An entrepreneur has hailed the acquisition of a Scottish company he said will lead to the creation of 40 new jobs.
The business owner said: “Our model is so strong we will be able to not only retain the current staff but recruit as well.”
Web and software development specialist Hybrid Anchor has acquired Edinburgh-based tech support firm Off Canvas in a deal which is expected to create the new jobs in the next three years.
The move comes as the Coatbridge company marks its third year in business, with “a variety of key roles set for both the Scottish capital and Glasgow”.
Off Canvas was set up by Phil Holt in the centre of Edinburgh in September 2020, and provides day-to-day support for its client base that includes Colleges Scotland, the collective voice of the college sector in Scotland, agricultural co-operative United Farmers Ltd and Forest Carbon, the UK's leading developer of woodland carbon capture projects audited under the government's Woodland Carbon Code.
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The acquisition has seen a 100 per cent client retention, and Glasgow entrepreneur and Hybrid Anchor managing director John Loudon claims it will be a “gamechanger for the digital agency sector”.
“Negotiations have been ongoing for some time and I am delighted to conclude the acquisition which allows Hybrid Anchor to further enhance its core competencies in software, mobile applications and website development while offering specialised support services through Off Canvas,” he said.
“We have grown successfully since starting out in March 2021 and our model is so strong we will be able to not only retain the current staff but recruit as well, with our three-year plan involving creating around 40 jobs.
“By dedicating resources solely to ongoing support, we will eliminate the frantic scramble of firefighting and prioritise efficient issue resolution, ensuring client satisfaction. Off Canvas stands out in the agency landscape for its unique focus on ongoing, reliable and responsive customer support, and we are retaining its independence and strong brand identity.
“While project work may hold allure in the industry, specialising in support offers a distinctive business model in the digital sector, prioritising long-term stability over immediate glamour.”
Hybrid Anchor’s client base includes Danish interior designers BoConcept Scotland and Glasgow pharmaceutical supply company Teleta.
“We are a consultancy-led agency putting strategy and digital at the forefront of what we do. We will now continue our focus on web software, web development and mobile application development,” said Mr Loudon.
“I am optimistic about the trajectory of our business over the next few years and with this cornerstone now in place, I expect to grow quickly. We are a local company with a global outlook and have taken full advantage of having access to the best talent regardless of where they are based.
“It's a pivotal step forward in our strategic plan, and we couldn't be more excited about the opportunities it brings. Decoupling our support contracts and taking full advantage of having an entire company focused on support will allow us to remain agile and working at the pace and quality our clients have grown accustomed to.”
Mr Holt said: “Off Canvas is a unique business model that really helps clients get the best possible ongoing support for their website and web applications. With John’s energy and ideas further elevating the concept I created, I fully expect the business to reach the next level under his guidance.”
The value of the acquisition was not disclosed.
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