13 years prior to its purchase by Southern Communications Group, is flexing his entrepreneurial muscles once more with the establishment of a new IT, comms and managed service provider serving small to medium-sized businesses in South Wales. Flotek Group, founded by CEO Jay Ball, Financial Director David Middleton and Managing Director Malcolm Holland, aims to help SMEs transform their operations through the adoption of Microsoft cloud technologies offering enhanced security, flexibility and cost savings. Ball said: “For large corporations, IT digital transformation has already begun, but many SMEs in the area are unaware of the changes and technology available to them. Our focus is on ensuring these local businesses adopt next generation technologies. “With huge needs around security and cyber awareness in the workplace, we want to be the go-to for protecting customers and ensuring they have the right policies and systems in place. It’s exciting to be re-joining the regional market with Flotek Group, as there’s a real opportunity to supercharge SMEs with high-quality, scalable services, bringing together trusted technology in the cloud.” Alongside organic growth, Flotek’s management team has set out a buy and build acquisition strategy, headed by David Middleton, who brings five years of corporate finance advisory experience in the ICT industry. Ball added: “We’re excited for Flotek’s future; we’ve built a strong foundation, a well-structured management team and a robust strategy for organic and acquisition growth. The team is committed to helping regional SMEs embrace cloud technology through a structured digital transformation plan and reach their full potential whilst maximising the opportunities for the Flotek team to share in the business’ success.” www.flotek.io Urban Network service offering expanded with twin mergers Urban Network, a London-based MSP and outsourced IT solutions provider, has expanded its offering and geographic reach by merging with Birminghambased IT solutions and VOIP telephony specialist Heart Business Systems and Suffolk-based print and IT specialist Kerbury Business Centre. The merged company, offering fully integrated IT and business solutions from ‘best of breed’ providers, will operate under the name Urban Network. All existing sites, offices and operating locations will remain the same. Perry Ashby of Urban Network said: “This merger is an exciting and innovative step towards Urban Network redefining the concept of a full-service managed service provider. By pulling in the telephony and printing expertise of Heart Business Systems and Kerbury Business Centre, Urban can now provide an expansive offering covering all the IT needs of companies across the UK.” www.urbannetwork.co.uk n IT solutions provider Urban Network has donated £5,000 to men’s mental health charity ANDYSMANCLUB and chosen it as its Corporate Social Responsibility Partner for 2022. Set up to reduce male suicides, ANDYSMANCLUB provides a safe space where men can talk honestly without fear of judgement. Its support groups extend across the UK, from Honiton in the SouthWest of England to Wrexham in North Wales and Stenhousemuir in Central Scotland. Andrew Gilbert Netcompany recognised for commitment to social value Netcompany, an international IT services company based in Denmark with offices in the UK, has become one of around 50 companies in the UK to achieve Social Value Quality Mark certification for its commitment to social value. Run by Social Value Mark CIC, an independent social enterprise, The Social Value Mark is awarded to values-driven organisations that cultivate and achieve the highest standards in values-led business. There are four levels to the mark – Commit, Forecast, Evaluate and Embed – and Netcompany has been certified to Level 2. To achieve this it had to provide evidence of the positive impact of its social interventions and the social value strategy which underpins them, such as improving societal mobility, creating opportunities for under-represented groups in IT and fostering environmental sustainability, while also undergoing a rigorous audit process. Richard Davies, UK Country Managing Partner at Netcompany, said: “This journey is a big commitment, and we are already on track to achieve Level 3 by April 2023 and Level 4 by 2024. As a company, we deliver on society-critical projects and by digitising these public services we can help underserved communities.” www.netcompany.com
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