PRESS RELEASE: Connect Managed Services (Connect), the global unified communications (UC) and contact centre technology integrator, has posted rapid growth in revenue and profits. The business, backed by private equity firm LDC, provides round-the-clock contact centre technology and consultancy services.
Global clients range from financial services firms such as Barclays, RBS and Deutsche Bank – to household names including TNT, Johnson & Johnson and Tesco.
With offices in London, New York and Frankfurt, Connect supports over 1,000 sites globally across 36 countries via its proprietary technology and consultancy services.
In April 2014 a multimillion-pound management buyout, backed by LDC, provided funding to accelerate investment in technology and facilitate growth across the UK, Europe and beyond.
In the 12 months to December 2016 the business generated turnover of £13.3 million, up 39%. Profits (EBITDA) were over £1.3 million, representing growth of 240% compared to the previous financial year. Recent success for Connect has been driven by organic growth including significant new contract wins and gaining Advanced Technology Partner (ATP) status with Cisco.
The business is led by CEO Alex Tupman. A previous winner of Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award, he has several decades of experience in business growth. Alex previously founded AT Communications Group in 1999, which launched as a public company on the AIM following an IPO in 2005, before being acquired by Daisy Group in 2009.
Alex Tupman, CEO of Connect Managed Services, comments: “Alongside record organic growth in 2016 measured by core financials, our pipeline of future work has also doubled with current trading up 64% on the prior year to-date. As a management team we are increasingly confident in the future direction of the business – and what this means for further investment in our technology-driven proposition.
“Looking ahead, Connect is actively targeting a long-term growth plan led by strategic acquisitions, to complement our own organic expansion – plus further investment in the technology that allows us to remove complexity and improve operational performance for our clients.”
Chris Coulton, Portfolio Director, LDC in London, adds, “Alex and his team have built up a dynamic business and a strong track record. In a highly competitive environment, Connect has posted a landmark year, overcoming all the challenges that come with working in an exciting and rapidly developing dynamic technology-led industry.
“With a technology-rich business model, the team are unlocking the benefits that only come with long-term investment on such a considerable scale – as the customer base now continues to scale globally. We see even greater future potential in the business and look forward to working in partnership with the management team to make the most of all the future has to offer.”