The merger between ANS and UKFast will move forward under the ANS name, it has been announced, as the freshy combined business presses on with its growth plans.
Now the UK’s largest independent cloud provider, the new company will focus on delivering public and private cloud, hosting security, DevOps, applications, and data expertise to its 7,000 customers.
Announcing the decision, ANS said it will address the rapid market growth opportunity for digital and cloud services by combining two of the biggest digital portfolios in the country.
“The milestone represents huge opportunity, both for our team and our customers,” commented Paul Shannon, ANS CEO. “By combining the strengths of both businesses under the ANS name, we are creating a world-class digital transformation business, focussed on providing an amazing experience for our customers, team, and tech partners.”
Shannon led ANS as CEO for five years in its previous iteration and carries that role forward in the new business.
“The breadth and scope of cloud, digital and security expertise inside ANS is industry leading," he said. "By bringing together two of the best tech firms in the UK, we are primed to deliver exceptional service to customers, wherever they are in their digital transformation journey.”
Central to its growth strategy, ANS is aiming to develop its training division into one of the largest and most comprehensive in the UK. Operating from a dedicated on-site base, the ANS Academy will look to develop “world-class digital talent” with digital skills in cloud, cyber security, ecommerce, web design, customer support, and networking.
The Academy carries forward ANS and UKFast’s previous relationships with exam boards and vendors – including Microsoft, AWS, Pearson Vue, CompTIA, the Linux Professional Institute, Cisco, and Red Hat.
ANS said it also plans to enhance its apprenticeship programme and launch a recruitment drive in 2022 to meet strong market demand for digital technology and transformation skills.
“ANS has a strong track record in attracting and retaining the very best technical talent, something that has never been more important as more organisations embark on or progress their digital transformation journeys", Shannon continued.
“We are focused on deepening the skilled resources available to customers who are working with increasingly complex IT landscapes.”
