01732 759725 NEWS : RESELLERS 12 EvolveODM expands capabilities with GB3 acquisition Wigan-based managed network solutions provider EvolveODM is creating an IT services powerhouse in Lancashire with the acquisition of Preston-based IT support company GB3 from EG Group. Both companies have 45 employees. The acquisition backed by Barclays Corporate Bank is part of EvolveODM’s broader strategy to grow its network management footprint amongst restaurants, convenience stores and fuel forecourts from more from 7,500 locations to 15,000 by 2025, creating 40 new jobs. The move will give EvolveODM customers, including Robinsons Brewery, Hydes Brewery and franchises such as KFC, Starbucks, ESSO, BP and Leon, access to IT strategy, due diligence, cybersecurity, IT security audits and cloud computing solutions. GB3 customers will benefit from access to network management and EvolveODM’s 24/7 helpdesk. Alan Stephenson-Brown, Director at Evolve Business Group, said: “We’ve been working closely with GB3 recently to fulfil mutual customer contracts, so we knew that acquiring GB3 would help us create a broader IT services business with a more expansive offering for our customers. The two companies provide truly complementary services and together create a centre of excellence for IT in Lancashire’s growing digital sector.” Flotek acquires foothold in South West England IT and comms service provider Flotek Group is expanding beyond its South Wales heartland with the acquisition of MazingTree, an IT support service provider serving customers in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall. This is the second acquisition made by Flotek in the last two months as it pursues a strategy to triple in size over the next six months. The integration of the two businesses will enable MazingTree, a partner of Microsoft Cloud, Dell and Veeam, to offer existing customers a broader range of Microsoft Cloud services with a key focus on cyber security and Cyber Essentials certification. Jay Ball, CEO and Co-founder of Flotek Group, said: “We know how important having a dedicated IT provider with a local presence is to SMEs, and the high-quality services MazingTree offers are a natural fit with Flotek. We’re excited to be able to serve our existing clients in this region even more efficiently, with the support of MazingTree’s excellent team of IT experts. This is the perfect base for us and unlocks a hugely exciting potential for growth.” www.flotek.io n Flotek Group is taking advantage of a Welsh Government initiative to improve the digital skills of Welsh businesses and offering customers in Wales fully funded digital skills courses in partnership with Aspire 2Be, a Professional Development Partner for Apple, Google and Microsoft Aspire. Christian Bleakley Iain O’Kane Investing for growth Mid-market private equity firm Bowmark Capital has invested in IT services provider Xperience to facilitate its organic and acquisitive growth and to accelerate the expansion of its services in high-demand areas such as cyber security. With more than 170 employees and offices in Lisburn, Bury St Edmunds, Glasgow, Peterborough and St Neots, the Microsoft Gold Partner supports over 800 small and medium-sized companies with a range of services, including managed IT, cloud, business applications and cyber security. Xperience Chief Executive Iain O’Kane said: “Bowmark’s track record in our sector and their understanding of what we are seeking to achieve made them a natural partner for our business. Our vision is to grow Xperience into one of the UK’s leading managed IT service providers and we look forward to working with Bowmark to achieve this goal.” The company is already delivering double-digit revenue and profit growth and, since 2021, has completed the successful acquisitions of two complementary IT solutions businesses, Green Duck and Riverlite. www.xperience-group.com Raspberry Beret a good fit for Firstcom Kartesia-backed cloud telecoms company Firstcom Europe is continuing its buy and build strategy with the acquisition of Raspberry Beret, a provider of mobile phones and unified communication products to customers in the North- West of England, where Firstcom is headquartered. Founded in 2010, Raspberry Beret has annual revenues of £1.4m, 90% of which are recurring, and a customer base that represents a potential new market for cloud solutions from Firstcom’s expanding product portfolio. Firstcom CEO Christian Bleakley said: “This is the sort of company I love to buy. It has a strong and personal relationship with its customers that has been built up over many years. I am delighted that the staff of Raspberry Beret have decided to stay on with us; they will complement the skill sets of our own people. It’s also great to reinforce our presence in the North-West which we are proud to call home and where many of our UK customers are based.” Firstcom Europe specialises in unified communications, including video, messaging, voice and fax, and has operations in the UK, Denmark, Germany and Sweden. www.firstcomeurope.co.uk n Firstcom recently celebrated the opening of a new European HQ at the Parklands office complex in Bolton. The office includes open plan workspaces for the company’s UK employees, hot-desking facilities, meeting rooms and subsidised gym membership. CEO Christian Bleakley said: “The move is part of our drive to overcome the legacy of the pandemic and to encourage colleagues to meet each other regularly in the office. We are proud to have created an environment our teams want to come to, rather than feel they have to attend. There is even enough space for the all-important pool table!” l to r: David Middleton, John Allan, Malcolm Holland, Jay Ball
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