Armstrong Bell acquires Tapcast as it marks 25 years in business
Midlands technology company Armstrong Bell used its 25th anniversary event in September to announce that it had acquired Inkberrow-based IT business Tapcast for an undisclosed six-figure sum.
Completed on September 16, the deal will bring Tapcast's customers into Bromsgrove-headquartered Armstrong Bell and strengthen its technical support team.
The businesses are based just nine miles apart and already have customers and contacts in common.
Armstrong Bell founder and managing director William Copley said: "It may not make the front page of the Financial Times, but it is an important acquisition for Armstrong Bell.
"Tapcast is a natural fit. It gives us greater scale and strengthens the team.
"It also comes at the right time. BT is retiring the old analogue telephone network and wholesale line rental is being withdrawn, but telecoms remains a significant part of our business. This acquisition gives us greater scale as the market changes and real momentum going into next year."
Tapcast founders Steve and Jane Neal said: "As we planned ahead to the next chapter of our lives, we decided that Armstrong Bell would be the ideal fit for the next chapter of Tapcast. We’re looking forward to spending more time with our family, particularly our grandchildren."
Sir Andy Street CBE, former managing director of John Lewis and former Mayor of the West Midlands, joined the celebration held at Birmingham's 24 Stories and praised Armstrong Bell's innovation and its ability to keep adapting through a period of rapid technological change.
Historian Professor Carl Chinn MBE used the panoramic view from the 24th floor to highlight Birmingham’s history of innovation, pointing out locations associated with advances that helped change the world.
The nearby BT Tower provided a fitting backdrop. Armstrong Bell began in 2001 installing cabling and office telephone systems. Today, it provides managed IT, cloud and cybersecurity services, communications and connectivity.
William added: "If Armstrong Bell had carried on selling what it sold in 2001, we would not still be here.
"The technology has changed almost beyond recognition, but the principles behind the business have not. We understand what our customers need, take responsibility for delivering it properly and build relationships that last.
"The anniversary gave us an opportunity to thank the customers and colleagues who have helped to build Armstrong Bell. Celebrating with so many of them, and announcing our latest acquisition, made it a very special day."