A North IT consultancy has snapped up a Cheshire business in an undisclosed deal to boost its suite of services.

Communicate, which provides cybersecurity and IT network solutions, has acquired Blaze Networks, a security-focused managed service provider with expertise in advanced networking solutions. The deal marks the fifth acquisition for Communicate, which has its network operations centre in Wynyard, Teesside, and its 24/7 security operations centre in Leeds.

It also the second transaction since the business secured private equity investment from Rockpool last June, putting it on track to grow its turnover from £6m to £17m in 2025. The company says the acquisition will boost Communicate’s ability to deliver a fully integrated suite of services to its customers.

Macclesfield-based Blaze Networks will continue to operate under managing director Ben Brassington.

Tony Snaith, CEO of Communicate Technology, said: “Bringing Blaze Networks into the Communicate group significantly strengthens our ability to offer cutting-edge, secure IT solutions. “Their expertise in SD-WAN and SASE complements our existing capabilities, allowing us to provide businesses with seamless, scalable, and highly secure network architectures. This acquisition is not only about expanding our service offering – it’s about creating real value for customers and fostering professional growth for our team as we continue to scale.”

Mr Brassington, managing director of Blaze Networks, added: “Joining Communicate presents a fantastic opportunity for Blaze Networks to accelerate its growth while continuing to deliver the high-quality solutions our customers rely on. By integrating with Communicate, we can offer an even more comprehensive service, while also providing our team with exciting new career development opportunities. Having re-invested in the group, I am fully committed to this next phase of expansion.”

Rockpool provided additional funding to support the acquisition, with investment director Tom Coey and investment manager Toby Hurdle leading the transaction.

Communicate and Rockpool were advised by Cooper Parry, Roxburgh Milkins and Taylor Wessing. Blaze Networks was advised by KBS Corporate Finance, K3 Law and K3 Advantage.