Merger allows CNS to consolidate skills base

Two dealers have merged to create a UK-wide systems integration player.

Harrogate-based Corporate Network Services (CNS) took over Networked Office in order to leverage different skills in the IT arena.

According to Ron Yuen, managing director of the 15-year-old company, the move is the most important in the history of CNS.

'We have a new u1 million headquarters and the merger has enabled us to consolidate a wide range of skills and services,' he said.

CNS specialises in integrated solutions including document management, groupware, consultancy, training and workflow automation. Networked Office's skill set includes operating systems, hardware, application development as well as Internet management.

Yuen would not say what the deal was worth but the total workforce is now 50. The merger also gives CNS a southern base at Chippenham.

CNS' turnover is almost u4 million and Yuen expects it to increase by 30 per cent.

Nigel Horncastle, former managing director at Networked Office, and Steve Brown, the technical director, will both work for the merged company.

Horncastle will manage the South West of the UK and Brown has become an Internet messaging consultant.