This week in the ICT Channel...

As October reaches its midpoint, Comms Dealer brings you the latest updates from the ICT channel. Stay informed and ahead of the curve by subscribing to our weekly insights and industry news!

Gradwell picks Grapevine Connect for latest buy

Gradwell Communication has acquired Exeter-based 3CX Platinum Partner Grapevine Connect, to expand its customer base across the south west.

The Grapevine brand will be gradually retired and all customers will be migrated to Gradwell. Grapevine was already a Gradwell partner, with Gradwell having recently taken over the support of Grapevine customers while the founders established their new venture.

Grapevine is Gradwell ’s second acquisition in recent years, following the addition of The Technology Group (TTG) in 2021.

Jamie Ward , CEO of Gradwell, said: “As Grapevine were already a partner, we expect a smooth transition and integration for the customer base and look forward to working with the Grapevine team”.

“This will be the first of several M&A activities for us in the near future.”

Martin Cox , Founder of Grapevine Connect Ltd added: “Gradwell have been a strategic partner of ours for several years, and over the last few months they have done a great job in supporting our customer base.”

Daisy completes 4Com acquisition netting Hutt ￡100m-plus windfall

Comms channel veteran Daron Hutt (pictured) is said to have netted a circa ￡100m-plus windfall through the sale of 4Com to Daisy. Hutt founded Bournemouth-based 4Com in 1999.

According to Companies House records, a filing dated October 7th confirms at least 75 per cent ownership of 4Com by Daisy Group .

4Com has grown organically and through acquisitions and according to reports Hutt sealed a ￡215m sale to Daisy founder Matthew Riley , boosting Daisy's SMB base by around 17,000 business to over 200,000 customers.

A Sky report noted that Daisy's primary reason for pursuing the deal is 4Com's HiHi cloud communications product.

Fidelity celebrates 10th anniversary milestone

Fidelity Energy Ltd hosted a celebration at The Newbury to mark its 10th anniversary on 10th October, acknowledging the hard work that has driven the company’s success.

Established in 2014 in Parkway, Newbury, Fidelity Energy has grown significantly over the past decade. The company supports over 6,000 UK businesses, including local institutions like Newbury Racecourse, Newbury College, and Donnington Grove.

Fidelity Energy's mission is to help businesses secure the best value from their energy contracts, reduce customers’ carbon footprints and simplify utility management.

It also supports customers’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments by offering solutions that reduce energy consumption, solar generation and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

John Haw , CEO of Fidelity Energy, commented: "Our people have grown with the business, and our success is shown in the way we treat our customers, our high retention rates and rapid growth."

Aaron Fox named as One to Watch

Created by investment partner LDC – part of Lloyds Banking Group, The Top 50 celebrates entrepreneurs demonstrating remarkable ambition, and is now in its seventh year.

In 2024, the programme received more than 700 nominations showcasing the exceptional individuals building successful, growing businesses across the UK.

The business leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 for 2024 are making a real impact by creating jobs, promoting social equality, championing sustainability, expanding internationally and integrating purpose into their business practices.

The Ones to Watch are individuals that are making great strides excelling in their industries, and making a positive impact on their customers and employees.

Fox said: “Whilst I am named in this list, the credit should go to all the great people around me who are working tirelessly to take my passion, ambition and vision for TelXL and turning it into reality.”

Virgin Media O2 helps volunteers gain vital digital skills

Virgin Media O2 Business ’ Connect More initiative has reached a new milestone, as it has supported 1223 individuals across the UK with digital skills training.

Marking its second anniversary, the programme aims to helps UK people who are facing digital exclusion by helping them gain essential skills needed to access online services.

Connect More works with community organisations and partners to organise training sessions in local communities. At the free sessions, trained company volunteers work one-on-one to help attendees learn how to access and engage with the digital world.

These volunteers have helped attendees gain confidence in their digital skills and improve their quality of life, including navigating online banking and staying connected via social media.

Since launching a dedicated healthcare support scheme in June 2023, Connect More has provided digital skills training helping locals access essential online healthcare services, helping participants gain the necessary skills to use the NHS app, book appointments online, and manage their prescriptions digitally.

Remy Williams , Primary Care Digital First Facilitator at Manchester Health and Care Commissioning commented: “The Virgin Media O2 Business Digital Champions have been an invaluable asset to the Digital First Primary Care programme and the Manchester primary care locality.”

As Connect More enters its third year, the programme aims to expand its reach offering to include digital employability skills training, to improve individuals’ job prospects through enhanced digital literacy.

Joanna Watts , Delivery Director at Virgin Media O2 Business, said: “We remain committed to supporting individuals and communities, ensuring they have the digital confidence needed to thrive in today’s landscape.”

Quckline teams up with STEM to transform prospects for young people

Quickline Communications Limited and STEM Learning have joined together to help disadvantaged young people boost key digital skills.

The partnership will provide necessary funds over three years to STEM Learning’s ENTHUSE Charitable Trust for research placements, computing equipment, support for teachers and summer STEM camps.

This will transform the prospects of young people in disadvantaged areas by giving them greater access to computing equipment and improved teaching alongside an insight and pathway into a successful computing career.

12 ‘computing clusters’ in schools in areas of disadvantage across West Yorkshire will be created, with these schools receiving funding to work towards the Computing Quality Mark in their computing curriculum. They will also have access to new computing kit.

Young people from the schools will also have the chance to attend STEM camps to further increase their skills, featuring intensive study followed by online career education mentor support.

STEM Learning UK ’s CEO Séverine Trouillet FRSA said: “This donation is the essence of why we partner with employers. Quickline’s goal to ensure rural communities have access to fast broadband has a huge impact on these communities, and our work is all about impact too – developing the appreciation and love of STEM in young people and growing the talent pool.”

Sean Royce , CEO at Quickline, said: “We are passionate about empowering the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

“Our partnership with STEM Learning and the funding we have provided is a significant step towards improving access to computing resources and education for young people in disadvantaged areas across large parts of Yorkshire.”

Old Jokes Home

Why did the router break up with the modem?

It just couldn’t connect anymore!