Suffolk business Evolve acquires Norfolk firm to accelerate growth

Why it matters: The acquisition enables the Suffolk-based company, which leases printers, photocopiers, and scanners, to strengthen its customer base and enhance service delivery across East Anglia, particularly in areas such as engineering support and toner deliveries in Norfolk.

The details: Protocopy was established in the early 2000s and has built a reputation as a trusted Norfolk-based managed print services provider. The acquisition represents a natural expansion step for Evolve as it grows its regional presence.

What they're saying: Ross Cracknell, Managing Director of Evolve Business Solutions, said: "Service is the heartbeat of what we do, and we have grown our headcount to ensure that remains excellent as the business expands. Buying Protocopy allows us to reach more customers, grow our customer base and serve the existing Norfolk market even better than before."

He added: "Protocopy fits perfectly with our values and service-led approach, and we are committed to delivering the excellent service and top-quality machines their customers are used to."

Nicholas Woodward, the previous owner of Protocopy, said: "I am confident that under Evolve's management, all customer accounts will continue to be well supported. Their service mirrors our own, and I believe this is the right move for our customers."

The bigger picture: Since launching in 2020, Evolve has achieved significant financial growth with an average growth of 48% year-on-year over the past three years. The business has doubled its headcount in the last year to support expansion whilst maintaining service standards, and has invested in larger office space to accommodate continued growth.

The bottom line: The Protocopy acquisition extends Evolve's geographic reach into Norfolk whilst adding an established customer base to support the company's continued expansion across the region.

Visit Evolve's website