This week in the ICT Channel

Every friday morning, Comms Dealer magazine rounds up the top channel news that broke during the week.

In this week's news...

Acquisitive MSP Redsquid inks Epoq IT deal

Redsquid's managed services capabilities have been boosted through the acquisition of High Wycombe-based MSP Epoq IT - Managed IT Services , its third transaction in seven months.

The deal was funded by a larger facility from fellow B Corp Triple Point which remains a dedicated funding line for future acquisitions.

Redsquid founders CEO Sohin Raithatha and COO Vince Mignacca remain the only shareholders of the Hertfordshire headquartered business they have grown organically and through six acquisitions over the past 17 years.

"Acquiring Epoq is an important step for Redsquid and our growth journey and comes just seven months after the last two acquisitions in the summer," stated Raithatha. "Epoq will now become a part of our mission for a more sustainable industry – and joining the group will bring the benefits out to customers and partners.”

Raithatha also noted that Redsquid has had a close relationship with Epoq for a number of years and that the deal represents significant cross selling opportunities. "We look forward to introducing Redsquid’s technology portfolio into Epoq IT's customer organisations, enabling them to benefit from the simplicity of having one unified partner through their digital transformation journey,” he added.

Epoq IT founder Gary Swanwick commented: “After over 20 years of providing a customer centric service it was important to select the right fit for Epoq IT. Redsquid aligns with our values - and in an ever-changing landscape, we can now offer our clients and team a future that meets the challenges of today’s world.”

Elite Group launches IT MSP Netcentrix

Elite Group will separate and demerge the Communications and IT Services parts of its businesses into two distinct trading companies.

Through this reorganisation, Elite Group is reintroducing the Netcentrix brand, originally acquired in 2016, exclusively focusing on IT Managed Services.

Elite Group will maintain its focus on cloud communications and contact centre services, including Connectivity, UCaaS, CCaaS, Voice, and Mobile services.

Both Elite Group and Netcentrix will now sit unified under the umbrella of New Technology Group .

Adam Turton , CEO, will spearhead this transformation. He said: “This represents a vital step to ensuring we are organised in a way where we can successfully deliver on our customer experience ambitions.

We believe that organising our company this way, provides greater focus in service delivery, enabling us to bring more combined value, technology and innovation.”

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At Margin 2024 you will discover how you can deliver a stand-out set of managed services and solutions to deliver growth in your business and to build greater customer value across the technology stack including connectivity, mobile data, IoT, UCaaS, CCaaS, security and much, much more. Message Simon Turton for details of attending and sponsorship options.

Jola launches EE Unlimited Fixed IP SIMs

Jola has added Fixed IP EE SIMs with unlimited data to its real-time management portal, Mobile Manager.

Fixed IP SIMs have been available on a wholesale model via Jola for many years yet many of its applications typically use a lot of data which has driven up the cost of solutions for end users in locations where EE is the preferred network.

“We offer unlimited data so users do not have to worry about data overage charges and MSPs,” said Cherie Howlett , CMO at Jola Cloud .

“This allows MSPs to save end users money, give them more control over their solution, and make good recurring margins.”

Its Fixed IP SIMs transit the Cloudflare international IP Network.

Air IT completes SCS swoop

Acquisitive MSP Air IT has completed a deal for SCS Technologies Ltd to mark its 12th buy since 2020.

The acquisitions bolsters Air IT’s managed IT support services and strengthen its foothold in Lincolnshire.

James Steventon , CEO at Air IT said:?“With a strong focus on our core services including managed IT support and Microsoft technologies, we will combine our joint knowledge, skills and experience to deliver even greater results for our clients.”?

The deal will also enable SCS Technologies to add cybersecurity and emerging technologies to its portfolio, through Air IT’s Air Sec division.

Matt Stead , MD of SCS, added:?“By joining Air IT, we’ll be able to offer additional technical expertise, skillsets and new exciting capabilities.”

Pragma brings AI boost to UCaaS platform

Pragma has launched Engage, a new website widget offering one-click voice calls, video calls and AI-powered webchat.

This will be provided as an optional enhancement for users of Connect for iPECS Cloud, Pragma’s UCaaS application.

It will use AI to automate webchat responses via ChatGPT integration and will read all website content to collect information, before using OpenAI to form responses.

Pragma’s MD, Will Morey , said: “This tool will help our partners win more deals and retain more customers, by offering them something that improve the service they offer.

“It easier for customers to contact them and automates webchat responses without any compromise in service.”

Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you back here next friday for the latest news update. Be sure to subscribe at the top of this newsletter to get your copy.