August 2024

Evolve secures investment BGF

Investment Announcement; Your Questions Answered.

As you may have heard, Evolve has now officially announced the successful transition into its first-ever investment. This is an incredible milestone that not only highlights the businesses significant growth but also represents a strategic move in its mission to take the pain out of connectivity for as many global customers as possible. As with any announcement on this scale, there are bound to be questions, some of which are answered here. There are exciting changes ahead, but one thing that won’t change is Evolve’s availability and commitment to its customers. However, if you have any further questions, or want to discuss the investment announcement in more detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team. What is the purpose of the investment? The investment is designed to help Evolve achieve its strategic goals, specifically, expanding market reach, enhancing its already impressive product offering, increasing operational capacity, and driving innovation and technological development. Who are the investors involved? The funding has come from renowned investment company British Growth Fund (BGF) , which boasts an extensive portfolio of businesses inside and outside the telecoms sector. This is a great fit for Evolve, as the British Growth Fund aligns perfectly with its values, ESG initiatives, and the people focus Evolve is known for. The deal was led by Pinesh Mehta and Josh Bean, investors in BGF’s Manchester team. As part of the investment, Adrian Thirkill will join the Evolve board as Non-Executive Chair, bringing valuable sector and strategic experience. How will the investment be used? In the last four years, Evolve has experienced impressive growth, increasing turnover from £6.8 million to a targeted £20+ million this year. Thanks to the investment, it expects to double turnover in the next three years by using the investment to fund UK and international expansion plans, with a primary focus on the US. Currently, Evolve operates 1,200 sites in the US across multiple states – predominantly in the fuel forecourt industry. It will now move forward with plans to move further into the Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) sector, working in conjunction with existing partners. The investment will also support growth plans by enabling key people to be brought on board. In the past few years, the team has grown from 23 in 2020 to 117 in 2024. With the investment from BGF, the plan is to increase national and international headcount over the next three years.  Finally, Evolve will use some of the investment to improve infrastructure, with the creation of a new warehouse in Wigan to support growth plans. How does the investment align with the company’s long-term vision? The investment from BGF is an important step in achieving the long-term goals of becoming a market leader, fostering cutting-edge innovation and maintaining a competitive advantage. Evolve believes British Growth Fund has the experience needed as an ambitious and fast-growth business, with the added benefits of a dedicated Value Creation team and strong network. It has a strong reputation for supporting dynamic and exciting businesses like Evolve on a wide range of growth strategies, so the leadership team is confident BGF is the right partner to help realise the next phase of Evolve’s growth journey. What changes can we expect as a result of the investment? In the short term, the biggest change will be the addition of a new non-executive director, who will join the Evolve Board as part of the investment, and bring decades of telecoms sector experience. Although this will not directly impact customers, the longer-term aim is to harness British Growth Fund’s wider industry knowledge in sectors such as retail, quick service restaurants, and hospitality. This will ultimately lead to enhancements in product quality and service delivery. Exceptional service remains Evolve’s top priority, and you can rest assured that this investment will not change the focus on customer care. 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 is 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 customers 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. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

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sd-wan to sase

XGS-PON Technology | Business Connectivity

Evolve is at the forefront of future-proofing the UK’s infrastructure, pioneering the adoption of cutting-edge 10Gbps XGS-PON technology. In partnership with ITS Technology Group, Evolve is revolutionising the connectivity landscape by providing scalable, reliable, and robust solutions that meet the demands of the modern digital age. This collaboration leverages both GPON and XGS-PON networks to offer businesses cost-effective connectivity options, ensuring that they can support bandwidth-intensive applications like 4K/8K streaming, video conferencing, and cloud-based services without compromising performance. The advanced capabilities of Evolve are rooted in ITS’ state-of-the-art fibre network, which incorporates Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology. This technology allows for highly flexible bandwidth expansion, delivering up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth per connection. Such capacity is essential for supporting the increasingly complex digital needs of various sectors, including forecourts, transportation, construction, smart cities, and hospitality. For these industries, faster internet speeds translate into improved communication, streamlined operations, and the ability to implement more sophisticated digital strategies. Evolve’s infrastructure doesn’t just cater to current needs; it is designed with the future in mind. The scalability of XGS-PON technology means that businesses can easily upgrade their bandwidth as their requirements grow, without the need for disruptive and costly overhauls. This ensures that organizations are well-equipped to handle the ever-increasing data demands brought on by emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality (AR). Moreover, this partnership is a significant step forward in propelling the UK into a new era of connectivity. By delivering high-speed, reliable internet access across the country, Evolve and ITS are enabling industries to thrive in a digital-first world. This advancement not only supports economic growth but also enhances the quality of digital experiences for businesses and consumers alike, paving the way for a bright and connected future. In summary, Evolve’s adoption of 10Gbps XGS-PON technology in collaboration with ITS Technology Group is transforming the UK’s digital landscape. It empowers a wide range of sectors with faster, more reliable internet, enabling them to implement innovative digital strategies and future-proof their operations. This initiative is not just about keeping pace with technological advancements; it’s about setting the stage for the UK to lead in the global digital economy.

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Connectivity

Why change your connection | Business Connectivity

Upgrading to full fibre connectivity offers a wealth of advantages for both individuals and businesses, making it a smart investment for the future. Unlike traditional copper-based connections, full-fibre internet utilises fibre-optic cables to deliver data at the speed of light, resulting in significantly faster, more reliable, and more consistent performance. This means quicker download and upload speeds, reduced buffering during video streaming, and a smoother experience for online gaming and other real-time applications. Whether you’re streaming 4K videos, video conferencing, or working with large files in the cloud, full fibre ensures that everything runs seamlessly. In today’s digital age, the number of devices connected to the internet in a single household or office has skyrocketed. Full-fibre connectivity can easily handle this increased demand, providing ample bandwidth to support multiple users and devices operating simultaneously without compromising performance. This is particularly crucial in environments where remote working is prevalent, as a reliable and high-speed internet connection is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Employees can collaborate in real-time, attend virtual meetings without interruptions, and access cloud-based applications with ease, ensuring productivity remains high. Moreover, upgrading to full fibre is a forward-thinking move that can future-proof your internet connection. As technology continues to evolve and digital demands increase, having a robust and scalable infrastructure in place will allow you to adapt without the need for frequent upgrades. Full fibre is built to accommodate the internet needs of tomorrow, ensuring that your connection remains cutting-edge for years to come, supporting everything from smart home devices to emerging technologies like virtual reality and the Internet of Things (IoT). By making the switch to full fibre, you are not only enhancing your current digital experience but also investing in a solution that will keep pace with future advancements, ensuring that you stay connected, productive, and ahead of the curve. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

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Evolve Shortlisted for Two Industry Leading Awards at the Comms National Awards.

Evolve is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the upcoming Comms National Awards. The company has been recognised in the categories of  Best SME Managed Service Customer Solution and Best SME Vertical Market Customer Solution. These nominations go beyond mere accolades—they serve as a powerful testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit that drives the Evolve team every day. Being shortlisted in these categories highlights Evolve’s commitment to delivering exceptional, tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of customers in the SME sector. Whether managing complex service requirements or addressing the unique demands of vertical markets, Evolve consistently strives to provide top-notch service and support. The recognition from the Comms National Awards is especially meaningful as it underscores Evolve’s ongoing mission to help SMEs navigate the challenges of today’s fast-evolving market. The company’s focus has always been on understanding its customers’ unique needs and developing solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations. These nominations validate Evolve’s efforts and inspire the team to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in managed services and vertical market solutions. Evolve extends a heartfelt thank you to Comms Dealer for this incredible honour. The team is eagerly looking forward to the awards ceremony and the opportunity to celebrate this achievement alongside industry peers. It’s an exciting time for Evolve, and the company is thrilled to be recognised for the impact it is making in the industry. As the team counts down to the big night, Evolve remains committed to delivering innovative and customer-centric solutions that empower SMEs to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you to everyone who has supported Evolve on this journey. Here’s to celebrating success and driving forward the future of SME solutions! 🏆 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 is 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 customers 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. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

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Evolve Shortlisted for Two Prestigious Awards at Connected Britain Conference.

Evolve is thrilled to announce some exciting news! The company’s dedication to delivering top-notch business solutions has been recognised on a grand scale, as Evolve has been shortlisted for two highly prestigious awards at the upcoming Connected Britain Conference, hosted by Total Telecom at the ExCeL London. The categories in which Evolve has been nominated are *Enterprise Solution of the Year* and *B2B Service Provider of the Year*. This recognition is more than just a moment of pride; it stands as a testament to the hard work, passion, and innovation that the Evolve team pours into everything they do. Being acknowledged in these categories underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to providing industry-leading solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of multi-site businesses. These nominations reflect Evolve’s dedication to excellence and its continuous efforts to empower businesses with the cutting-edge tools they need to stay competitive and thrive in today’s fast-paced environment. As the team gears up for the event, they eagerly look forward to standing alongside some of the industry’s top innovators and leaders. The Connected Britain Conference is a pivotal platform that brings together the best and brightest in the telecommunications sector, and Evolve is proud to be a part of it. The company’s journey towards shaping the future of business connectivity is just beginning, and this recognition marks a significant milestone along the way. Evolve invite conference attendees to learn more about Evolve’s groundbreaking solutions and how they can help businesses stay ahead of the curve. For those interested in arranging a meeting with Commercial Director Neil Muttock or Account Manager Stuart Williams, feel free to reach out at sales@evolvebg.co.uk. For more information about Evolve and the innovative solutions they offer, visit their website.   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 is 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 customers 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. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

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Evolve secures investment BGF

Evolve secures investment to drive growth through BGF.

Evolve is pleased to announce that they have successfully transitioned into their first-ever investment. In three years, Evolve, a previously privately held company with over 19 years of operation and an impressive growth trajectory, expects to double its turnover.  The Managed Networks Provider is receiving funding from BGF, a well-known investment company. BGF has an extensive portfolio of businesses, both inside and outside the telecoms sector. Evolve insists on harnessing the expertise provided by BFG’s industry experts. BGF seamlessly aligns with Evolve’s values, ESG initiatives, and people focus.  Evolve plan to use the investment to fund UK and international expansion plans, with a primary focus on US expansion (Evolve currently operates 1,200 sites in the US, across multiple states – predominantly in the fuel forecourt industry, but is looking to move more into the Quick Serve Restaurant sector, working in conjunction with existing partners.) Furthermore, there will be a new focus on hiring key people; investing in additional expertise. In terms of headcount, Evolve has grown significantly in the past few years, taking its headcount from 23 in 2020 to 117 in 2024. With the investment from BGF, Evolve is hoping to increase national and international headcount by 40% over the next three years.  A new non-executive director from BGF will join Evolve as part of the investment, with decades of telecoms sector experience. Throughout the process, Evolve will be looking to harness BGF’s wider industry knowledge in sectors such as retail, quick service restaurants, and hospitality.  Alan Stephenson-Brown, Evolve’s CEO, commented on the investment. “Today’s announcement signifies a crucial milestone in Evolve’s journey. The investment from BGF not only highlights our significant growth and the trust of our investors but also represents a strategic move towards advancing our mission to innovate within our industry and alleviate connectivity challenges for our customers. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this investment will create and remain dedicated to providing exceptional value to our stakeholders.” Evolve is enthusiastic about the company’s future growth and the prospects that lie ahead. 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 is 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 customers 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. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

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Franchise Managed Network

The importance of PCI Compliance in Franchise 

Customer data protection is critical in the current digital era. This is particularly true for franchisees, as they frequently manage significant amounts of private data at many locations. Complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is essential to protecting this data. It is impossible to exaggerate how crucial PCI compliance is for franchisees, as it safeguards against data breaches, upholds consumer confidence, and preserves the company’s financial stability. One of the main goals of PCI compliance is to guard against breaching incidents. Because of their extensive operations, franchises might present an appealing target for hackers. Customers’ financial information as well as the franchise’s general integrity may be jeopardised by a data breach. Franchises may put strong security measures like encryption, secure networks, and routine monitoring into place by following PCI DSS regulations. By detecting and stopping unauthorised access to sensitive data, these precautions greatly lower the chance of breaches. The foundation of any successful business is customer trust. Consumers expect their information to be treated securely when they use their credit cards at a franchise. Customers may be certain that their data is protected with a franchise that satisfies the highest security requirements thanks to PCI certification. Maintaining and gaining new clients depends on this trust. A franchise’s brand can be seriously harmed by a single data breach, which can result in lost revenue and long-term financial consequences. Thus, keeping PCI compliance up to date is crucial to keeping customers’ confidence and loyalty. In addition to the direct effects on data security and consumer trust, PCI compliance has major financial ramifications. Payment card issuers may impose high fines and penalties for noncompliance. Due to their potential for low profit margins, franchisees may be particularly severely affected financially. Furthermore, a non-compliance-related data breach may result in expensive litigation and settlements. Franchises may steer clear of these financial hazards and guarantee the profitability of their operations by following to PCI DSS requirements. Franchises frequently run many sites, each of which could follow a separate set of security procedures. A consistent approach to data protection is ensured by PCI compliance, which helps standardise security procedures across all franchise locations. This standardisation guarantees that all franchisees follow the same strict guidelines and streamlines the security management process. A clear, uniform structure in place facilitates the implementation of new security measures and facilitates personnel training. Franchises frequently run many sites, each of which could follow a separate set of security procedures. A consistent approach to data protection is ensured by PCI compliance, which helps standardise security procedures across all franchise locations. This standardisation guarantees that all franchisees follow the same strict guidelines and streamlines the security management process. A clear, uniform structure in place facilitates the implementation of new security measures and facilitates personnel training. To stay ahead in the competitive field of franchising, businesses must provide outstanding products and services in addition to first-rate security. Franchises that place a high priority on PCI compliance presents themselves as innovators in data security. This proactive strategy might draw in clients who respect their security and privacy and make a big difference in the market. Furthermore, a franchise’s reputation for robust data security may boost its brand recognition and offer it an advantage over less conscientious rivals. Meeting legal criteria is only one aspect of PCI compliance in franchising; another is as important. It is essential for preventing data breaches, preserving financial integrity, winning over customers, standardising security procedures, and remaining competitive in the market. In addition to being required by law, franchisees should strategically invest in PCI compliance to protect their brand and future. The dedication to PCI compliance will continue to be essential to a franchise’s success as cyber threats change. Evolve’s solutions offer end-to-end PCI Compliance, through Mako Networks and their PCI Compliant Network Operations Centre. In 2009, the Mako System became the first device in the world to be Level 1 PCI Compliant, offering extreme security.  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 is 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 customers 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. @evolvebg Visit Evolve’s LinkedIn

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