Dealers – Mobile News

Barclay partners with Hyperfast for full fibre offering

Staff Reporter — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:16:31 +0000

Belfast-based Barclay Communications has partnered with Hyperfast Networks to deliver Fibrus full fibre broadband to businesses across Northern Ireland,

Barclay Communications will offer Fibrus full fibre services delivering speeds of between 100Mbps and 1,000Mbps over the Hyperfast Networks wholesale platform. The rollout forms part of the government-backed Project Stratum programme to extend high-speed broadband to areas that were previously hard to serve.

The partnership allows Barclay Communications to provide a fully managed service to business customers, covering ordering, installation, billing and ongoing support through a single supplier. The company said this approach removes much of the complexity that has historically slowed business adoption of full fibre connectivity.

Roulston: one conversation rather than multiple touchpoints

John Roulston, sales director at Barclay Communications, said: “Businesses know faster broadband exists. But they often don’t know what they can access, who to speak to or how complicated the process will be By working with Fibrus through Hyperfast Network It means one conversation rather than multiple touchpoints and omplexity.”

Barcla is offering six months’ free broadband to qualifying customers, as an incentive it estimates could deliver business savings of around £1.7m across the region.

The Fibrus network has now passed more than 325,000 homes and businesses,

Northern Ireland leads the UK in overall gigabit availability, but many businesses continue to rely on legacy services. The switch-off of copper networks is accelerating, increasing pressure on organisations to migrate to full fibre solutions.

Barclay Communications claims to be Northern Ireland’s largest locally-owned telecoms wholesaler, The company has identified around 7,000 Northern Ireland businesses that could already access full fibre but have yet to adopt it, and said it will be proactively contacting organisations to check availability and suitability under the new partnership.

VodafoneThree inks exclusive three-year consumer partnership with Fonehouse

Staff Reporter — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 13:24:34 +0000

VodafoneThree has signed a new three-year agreement with Fonehouse that will see the newly-merged operator become the exclusive consumer network partner across Fonehouse’s retail and online channels, offering both Vodafone and Three-branded mobile services and mobile broadband.

The deal gives VodafoneThree an expanded presence on the high street at a time when operator-run retail footprints continue to contract, while providing Fonehouse customers with access to tariffs and connectivity services from the UK’s newly-combined network group.

The agreement is expected to support joint marketing initiatives, broaden device availability, and strengthen retail distribution ahead of the planned integration of the two networks’ consumer offerings over the coming years.

Founded in 1994, Fonehouse operates a nationwide franchise-based retail model alongside a growing e-commerce presence, specialising in consumer mobile contracts, SIM-only deals and hardware. The retailer has built a reputation for value-led propositions and has maintained strong ties with UK networks and distributors throughout the transition away from traditional high-street mobile retailing.

Branson: shared commitment

Shaw: important step

Jon Shaw, Consumer Operations Director at VodafoneThree, said:
“Our new partnership with Fonehouse is an important step in expanding VodafoneThree’s reach through trusted retail partners.”

Ben Branson, CEO of Fonehouse, added: “This long-term agreement reinforces our shared commitment to delivering quality and value to customers.”

Aerial Direct reaches 200,000 mobile connections

Staff Reporter — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:52:21 +0000

Daisy partner Aerial Direct has passed 200,000 active mobile connections, reporting five per cent year-on-year growth.

Aerial says growth has remained steady rather than accelerating, with demand led by small-office and micro-enterprise customers.

Recent investment in a data warehouse and business intelligence tools have improved customer targeting and retention the company says.

Phillips: main challenges are staying ahead of market and technology changes

Chief Operating Officer Jason Phillips said the main challenges are staying ahead of market and technology changes, and rising expectations around service experience. The company is targeting double-digit net base growth in 2026 and plans further product and process developments.

O2 Daisy Chief Executive Officer Jo Bertram (below) said the partnership with Aerial continues to support connectivity services for UK businesses.

Red Squid hits the 2025 takeover trail with acquisition of Comouter Security Technology

Staff Reporter — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:28:53 +0000

IT managed services provider Redsquid has acquired Computer Security Technology, its fourth takeover in the past 12 months.

The move boosts Redsquid’s position in the cybersecurity sector as it aims to deliver comprehensive protection and robust security measures to its expanding client base (main pic Redsquid directors l – Sohin Raithatha, r – Vince Mignacca).

Founded 27 years ago, CST provides managed services and consultancy focused on defending against digital threats and vulnerabilities. With this acquisition, Redsquid is integrating CST’s Liverpool Street-based office into its portfolio, as the company continues to broaden its geographical footprint.

Sohin Raithatha, CEO of Redsquid, commented:
“We are having more security conversations than ever. CST brings an experienced team and proven technologies into our organisation, allowing us to deliver the best security solutions to our customers.”

Nigel Lewis founder of CST, added:
“This provides Redsquid customers with access to our cybersecurity expertise, experience, and portfolio. CST’s customers will benefit from an enhanced range of services and a broader technology offering that goes beyond cybersecurity, including Microsoft solutions, managed services, and communications.”

Redsquid Communications was set up in 2003, and offers technology solutions, including Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber Security, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Data Connectivity, and Voice services.

Celular Solutions veteran is new Focus Group head of mobile channel

Staff Reporter — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 11:31:54 +0000

Focus Group has announced the appointment of Dan Gardner as its new Head of Mobile Channel.

Gardner (main pic) was previously managing director of Brighton-based Cellular Solutions, where he spent more than 17 years before it was acquired by Focus Group in 2024.

He will now lead Focus Group’s Mobile & IoT channel portfolio, with a key focus on expanding the partner network through recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing support of new channel partners.

Focus Group, headquartered in Shoreham-by-Sea, is a leading providers of business technology, offering services across connectivity, cloud communications, cyber security, mobile, and IT. Since its founding in 2003, the company has grown rapidly through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, now supporting over 25,000 businesses nationwide.

Commenting on his appointment, Gardner said: *“Having worked so closely with Focus Group, culminating in the sale of Cellular Solutions, I’m delighted to be joining the team at Focus and going back to what I enjoy most – helping channel partners grow their businesses. This time, I bring with me the experience of having run one of the most successful partner businesses in the UK, allowing me to truly understand the challenges faced by the channel community.”*

Keane Beaken, Director of Mobile at Focus Group, added: *“We are thrilled to welcome Dan to the Focus Group team. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the mobile sector make him the perfect fit to lead our Mobile Channel strategy and nurture sector opportunities. Dan’s appointment further strengthens our ability to support our channel partners and drive mutual success.”*

Focus Group brings acquisition tally to 12 with Prism buyout

Staff Reporter — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:06:10 +0000

Barely week after announcing the acquisition of TMAC, Focus Group has snapped up its twelfth target, this time acquiring Prism, a managed service provider specialising in the SME and financial services market.

Founded in 2001, Prism has a team of 50 staff members and supports over 6,000 end users with services in Managed IT, Modern Workplace solutions, and Cybersecurity.

Laurence Glen, IT Director at Focus Group (main pix left), commented:

“The pace of innovation in IT and cybersecurity is accelerating in response to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. It’s vital that we evolve our capabilities to meet market demands. Prism’s people, portfolio, ambitions, and ethos align perfectly with what we envisioned when we began our search. This investment will significantly benefit our customers by offering an expanded range of services.”

Ben Higginbotham, Managing Director at Prism (main pic right), added:

“We’re delighted to join the Focus Group family. Partnering with them allows us to harness their ability to scale within the technology space while also providing excellent career development opportunities for our team. These factors were crucial in our decision to partner with Focus Group.”

Focus Group, founded in 2003, provides telecoms, IT, cybersecurity, connectivity, and mobile services to an impressive range of clients, including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Molton Brown, and UniCredit Group.

Redsquid buys Aberdeen-based IT Hotdesk to increase Scotland presence

Staff Reporter — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:46:33 +0000

IT managed services provider Redsquid has acquired Aberdeen-based *IT Hotdesk to boost service offerings in the region. IT Hotdesk’s team and operations will be integrated into Redsquid’s existing structure.

This is Redsquid’s third acquisition this year. In August Redsquid bought OptivITy, a managed service provider specialising in the film industry. In March it acquired Epoq IT a High Wycombe-based managed service provider. Last July it bought companies: Covue, a managed service provider which focuses on the education sector, and Connect2. Three years ago it took over Thame-based managed IT services business Triumph Technologies.

Redsquid was founded in 2006 by Sohin Raithatha (main pic left) and Vince Mignacca, (Main pic right) who remain the sole shareholders. It offers IT managed services, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, unified communications, and consultancy.IT Hotdesk specialises in IT support and cyber security services.It was set up in 2009 and operates from offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness

CEO Raithatha commented: “We have had a presence in the North and look forward to being closer to our customers so we can continue providing value as their local MSP.”

IT Hotdesk founder Gordon Christie added: “This partnership will enable us to deliver greater value and create a stronger and more comprehensive service portfolio. This move aligns perfectly with our vision of supporting our customers’ transition to greener technology. We look forward to being part of the region’s journey as it transitions from traditional oil and gas industries to renewable energy sectors.”

The acquisition was funded by ThinCats, a non-bank alternative lender. In 2022, ThinCats topped Experian‘s national annual table of mergers and acqusition debt providers, funding 71 transactions and surpassing traditional banks.

Focus Group notches up 11th acquisition with TMAC takeover

Staff Reporter — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:32:00 +0000

Focus Group has completed its eleventh acquisition of its fnancial year with the takeover of Ipswich-based mobile specialist TMAC Wireless Solutions.

Established in 2001, TMAC specialises in mobile services, VoIP systems, and mobile broadband. It also operates the ArmaFone mobile device repair service.

Keane Beaken, Mobile Director at Focus Group, commented: “TMAC brings a deep understanding of business mobile solutions and an impressive track record of service excellence. We’re excited to expand the service offerings available to TMAC customers and create new growth opportunities through our strong supplier partnerships.”

TMAC’s customers will now have access to more products and services from Focus Group’s extensive supplier network.

“Joining the Focus Group family is a fantastic opportunity for TMAC and our clients,” said Julie Southgate, Managing Director at TMAC. “We can now offer our clients a wider range of custom-fit solutions, supported by the technical resources and expertise that Focus Group is known for.”

Julie Southgate: “We can now offer our clients a wider range of custom-fit solutions”

In September, Focus Group marked its tenth acquisition of the financial year with the takeover of Hampshire-based telecoms and IT reseller Silver Lining.

There’s a Silver Lining to Focus Group’s tenth takeover

Staff Reporter — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:49:18 +0000

Business technology provider Focus Group has racked up its tenth acquisition in its financial year with the takeover of Hampshire-based telecoms IT reseller Silver Lining.

Silver Lining offers telephony, cloud computing, networking, cybersecurity, and managed IT services, including technical support, infrastructure management, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity.

The deal also includes Atmoso, a channel-only provider that specializes in managed cloud services and PCI compliance. The owners of Silver Lining will remain involved with the business as shareholders.

Rhys Bailey, Chief Revenue Officer at Focus Group (main pic left , said: “We’re delighted to welcome the brilliant team at Silver Lining. We’ll be drawing on the Silver Lining team’s technical capabilities to deliver a compelling portfolio of services across our combined customer base.”

Allan Packer, Founder and Managing Director at Silver Lining (main pic right) , added: “It was clear that Focus Group and Silver Lining share a common goal of delivering unparalleled value to our customers. This collaboration allows us to harness Focus Group’s vast resources while contributing our specialized expertise in cloud services.”

Atmoso is a technology company that specializes in providing cloud-based services and solutions, including Cloud PCs, private cloud hosting, leased lines, cybersecurity solutions, and VOIP services.

Focus Group was established in 2003. It has a team of over 1,100 experts who provide telecoms, IT, cybersecurity, connectivity, mobile, and energy services to over 29,000 businesses.

Other FOcus Gooup acquisitions incude Pinnacle, RPM Communications, Datasharp, Cellular Solutions, Entropie, and Midland Telecoms Management

Focus Group chalks up its eight acquisition of the year

Staff Reporter — Wed, 08 May 2024 12:25:24 +0000

Focus Group has just made its eighth acquisition of the year with the takeover of Bucks voice and data provider Entropie.

The deal comes less than a week after Focus announced the takeover of Cellular Solutions

Entropie’s Milton Keynes base is near the offices of Boxx Communications, the comms and connectivity specialists acquired by Focus in October enabling Focus to scale up service delivery across the area and break into new markets.

“Entropie has all the characteristics we look for when we’re on the acquisition trail with solid performance, similar product set with high-recurring revenues and a customer-centric approach – so we’re delighted to welcome the team on board”s said Focus mergers and acquisitions head Tom Jones.

Hetan Mistry, Managing Director at Entropie commented: “Joining Focus Group represents the best path forward for our future. Their track record of success assures us that they are the ideal partner to help

us continue our legacy of excellence.”

Focus Group recently secured £21.3 million in investment funding from Hg Capital Trust, an investor in European and transatlantic software and services .