September 2023

Evolve Appoints Paul Washington as Director of Strategic Partnerships. Lancashire, UK – 2023 Evolve is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Washington as the Director of Strategic Partnerships, marking a significant milestone in Evolve’s commitment to enhancing customer relations and service excellence. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in the financial services and networking sectors, Paul Washington brings a profound depth of experience and expertise to Evolve. Throughout his impressive career, Paul has held various consultant, head of department, and directorial positions, demonstrating his exceptional aptitude for navigating the complexities of the industry and ensuring customer excellence. Evolve is excited to utilise Paul’s extensive experience to further their mission of supporting their most dedicated customers. In his capacity as Director of Strategic Partnerships, Paul will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of Evolve’s customers through their managed network solutions. By collaborating closely with valued partners and customers, he will provide the strategic support necessary for them to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. Evolve recognises the significance of strong partnerships and tailor-made solutions. With Paul at the helm of their Partnerships strategy, Evolve is confident in their ability to deliver top-tier support and expertise to their customers. Paul Washington commented, “I am thrilled to join Evolve during this exciting phase of the company’s growth. Evolve’s current growth trajectory signifies a robust business landscape, presenting myriad opportunities for both the organisation and its dedicated customers. I aim to become an integral part of our customers success stories within their respective industries through Managed Network Solutions from Evolve. This endeavour aligns seamlessly with Evolve’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to its clientele and solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the business world.” The entire Evolve team extends a warm welcome to Paul. They eagerly anticipate achieving new milestones together and continuing to provide the exceptional services their customers have come to rely on. End About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve Managed Network solutions are helping businesses to reduce costs and simplify the management of services and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of clients across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected. Explore Evolve’s website to find out more about how their Managed Network Solutions can help your business stay secure. Discover more about Paul View Paul’s LinkedIn Profile @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

Evolve Welcomes Lee Simpson as New CFO: Taking Evolve’s Executive Team to Greater Strengths. Lancashire, UK – 2023 Evolve is delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Simpson as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This significant addition to the executive team marks a pivotal moment in Evolve’s journey, promising a future of prosperity and demonstrating Evolve’s commitment to strategic growth. Lee brings with him a wealth of financial expertise and holds the prestigious ACA qualification, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge of finance. His impressive career journey and proven track record is set to make him a valuable asset to the Evolve team.Throughout his career, Lee Simpson has consistently delivered exceptional results. In his recent role as Chief Financial Officer at UK Hire Group, he played a crucial role in reshaping the finance function. Under his leadership, the company witnessed remarkable achievements, including the introduction of efficient financial processes, reduced debtor days, and a substantial 22% year-on-year revenue growth. Before joining Evolve, Lee served as the Head of M&A at Slater & Gordon, where he orchestrated complex divestitures and led the acquisition of a high-volume legal services division. His strategic acumen was further evident in his role as Head of M&A at DCC Technology (Exertis), where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global expansion. Lee’s impact extends beyond the corporate realm. During his tenure as the Head of M&A and Programme Office at Ainscough Crane Hire, he implemented best practices, facilitated M&A transactions, and drove internal improvements, resulting in significant operational enhancements. As an Associate Director of M&A at Tyco International, Lee oversaw more than 15 acquisitions and divestitures across various Tyco businesses, cementing his reputation as a key figure in global expansion efforts. Lee has an extreme passion for ‘raising the bar’ Evolve welcomes his drive, insight, and guidance on how Evolve can take itself to the next level. Alan Stephenson-Brown , CEO at Evolve said, “The Board is delighted to have appointed Lee as our new Chief Financial Officer. He is a proven leader, with deep financial experience and a history of having transformed businesses. I look forward to supporting him as we drive our long-term strategy to transform Evolve, ensuring it delivers for all our customers.” Lee commented, “I am extremely honoured to take on the position of Chief Financial Officer at Evolve. Joining the company during a phase of expansion and growth is truly thrilling. This opportunity aligns perfectly with the current digital landscape in the UK, where businesses are increasingly recognising the crucial role of Managed Network Solutions in their success. The Evolve portfolio of products and services has never been more vital to shaping how our customers live and work. With Evolve’s ongoing investments in digital innovation and service modernisation, I see an even more significant role for Evolve in the future. I eagerly anticipate the exciting journey ahead.” With Lee Simpson assuming the role of CFO, Evolve is poised for a promising future characterised by growth, innovation, and strategic financial leadership. His extensive experience and remarkable track record will undoubtedly prove invaluable as Evolve continues to evolve and thrive in its industry, paving the way for future ventures. End About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve Managed Network solutions are helping businesses to reduce costs and simplify the management of services and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of clients across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected. Explore Evolve’s website to find out more about how their Managed Network Solutions can help your business stay secure. Discover more about Lee View Lee’s LinkedIn Profile @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

ITS Technology, Evolve’s connectivity partner is empowering businesses with XGS-PON Technology for Future-Proofing.   Lancashire, UK – 2023   In an era driven by emerging technologies, accommodating a growing user base and staying competitive in the rapidly evolving connectivity market hinges on deploying future-proof infrastructure. ITS’ connectivity partner, Evolve, is at the forefront of delivering such infrastructure, boasting a remarkable 10Gbps capability to enable businesses to keep pace with the dynamic competition and the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth-intensive technologies. In this blog post, we delve into the transformative impact of the partnership between ITS Technology Group and Evolve on the future of connectivity. We also explore how remote scalability benefits present-day businesses preparing for the impending connectivity landscape. The Synergy of ITS Technology Group and Evolve Evolve has strategically partnered with ITS Technology Group, a business connectivity wholesaler, to provide scalable, future-proof, reliable, and robust connectivity solutions to businesses across the UK. This strategic alliance has empowered businesses to embrace bandwidth-intensive technologies such as 4K/8K video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing. Evolve’s partnership with ITS is underpinned by their network’s inherent XGS-PON capability. Leveraging a combined approach of GPON and XGS-PON capable networks, ITS’ offerings present a cost-effective solution for scalable network deployments. Evolve’s ability to offer ground-breaking technology is attributed to ITS’ adoption of state-of-the-art technology. Their fibre network, equipped with DWDM (dense wavelength-division multiplexing) capability, allows flexible bandwidth expansion. By consolidating data signals from various sources over a single fibre, Evolve can cater to multiple end-users, delivering up to 10Gbps bandwidth while maintaining data stream separation while ensuring the best possible service. Employing the latest technology ensures that ITS’ Faster Britain network is equipped to serve future businesses. It transitions from a solution with an asymmetrical GPON capable connection, providing 1.5Gbps upstream and 2.5Gbps downstream, to a more agile infrastructure capable of delivering symmetrical 10Gbps upstream and downstream speeds. Evolve can now cater to a diverse range of sectors, from education to forecourts, offering connectivity capable of supporting more simultaneous users while running bandwidth-hungry applications, such as 4K/8K, AR/VR, and more. Here’s how XGS-PON technology benefits some key sectors served by Evolve: Forecourts: XGS-PON connectivity enhances guest WiFi services, providing faster internet access for customers while they grab a coffee, refuel at the petrol station, or work remotely. Symmetrical upstream and downstream speeds enable swift data retrieval and upload, encouraging customers to stay longer and increase spending. Transportation: Transportation companies rely on seamless data distribution to communicate timetables, inform customers about destination changes, and more. Fast speeds enable these businesses to efficiently distribute data, process ticket payments, and facilitate in-app communication like never before. Construction: XGS-PON capable connectivity empowers construction companies to utilise bandwidth-hungry VR and AR smart devices for visualising structures during the design phase. This aids stakeholders and engineers in re-evaluating workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and optimising timelines without the delays associated with traditional blueprint drawings. Smart Cities and Property: XGS-PON’s high-speed and bandwidth capacity enable local authorities to implement smart city initiatives with the help of bandwidth-intensive smart devices. Symmetrical upstream and downstream speeds allow councils to deploy devices like environmental sensors for smart waste disposal, air quality and CO2 monitoring, and footfall counters that benefit both the public and private sector organisations. Hospitality: Besides guest Wi-Fi services, hospitality businesses can rejuvenate their digital strategies by incorporating 4K/8K resolution devices across their venues. This enhances entertainment offerings and positions businesses as ideal venues for sporting and popular media-based events. The Impact of ITS X Evolve Across The UK The partnership between ITS and Evolve is ushering in a new era of connectivity for the United Kingdom, bolstering the country with enhanced productivity, digital confidence, and efficiency. Key industries in the UK, including Construction, Retail, and Fuel Forecourts, stand to gain from the 10Gbps speeds made possible by this technology. Through the collaboration between ITS and Evolve, the connectivity future of the United Kingdom shines brightly. End   About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve Managed Network solutions are helping businesses to reduce costs and simplify the management of services and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of clients across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected. Explore Evolve’s website to find out more about how their Managed Network Solutions can help your business stay secure. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

How Guest Wi-Fi can help boost the hospitality industry.   Lancashire, UK – 2023 In the digital age, where connectivity is a necessity, restaurants have recognized the pivotal role that Guest Wi-Fi plays in transforming the dining experience for patrons. The provision of free and easily accessible Wi-Fi not only caters to the increasing demand for connectivity but also enhances the overall ambiance and comfort for customers. Consider this scenario: a guest eagerly shares their delightful dining experience on social media, catches up on emails, or simply browses the web while awaiting their delectable meal—all made seamless with the convenience of Guest Wi-Fi, such as EvolveODM’s offerings. The integration of Guest Wi-Fi has the potential to significantly impact a restaurant’s revenue. Satisfied customers tend to prolong their stay, increasing the likelihood of ordering more, making return visits, or even recommending the establishment to others. In today’s competitive landscape, customer retention holds paramount importance. Additionally, offering free Wi-Fi can act as a magnet for attracting new customers. When choosing where to dine, many patrons actively seek restaurants that provide complimentary Wi-Fi as part of the dining experience. However, ensuring a reliable and secure Guest Wi-Fi network remains a critical concern for restaurants. It’s not just about providing internet access; it’s about ensuring that the service can accommodate multiple devices without compromising speed or security. Evolve’s Managed Network Solutions encompass a connectivity framework that offers both security and scalability. Specifically, EvolveODM, as a managed Guest Wi-Fi solution, includes robust security measures to safeguard your business’s data and, equally importantly, your customers’ data. Guest Wi-Fi has evolved into an indispensable aspect of the dining experience, fostering satisfaction and loyalty among patrons while simultaneously delivering tangible benefits for the business. EvolveODM goes a step further by enabling businesses to gather valuable marketing data from customers, facilitating personalized experiences that resonate with each guest. In addition to EvolveODM, Evolve also offers EvolveWAN and EvolveISP, encompassing their SD-WAN and connectivity solutions, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for restaurants. By embracing Evolve’s Full Managed Network Solution, restaurants can rest assured that their connectivity remains robust and uninterrupted. To explore how Evolve’s comprehensive suite of managed solutions can revolutionize your restaurant business’s networking infrastructure, reach out to Evolve today. Elevate your guests’ dining experiences while optimizing your restaurant’s operational efficiency through innovative network solutions tailored to your needs. End About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve Managed Network solutions are helping businesses to reduce costs and simplify the management of services and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of clients across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected. Explore Evolve’s website to find out more about how their Managed Network Solutions can help your business stay secure. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

Northern Finance Director Awards: Evolve’s Finance Director Ryan Stephenson-Brown has been nominated for two extremely prestigious awards. Lancashire, UK – 2023 The Northern Finance Director Awards recognises and celebrates the exceptional talent of finance directors and their teams across the North of England. The NFDAs recognises that often finance directors can be the unsung hero of any business. These awards span across 12 different categories. Ryan has been nominated for; – ‘Best Northern Finance Director of a Limited Company up to £25 million’  – ‘Northern Finance Director of the Year 2023 – Growth/Scale Up’. Ryan Stephenson-Brown, Evolve’s youngest director ,24, has contributed significantly to the business over the years, playing a detrimental role in the everyday operations of the business. Ryan has developed a successful multi-currency, customisable, in-house billing platform which is used across several of Evolve’s customers. At age 15, Ryan founded his first managed network business, which has since been incorporated into the Evolve brand. He consistently demonstrates that age is not be a barrier to success. Ryan’s vision for the future of the company is clear, and he possesses the strategic acumen and entrepreneurial spirit necessary to bring that vision to life, Ryan demonstrates a truly impressive level of drive and ambition. Ryan commented on the nomination, “I am delighted to have been nominated and shortlisted for two categories at the Northern Finance Director Awards. I enjoyed sharing my experience with the judging panel and look forward to the awards dinner in October.” End About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve Managed Network solutions are helping businesses to reduce costs and simplify the management of services and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of clients across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected. Explore Evolve’s website to find out more about how their Managed Network Solutions can help your business stay secure. https://www.evolvebg.co.uk/our-leadership/   @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

What is an ISP? Understanding the backbone of internet connectivity. Lancashire, UK – 2023 An ‘ISP’ refers to an Internet service provider, ISP providers can provide this through multiple means however with big industry changes such as the full fibre rollout and the big switch-off the industry is moving towards predominantly full fibre. Full fibre internet is faster, more reliable, and more consistent than traditional copper-based connections. This means faster download and upload speeds, less buffering when streaming videos, and better performance for online gaming and other real-time applications. With more devices connected to the internet than ever before, full fibre connectivity can provide the bandwidth needed to support multiple users and devices simultaneously. Additionally, with the rise in remote working, having a reliable and fast connection has become essential for staying productive and connected. Switching to full fibre can now future-proof your internet connection, providing you with the infrastructure needed for years to come. When it comes to the reach of full-fibre connectivity, the UK now lags behind the rest of the EU. However, as the number of connected devices per household grows, so does the demand for higher bandwidth. While Openreach remains the largest infrastructure provider for UK connectivity, the full fibre environment is constantly expanding to give clients a larger range of suppliers. Partnerships with alternative network providers have been developed to assure the optimum availability of full-fibre services, and all live connections on the network are proactively tested for full-fibre availability each week. But why should you switch connections? Upgrading to full fibre connectivity can provide numerous advantages to both individuals and organisations. As previously said, Openreach remains the largest infrastructure provider in the UK, however, to acquire a competitive advantage, To deliver the greatest connectivity across the UK, Evolve collaborates with several industry-leading carrier partners, including ITS. The Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) service, which allows businesses and individuals to rent phone lines, will be phased out and decommissioned by December 2025. It is considered that the technology for providing high-speed internet services is obsolete and inefficient. WLR has been phased out in favour of two new technologies: Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SOGEA) and Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP). SOGEA allows for direct internet access without the need for a landline phone line, whilst FTTP offers ultrafast broadband rates of up to 1 Gbps. This transformation presents both challenges and possibilities for businesses and consumers. Those who rely on traditional landline phone services must migrate or discover alternate communication means, which will necessitate preparation and expenditure. However, it also provides an opportunity to incorporate current technologies, hence encouraging innovation and growth. We support businesses in making informed decisions to stay connected. Plan for a smooth transition to the new digital landscape. If you want a reliable, high-speed, scalable, and secure internet connection for your business, EvolveISP is the right choice for you. Evolve aims to make the transition as seamless as possible. End About Evolve Business Group and Evolve Evolve Business Group is an independently owned company that specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions to a range of businesses. Evolve Managed Network solutions are helping businesses to reduce costs simplify the management of services and give business owners and their teams more time to do what they do best. Founded in 2005, it has worked with a variety of clients across different industries around the world, building a team of highly experienced specialists to help create effective and efficient packages using any combination of different offerings. It keeps a range of cross-sector networks protected and connected. Explore Evolve’s website to find out more about how their Managed Network Solutions can help your business stay secure. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn