IT firms merge to create amplified Northern outfit

Leeds-based MSP and Manchester-based datacentre company come together

IT companies Firstnet and Select Data Centres have merged to form a new business under the name Firstnet Group.

The deal combines Manchester-based Select's focus on datacentres with Leeds-based Firstnet's services in networks, managed IT and cloud platforms.

The new company is based at Firstnet's headquarters in Leeds which includes a 20,000 sq ft datacentre and workplace recovery facility built by Select.

Select's Manchester base will now be deployed as a Firstnet Group satellite office to supplement the main operation in Leeds.

The new company will target ICT services market share in the region, offering IT infrastructure colocation and disaster recovery.

"The deal represents a substantial investment in the city's IT sector and we will continue to invest in our Leeds estate, which includes the region's only purpose-built datacentre," said Stephen Leahy, who was CEO at Select and has now become Firstnet Group's CEO.

"Firstnet Group's combination of resources and skill sets will deliver a service level which is unprecedented in Yorkshire and the wider region."

Firstnet Solutions' managing director David Cusworth said the merger represents a positive development for customers and an opportunity for its employees.

"It also positions the company for its next phase of growth in the UK datacentre and IT sector. Firstnet has recently secured some major national clients in addition to a rapidly growing core market of SMEs and resellers."

Firstnet told CRN in March that it was aiming to take on 100 new staff over the next two years after opening a 400-rack datacentre that was previously an NHS facility.