Entrepreneurial IT group adds Infrasys as third strategic acquisition
A dynamic and growing IT group led by entrepreneurs Alex Heslip and Chris Earle has acquired Infrasys, a Midlands-based Managed Service Provider (MSP). This marks the third acquisition for the group, currently operating under the working title Project Edge, following the acquisition of RISC IT, a Colwyn Bay-based Value-Added Reseller (VAR), and Novem, an MSP based in Cheadle, Manchester.
Founded in 2001, it supports the IT operations of some of the largest UK commercial motor vehicle dealerships, along with some of Europe’s leading engineering, financial and technology businesses, whilst also working closely with public sector bodies across Britain and Ireland.
With the integration of Infrasys, the group will expand its portfolio to include broader managed IT support, advanced cybersecurity services, cloud migration, disaster recovery solutions, and more. Clients across the platform will benefit from a significantly larger pool of engineers and specialists, allowing for greater depth, scale, and responsiveness in service delivery.
As part of this latest milestone, Bruce Laing and Rhys Watson have been appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), respectively. Bruce brings over two decades of experience at RISC IT, while Rhys was a co-founder of Novem and has played a key role in the group’s growth to date.
The acquisition continues the momentum generated by Heslip and Earle since making the first acquisition in June 2023. Together with Independence Capital and UK private credit investor, TDC, they are building a next-generation IT platform focused on regional job creation, enhanced service delivery, and long-term value creation through targeted acquisitions and driving organic growth.
Further acquisitions are planned as the group continues to scale its operations, invest in regional job creation, and strengthen its proposition for SME clients nationwide.
Jonathan Gillow of Hill Dickinson acted on behalf of Project Edge and financial due diligence was conducted by Nicola Merritt of Cortus Advisory Group.
Jahid Ali of GunnerCooke acted on behalf of Infrasys.
Rhys Watson, COO of Project Edge, said: "The integration of Infrasys into the group [Project Edge] allows us to offer an enhanced range of services and support to our clients. With a larger team of diversly skilled engineers, we are better equipped to meet the evolving needs of businesses across the UK."
Stuart Bloxham, Co-founder and Director of Infrasys, commented: "This acquisition marks an exciting time for both our employees and our customers. By working within a larger, more diverse team, we are enhancing our ability to deliver top-tier IT services and support. Our customers will benefit greatly from the expanded expertise and resources, allowing us to better meet their needs and drive their success."
Alex Heslip, CEO of Project Edge, added: "This acquisition is a significant milestone for Project Edge. By bringing Infrasys into our group, we are not only expanding our geographical reach but also strengthening our capabilities. Our clients will benefit from a more comprehensive, reliable, and efficient IT support system, helping them achieve their business goals with greater confidence and ease."
Jon Petty, Investment Director at TDC, said: “IT managed services is an attractive sector, and we’re proud to continue to support this group’s ambition through our Impact Fund, which is specifically designed to back Northern businesses that are generating regional employment. Infrasys adds increased scale and capability to the group, and we look forward to continuing to support Alex and Chris as they execute on their ambitious growth plan.”