Ireland’s Ekco acquires UK’s Solsoft in latest rapid growth move

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers (MSPs), announced the acquisition of UK-based Solsoft Group Limited. Ekco, founded and headquartered in Dublin, is on an aggresive acquisition trail, with Solsoft marking its third acquisition this year.

Solsoft is a Bristol-headquartered MSP with over 26 years of experience delivering proactive IT services to small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profit organisations across the South and Southwest of the UK. Key sectors include legal services, construction, engineering, energy, health, and social care. The company’s 16-strong team will join Ekco’s workforce of more than 1,000 people globally across Ireland, UK, Netherlands, Malaysia, and South Africa.

Solsoft will form part of the Ekco MSP Division and expand Ekco’s capabilities in the UK market under the leadership of Cian Prendergast. The latest deal in Ekco’s ambitious growth strategy, Solsoft is the seventh company to be acquired by Ekco in the last two years. This acquisition follows the purchases of MSPs Radius and Adapt IT, marking another milestone in Ekco’s strategy to build a unified MSP platform across Europe.

Solsoft is led by Managing Director Neil Farnworth and Operations Director Ilona Clark, who together bring over 40 years of industry experience to the business.

Paul Nannetti, Chair of Ekco, said: “Solsoft is a fantastic addition to the Ekco MSP Division as we accelerate our expansion strategy and continue to grow our footprint and capabilities in key markets. Their long-standing commitment to proactive service and their alignment with industry best practices give us real confidence in a fast, effective integration and a stronger UK presence—delivered with the discipline and consistency our customers expect.”

Cian Prendergast, CEO of the Ekco MSP Division, said: “Having known Solsoft very well for many years, we have always admired their rock solid, client focused, proactive service in the UK. With Ekco’s world class expertise in security-first managed services and cutting-edge technology, this partnership is a perfect match – and we are looking forward to growing and learning together.”

Neil Farnworth, Managing Director of Solsoft, added: “Joining Ekco lets us bring more capability and resilience to our customers, backed by Ekco’s scale—while maintaining the responsiveness they value. Our aligned ways of working and approaches to service delivery means we can really hit the ground running.”

Maximising Efficiency: Why Smart Business Operations Matter More Than Ever

In business, you are always looking for a competitive advantage. When people are discussing efficiency, it’s not just a transition — if you want to play and be competitive you have to have your business process as good as it can. You have to make money, to have a cost-effective, efficient, reliable business process. You can stay ahead by increasing sales, which you can achieve by getting the most out of the least. Whether you are a business owner, or a business fleet manager a good business process can help you get to the top!

The Importance of Streamlined Processes

Not only does streamlining your business process save you running capital, it’s also just a good idea for businesses, whether small or large. The more efficiently you operate, the faster your work gets done. Resources are put to their full potential and room for potential mistakes is greatly reduced. This, in turn, leads to higher productivity and will lead to better customer service ratings as well.

Leveraging Technology for Business Success

From automation to taking over repetitive tasks to powerful software that provides insight into performance, technology of any kind can make a big difference in achieving better efficiency and productivity. Just think what telematics can do for fleet managers!

Telematics provides real-time data on vehicle location, fuel consumption and driver performance which allows companies to plan better routes, save money on fuel and keep their drivers safe on the road. When companies in Ireland employ the services of telematics providers like those shown here https://www.radius.com/en-ie/, they can make all kinds of savings and improve the functionality of their business.

Adapting to Change with Flexible Strategies

The business world is an ever-changing place and those who can move with it are the ones who will do well. A business with flexibility in its strategy and in its workings will be able to shrug off changes in the market and from customers and changes in general circumstances. This is what is needed to stay the course and grow. On the other hand, companies with processes that are stagnant will be left behind to crumble. Without the ability to evolve with ever-changing situations, the world will move on without you.

The Human Element: Empowering Your Team

Efficiency isn’t about the kind of technology you are using, or what kind of systems you have in place — it is the people. Making sure the right team, right mentality, right training and right motivation, are in place to execute your operations. Investing in your people, training them and making sure they are in a good environment and that they are open when it comes to communication can dramatically make your business a whole lot more efficient. When your employees have their roles, have what they need, feel appreciated they are going to want to play their part, be a team. If they know you are a team player, they are going to want to step up their game to get you to your goal and help the company be more successful.

Final Thoughts on Operational Efficiency

In an ever-competitive world of winning customer attention, efficiency will always make your company different. There are areas in business that are mostly underlooked and companies streamlining with technology like telematics and having an efficient, adaptable labour force can combine to elevate your daily operation.

For businesses in Ireland, companies like Radius have the software and services to get you there. Tackle further challenges for optimal efficiency and you’ll be building much more than streamlined processes — you’ll be building a foundation for years of growth.