Fast-growing WeDo Business Services has expanded with the acquisition of Manchester-based IT services consultancy Lucid Networks.
Lucid is being integrated into the group’s WeDo Digital business, which has a team of more than 50 specialists providing digital innovation, design, development and support services.
The acquisition of Lucid brings to the group a range of IT services, from complex infrastructure projects and cyber security through to back-up hosting solutions and day-to-day IT strategy delivery.
Lucid, which was founded in 2010, was owned by James Balderstone and was based at Manchester Science Park. The business has built a long-standing customer base across the UK. Its workforce has transferred to WeDo Digital’s offices at MediaCityUK in Salford.
WeDo Digital is led by tech entrepreneurs Luke Pilfold-Thomas and Lee Turver, who have more than 25 years’ industry experience between them.
Luke said the acquisition of Lucid further expands the capabilities of WeDo Digital and bolsters the offering of the wider group. Further recruitment for the division is under way in the digital business.
Luke said: “Lee and I recently joined the group to spearhead the development of WeDo Digital, and we are thrilled to bring in the team from Lucid Networks and managed IT services expertise as the next stage in our growth.
“We were looking to increase our digital offering to include more traditional IT managed services and wanted to acquire a north west business with a strong record of customer retention. Lucid has developed and maintained an excellent business and client base over the years, with many of its customer relationships spanning more than a decade, so it fitted the bill perfectly.
“We will continue to offer the highest level of service and technology innovation across applications and infrastructure to its customers to help them build and grow their own businesses, as well as being able to offer this expertise to clients of the wider WeDo group.”
Andrew Livesey and Matthew Catterall, of north west law firm Taylors Solicitors, advised WeDo on its acquisition of Lucid Networks.
Andrew said: “We were very pleased to be asked to continue to provide legal support and advice to WeDo as it continues its expansion with the acquisition of the Lucid Networks business.
“WeDo is continuing to make headlines with its innovative approach to business and it is a great to be trusted advisers to the group. We look forward to working with the team in the future as the business continues to expand.”
Founded in 2019 by Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson with just four staff, WeDo Business Services has grown organically and through acquisitions.
It now employs almost 100 people across its headquarters in Oldham and offices in Colchester, Sheffield, Swindon and Salford.
The group provides a range of services to small and medium-sized companies, including invoice and trade finance, start-up funding, HR, back office and payroll support, as well as IT and digital services.