Communicate, a Rockpool-backed provider of cybersecurity and IT network solutions, has acquired Blaze Networks, a security-focused managed service provider.
Blaze is a specialist in SD-WAN and advanced networking solutions. This marks Communicate’s fifth acquisition and its second since securing private equity investment from Rockpool in June 2024.
Last September, Communicate acquired York Data Services, in North Yorkshire, its fourth acquisition and first after partnering with Rockpool.
With this deal, Communicate says it is now on track to grow its sales from £6m at the time of Rockpool’s investment, to a projected £17m in 2025.
The acquisition enhances Communicate’s ability to deliver a fully integrated suite of services – including SD-WAN, SASE, cloud, data backup, and disaster recovery – enabling customers to benefit from a more resilient, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure.
Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK-based Blaze Networks will continue to operate under managing director Ben Brassington. Blaze’s technical capabilities in designing and implementing multi-site, software-defined networking solutions will play a key role in expanding Communicate’s service portfolio, said Communicate, supporting organisations that require high-performance, secure connectivity across distributed environments.
Tony Snaith, CEO of Communicate Technology, said: "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."
Ben Brassington, managing director of Blaze Networks, added: "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. Founded in 2011, Communicate operates its own fibre network infrastructure and provides cyber security and IT managed services. It runs a dedicated network operations centre in Teesside, North East England, and a 24/7/365 security operations centre in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
