Merger of IT firms across the Pennines

Leeds-based Firstnet has merged with Select Data Centres of Manchester form a new business – Firstnet Group.

The deal combines Select’s data centre design and construction work with Firstnet’s service expertise in connectivity, networks, managed IT, cloud platforms, system co-location and disaster recovery.

The new company is based at Firstnet’s HQ on Gelderd Close  in Leeds,  which includes a 20,000 sq ft data centre and workplace recovery facility designed and built by Select. The company plans double sales staff by the end of 2017 and create 100 new jobs over the next 18 months.

The Leeds HQ is now jointly owned by Select’s Stephen Leahy and Firstnet directors, David Cusworth and Angie Cusworth. Select’s Manchester base will now become a Firstnet Group satellite office to supplement the main operation in Leeds. The new company plans to create a cluster of data centre space under the same brand to establish Firstnet Group as the foremost provider of ICT services in the region.

Leahy, who was CEO at Select and has now become Firstnet Group’s CEO, said:“ 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 data centre.

“It already offers a capacity of over 400 cabinets for co-location, but we intend to increase that capacity as part of our ongoing expansion.”

Cusworth added: “This merger represents a positive development for our customers and a massive opportunity for our employees.”