PRINTITRESELLER.UK 7 BULLETIN Evolve and Purple partner up Managed network solutions and IT services provider Evolve, has announced a strategic partnership with Purple, a provider of Wi-Fi and place-based analytics solutions. Both Evolve and Purple are part of the BGF portfolio which was established to address the SME funding gap in the UK and Ireland by providing venture capital to businesses. Evolve announced its investment with BGF earlier this year and Purple has already experienced rapid growth under BGF’s guidance since October 2023. As Purple expands into new sectors including hospitality, it will leverage Evolve’s established experience to provide an industry-leading Guest Wi-Fi experience to new and existing customers. The partnership also marks a strategic move for Evolve as it shifts away from its existing in-house Guest Wi-Fi to utilise Purple Wi-Fi for its own Wi-Fi services, offering Evolve’s customers increased functionality from personalised communications and promotions thanks to Purple’s automation tool, to automatic customer surveys with a 97% average response rate. Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO at Evolve, said: “Purple has an impressive track record when it comes to enhancing visitor experiences, optimising efficiency and increasing cost-effectiveness. I am confident that this partnership, and the change in Wi-Fi provider, will only benefit our customers and their customers with a scalable and modern solution.” Gavin Wheeldon, CEO at Purple, added: “We are delighted to be working with Evolve as they embark on the next chapter of their growth plan. Evolve has an established and respected role in the hospitality industry, among other sectors, and we are confident that our joint offering will provide real added value to those businesses. By working together with Evolve to provide an improved Guest Wi-Fi service, we are creating a unique and best-in-class solution for the market. The joint credibility of Purple and Evolve will ensure that we can help to scale businesses in a robust marketplace.” www.evolve.com Impressive growth in the northwest Cumbria-based office solutions provider MB Digital, a Konica Minolta Elite Partner is celebrating an impressive 26% growth in sales over the last three years. As one of the few independent and family-owned Konica Minolta partners in the northwest, MB Digital’s customers across Cumbria and southern Scotland rely on its supply and expert support for their essential print and office solutions needs. The partnership with Konica Minolta has been a key ingredient in MB Digital’s growth, as Sales Director Danny Askew explained: “The close relationship with Konica Minolta has been instrumental in our growth and development, particularly through brand recognition, product reliability, longerlasting consumables, and the availability of manufacturer support whenever it is required.” The two companies have a long history of close cooperation and customer service. Since its formation in 2011 MB Digital has been a Konica Minolta dealer and was awarded a 5-star accreditation by the manufacturer in 2014. Demonstrating even closer mutual ties MB Digital later became a Konica Minolta Premium Partner in 2019, progressing to become an Elite Partner a year later. Cameron Mitchell, Business Leader for Indirect Channel at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) added: “MB Digital is a standout partner that is achieving impressive growth and customer loyalty by offering exceptional localised service and support in the northwest. Like Konica Minolta, it has a firm commitment to customers’ and its own sustainability, which includes reducing waste, reusing/refurbishing products wherever possible, and recycling. We are proud to work in close partnership and look forward to continuing this outstanding success.” www.mbdigital.co.uk XBM acquires Alba Technology Yorkshire-based XBM Limited has announced the acquisition of Alba Technology’s contracts and assets, a North Wales and Midlands-based reseller of Epson, Sharp and Brother single function and multifunction printers and digital document solutions. XBM is expanding rapidly through a strong focus on new business and targeted acquisitions, with this being its fourth acquisition in the last two years. The company is one of only two Epson Diamond Partners in the UK, an award based on a comprehensive set of criteria including product focus, expertise, sales, and the high level of support it provides for clients. Alba Technology was incorporated in 2021 by current Managing Director, Glyn Tapp, who will join XBM, guaranteeing a smooth transition of the business’s current customer base into the XBM family. Commenting on the acquisition, he said: “I’m excited to be joining the XBM team and it will be a great home for our existing customers as XBM is already both an Epson and Sharp reseller. Our customers will benefit from XBM’s knowledge and expertise, and their great service support team.” XBM Managing Director, Richard Tayor added: “The acquisition of Alba is another step in XBM’s plans to become one of the largest UK managed print service providers. I look forward to collaborating with Glyn and growing that regional base together.” www.xbmltd.com
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