MTI goes organic in quest for security growth

Integrator to take on 15 security staff including new senior manager

MTI is ploughing a seven-figure sum into expanding its security arm organically after failing to locate a viable acquisition target.

The integrator leapt into the security space in 2011 when it bought GSS and recently opened up a security practice in Scotland.

In September, MTI will launch a security practice in Germany, with France set to open up next year.

David Hobson, security practice sales director of MTI, said the company is also plotting to swell UK security headcount from 45 to 60 before the end of the year.

He claimed the expansion was possible courtesy of MTI's buoyant financial performance.

"We are in a pretty good place as a company," Hobson (pictured) said.

"We have money to invest and we could either have purchased a business or grown organically. But we could not see anyone who was at the right value." Potential acquisitions have not been ruled out for the future, though.

With MTI's security pratice continuing to expand internationally, Hobson is moving into a European role and a new head is being sought to run the UK security operations.

The German operation will be run out of MTI's existing offices and will open on 4 September with three dedicated staff. Hobson said headcount will rise to 10 within 18 months.

"MTI is already doing $30m (£19.3m) in Germany with our datacentre practice and it made sense to bolt on a security practice," he said.

Focusing on vendors including Websense, Check Point, RSA and Cyber-Ark, MTI's UK security business has offices in Worthing, Godalming and Livingston.