‘We’ve taken the decision to simplify our cyber offering’ - Texaport MD

Hugh Caldwell tells CRN about the Scottish MSP’s approach to long-term sustainable growth

Edinburgh-based Texaport is taking a steady and deliberate approach to growth in 2025.

Managing director Hugh Caldwell recently caught up with CRN to talk about how the company is navigating the evolving MSP space, balancing innovation with its commitment to quality, and identifying automation and cybersecurity as key pillars for future success.

For Texaport, automation has emerged as a major focus for both internal operations and client offerings in 2025.

“Automation is one of our priorities in 2025, not only for ourselves but our clients,” Caldwell says.

“We’ve had a significant increase in requests from companies looking at business efficiency and automation, which currently is rivalling cybersecurity and AI consultancy in terms of new business opportunities.”

That rising demand reflects a broader trend across the UK MSP market, where businesses — particularly SMEs — are actively seeking ways to streamline processes, and future-proof operations.

For Texaport, which specialises in managed IT services, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions, that demand dovetails neatly with its existing strengths.

The ever-present spectre of the economy has also played a role in shaping client conversations.

“In light of recent budget announcements, clients have, without a doubt, become more cost-conscious,” Caldwell says.

However, Texaport hasn’t felt the need to adjust its pricing.

“We have a very transparent and competitive structure which continues to provide high value to our clients,” he adds.

Instead, the focus has been on helping clients unlock cost savings through technology, deploying process automation, cloud efficiencies, and proactive IT management to help businesses make the most of limited budgets.

AI and platforms in focus

AI, automation, and the shift towards platform-based service delivery models are reshaping how managed services are bought and sold, but Caldwell is confident in Texaport’s ability to keep pace without losing sight of what matters most: service quality and staff development.

“We’ve always championed personal development at Texaport, encouraging and supporting our team to stay up to date with industry-recognised accreditations,” Caldwell explains.

“That’s key to being a successful managed services provider and is paramount in keeping our clients efficient and secure.”

The emphasis on skills and training means Texaport’s team is well-placed to guide clients through technological shifts, whether it’s the adoption of AI-driven tools or the rollout of more automated service management capabilities.

Cybersecurity: Back to basics

When it comes to cybersecurity, Texaport is deliberately resisting the urge to chase after trends and instead focusing on core services.

“We’ve taken the decision to simplify our cyber offering,” Caldwell says.

“The landscape is changing so rapidly that it’s important not to forget the basic principles of cybersecurity, which are based on solid IT management fundamentals.”

That pragmatic approach reflects Texaport’s broader ethos — one that values consistency and reliability at its core.

In a sector where M&A activity is rampant and many smaller MSPs are being absorbed into private equity-backed competitors, Caldwell believes Texaport’s independence is a key differentiator.

“All too often, we hear of clients having to deal with their incumbent IT provider being purchased by a larger organisation and the service deteriorating,” Caldwell says.

“Texaport is committed to steady growth with our clients’ best interests at heart.”

Far from seeing the ongoing wave of consolidation as a threat, Texaport views it as an opportunity.

“The acquisition of smaller MSPs, often by overseas companies, may not have UK business interests at heart,” Caldwell says.

“We’ve done very well picking up the pieces for businesses that have suffered as a result.”

Despite the pressures and pace of change, Caldwell is upbeat about the future of the sector — and Texaport’s place within it.

“It’s still a fantastic sector and still has a bright future,” he says.

“It’s critical for MSPs to stay secure and up to date, not only for their clients but for the UK economy as a whole.”

As Texaport heads into 2025, automation, cybersecurity and client-centric growth will be front and centre.

“We have a variety of ideas for developing our services — stay tuned,” the MD concludes.