Author name: Georgia Mather

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

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

In the modern digital landscape, businesses need flexible, secure, and reliable network solutions to thrive. Managed SD-WAN services have emerged as a vital component in achieving these goals. SD-WAN, or Software-Defined Wide Area Networking, virtualizes network connections over large distances, simplifying network management and enhancing performance.  Managed SD-WAN services involve third-party providers who handle the deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of an organisation’s SD-WAN infrastructure. This approach allows businesses to enjoy the benefits of SD-WAN without the need for extensive in-house resources or expertise. The service provider manages everything from initial setup to ongoing support, ensuring optimal network performance and reliability. One of the main advantages of managed SD-WAN services is reduced operational complexity. Organisations can rely on the provider’s expertise, freeing their IT staff to focus on strategic tasks. This not only boosts efficiency but also minimises network downtime and performance issues. Security is another crucial benefit. Managed SD-WAN providers implement advanced security measures like encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to protect data and ensure compliance. Continuous network monitoring helps proactively address threats and vulnerabilities. Scalability is a significant advantage as well. Managed SD-WAN services can easily adjust to growing business needs, providing consistent connectivity and performance across multiple locations and remote workers. This flexibility is essential for businesses with expanding network requirements. Cost efficiency is also notable. Managed SD-WAN services usually operate on a subscription basis, avoiding large upfront costs. This model offers predictable monthly expenses and can be more cost-effective than traditional WAN solutions, with the added benefits of improved performance and reduced downtime. In summary, managed SD-WAN services provide businesses with a streamlined, secure, and scalable networking solution, enabling them to focus on growth and innovation without being tied down by network complexities. Visit Evolve’s website to find out more about their fully managed, global SD-WAN solution with end-to-end PCI compliance and 24 hour support. 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

In today’s rapidly changing digital world, businesses face increasing challenges in securing their network whilst also ensuring seamless connection. Traditional network security approaches, often centred around on-premise solutions, struggle to meet the demands of a dispersed workforce and cloud-centric environments. That is where Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) comes in – a revolutionary approach to network security that combines Wide Area Networking (WAN) and Network security services into a single, cloud-delivered service model. So what is SASE? Secure Access Service Edge, commonly referred to as SASE (pronounced “sassy”), is a network architecture that converges networking and security functions into a unified, cloud-native service. SASE aims to provide secure and optimised access to applications and resources, regardless of their location. By integrating key networking and security capabilities, SASE ensures that organisations can maintain robust security postures while delivering high-performance access to users. What are the key components of SASE? Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Firewall as a Service (FWaaS What are the benefits of utilising SASE? There are many benefits of implementing SASE into your business, SD-WAN alone boasts a plethora of advantages for businesses so when combined with the additional elements of SASE it is unstoppable. Enhanced Security SASE provides a holistic security approach, combining multiple security functions into a single solution. This ensures comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats, from malware and phishing to data breaches and insider threats. Improved Performance By leveraging SD-WAN and other optimisation technologies, SASE ensures that users experience fast and reliable access to applications and resources. This is particularly beneficial for remote workers and branch offices. Scalability and Flexibility By leveraging SD-WAN and other optimisation technologies, SASE ensures that users experience fast and reliable access to applications and resources. This is particularly beneficial for remote workers and branch offices. Simplified Management SASE consolidates networking and security functions into a single platform, simplifying the management and monitoring of these services. This reduces the complexity of maintaining separate solutions and improves operational efficiency. Cost Savings By integrating networking and security services, SASE can reduce the need for multiple point solutions, leading to cost savings. Additionally, its cloud-based delivery model can lower infrastructure and maintenance costs. In conclusion, SASE represents a significant shift in how organisations approach network security and connectivity. By converging networking and security functions into a single, cloud-delivered service, SASE offers enhanced security, improved performance and greater flexibility. SASE can empower businesses to stay ahead in the digital age, ensuring secure and efficient access to their critical applications. To learn more about Evolve’s SD-WAN device, powered by Mako visit their website today. 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

Evolve Appoints Simon Saffidine As Chief Technology Officer. Simon has a plethora of knowledge in technical service delivery and IT engineering. His appointment will strengthen Evolve’s position as a market leader and accelerate the company’s expansion plan. Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO at Evolve Business Group, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Simon to our executive team. He is an accomplished IT professional with a proven track record of delivering tailored IT and managed network solutions, and his extensive experience and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”  After working for ANS Group as Director of Technical Transformation, where he oversaw the process and software integration and served as the technical lead for acquisitions, Simon now becomes a member of the Evolve leadership team. He worked at UKFast for six years before this, the final two of which he spent as Technical Director and influencing important decisions from the board. After completing his studies in Computer Networking technology and Information Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, he began working as an engineering apprentice at Bombardier Aerospace (UK) Ltd. and Fujitsu Services. Simon added: “I am honoured to join Evolve and eager to work with such a talented and dedicated team. Evolve has seen impressive growth in recent years, and my immediate focus will be how we build on that to take the business to the next level. “Aside from the incredible Evolve offering, I was really drawn here by its people; it’s refreshing to be somewhere that people genuinely care and have a passion for the business. That level of motivation is incredibly unique. “I look forward to getting to know our customers better, driving our technology strategy forward, and advancing the company’s mission to take the pain out of connectivity.” In his role as Chief Technology Officer at Evolve, Simon will oversee the rules and processes that dictate how technology may improve the company’s array of state-of-the-art products as well as the strategic direction of Evolve’s technical achievements. 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

Two key technologies have emerged to address the need for robust network performance and security: Software-Defined Wide Area WAN (SD-WAN) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). While both solutions offer their own significant benefits, understanding their differences and how they complement each other is crucial for making informed decisions. What is SD-WAN? Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is a technology that optimizes and simplifies the management of a wide area network (WAN). By using software to control connectivity, SD-WAN intelligently routes traffic across multiple network paths, ensuring high performance and reliability. Key features of SD-WAN include: Dynamic path selection Centralised remote management Cost efficiency PCI Compliance through Evolve’s SD-WAN device Enhanced performance Maximised uptime through 4G/5G failover Scalability What is SASE? Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-native architecture that combines network and security functions into a unified service model. SASE aims to provide secure, seamless access to applications and resources, regardless of user location. Core components of SASE include: SD-WAN Integration Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) What are the key differences between SD-WAN and SASE? While SD-WAN and SASE share some similarities, they serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages. Here are the differences: Scope of functionality Security capabilities Deployment model User experience EvolveWAN Evolve offers a secure, reliable and scalable SD-WAN solution, powered by Mako Networks. Evolve’s SD-WAN solution is remotely managed through a centralised management system, speeding up resolution and creating an extremely flexible solution for your business. 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