Teaching the old dog a few new tricks – Highlander and FluidOne

11th July 2023

In a significant move that has sent a few ripples through the tech industry, Highlander, a renowned IT services provider, was acquired by the FluidOne Group, a leading network connectivity and communications solutions company.

Introduction:

In a significant move that has sent a few ripples through the tech industry, Highlander, a renowned IT services provider, was acquired by the FluidOne Group, a leading network connectivity and communications solutions company. This strategic acquisition marked a turning point for both companies as we joined forces to unlock new opportunities and synergies, leveraging our respective expertise to drive innovation and growth in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Here we explore the exciting prospects that lie ahead as Highlander and FluidOne push forward together.

A powerful coming together of strengths:

Highlander has long been recognised for quality IT services, specialising in cloud solutions, managed services, and IT infrastructure support. Our experience and commitment to delivering tailored solutions has earned us a strong reputation among clients across various industries. On the other hand, FluidOne Group has established itself as a frontrunner in network connectivity and communications, providing reliable and scalable solutions that enable seamless connectivity for businesses.

By joining forces, we have created a partnership that combines the best of both worlds. The acquisition opens avenues for offering end-to-end technology solutions, encompassing not only robust IT services but also reliable network connectivity and communications infrastructure. This integration of capabilities positions the newly formed entity as a comprehensive technology partner, equipped to meet the evolving needs of businesses in the digital era.

Expanded Solutions Portfolio:

One of the immediate benefits of this acquisition is the expanded solutions portfolio that is available to clients.

Businesses can expect a more comprehensive range of services to support their digital transformation journeys. From IT infrastructure optimisation and cloud migration to secure connectivity and unified communications such as mobile managed services and IoT (Internet of Things) and access to a Cyber Security group company, CSA, who we’ll introduce you to at an event later in the year.  

As a combined entity we are well-equipped to address the full spectrum of technology requirements.

Moreover, the integration of expertise and resources enables a seamless delivery of these solutions. Clients can benefit from a streamlined experience, with a single point of contact for their technology needs. The shared knowledge and experience of Highlander and FluidOne will ensure a holistic approach, enabling businesses to achieve greater efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness in an increasingly digital world.

Driving Innovation and Growth:

As technology continues to evolve at an accelerated pace, the acquisition of Highlander into the FluidOne Group reinforces our commitment to driving innovation. We have access to a broader talent pool, facilitating the development of cutting-edge solutions that anticipate and address emerging industry trends.

By pooling our resources and expertise we can explore new avenues of growth, both organically and through strategic partnerships. This acquisition will foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, paving the way for the creation of ground-breaking solutions that empower businesses to stay ahead in an increasingly digital and interconnected landscape.

Client-Centric Approach:

We remain committed to delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining strong relationships with our clients.

To this end Highlander and FluidOne both utilise the Net Promoter Score (NPS) methodology to measure and improve customer satisfaction.

NPS is a widely recognised metric that gauges the loyalty and advocacy of customers towards a company. As a group we value the feedback and opinions of customers, and NPS provides a systematic approach to gather insights.

By regularly conducting NPS surveys, we are able to assess how likely customers are to recommend our services to others. This data allows us to identify areas of improvement, make informed business decisions, and prioritise customer-centric initiatives.

With an average over the last 12 months in the 80’s (the industry average is around 40) and through our commitment to understanding and addressing customer needs, Highlander and FluidOne leverage NPS as a valuable tool to foster long-term relationships and deliver exceptional service experiences.

Culture:

We always do what we can to give back and support charities and good causes, both close to home and across the UK. Through our collaborative efforts as a group, we have established strong partnerships and indeed support, various charitable organisations across the country.

Working in partnership with charities such as Weston Park Cancer Charity, Support Dogs, Save the Children, Cavendish Cancer Care and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice we demonstrate our corporate and social responsibility by contributing financial donations, volunteering time and expertise, and leveraging our extensive networks to raise awareness and support for charitable causes.

Alongside this we also work closely with educational institutions, such as Sheffield College where we work with the next generation of talent at the Highlander Employer Skills Academy. The academy has 20 students on the Highlander higher education ‘Computing for England’ course which we ran for the first time in 2022-23 and we look forward to continuing this into the 2023-24 term.

There have been many changes over the last six months since the acquisition and Highlander MD Steve Brown commented

“The acquisition of Highlander into the FluidOne Group marks a pivotal moment in both companies’ journeys.  The goal of this acquisition is to strengthen our services, broaden our capabilities, and provide an even better experience for our customers. By retaining talent, continuing services, accessing enhanced resources, and leveraging synergies, both companies are committed to ensuring that it's business as usual in delivering top-quality IT services and solutions to meet the needs of our clients in an ever-changing technological landscape.”

To learn more about Highlander and our extended services email us at rich.davies@highlanderuk.com or call on 0114 292 3800.