UKCloud, the multi-cloud experts dedicated to making transformation happen across UK public sector, has announced its acquisition by Hadston 2 Limited, an investment vehicle led by well-known entrepreneur and UKCloud Chairman, Jeff Thomas, and backed by existing institutional investors including BGF Group plc and Digital Alpha.
The acquisition, which is subject to the National Security Investment Act, combines UKCloud’s significant digital footprint and leading sovereign offering – including multiple cloud technologies spanning six UK data centres and supporting multiple security classification levels – with Hadston 2’s ambitious strategic vision to build a group of companies leading innovation in the ethical and sustainable use of data and digital infrastructure.
In a clear vote of confidence in the UK’s world-leading technology capabilities, the new investment will facilitate the expansion of UKCloud’s product portfolio via soon to be announced Strategic Partnerships, the accelerated development of its platform, and provide sustainable high skill, high wage jobs to the benefit of the UK’s economy, society and environment.
Jeff Thomas, Chairman, Hadston 2 Limited, said: “UKCloud has long been a market leader in the delivery of sovereign, secure cloud technologies to public sector organisations spanning government, health and defence – and today marks the beginning of a new, ambitious strategic vision.
The funding provides a strong foundation on which to assemble a portfolio of innovative businesses promoting the ethical and sustainable use of data to drive positive change in our communities and economy. Organisations and governments increasingly share a belief in these crucial outcomes and I am deeply excited to unveil more information about our growth plans and new direction in the very near future.”
Simon Hansford, CEO, UKCloud, commented: “As a Strategic Cloud Provider to government, UKCloud has powered digital transformation across the UK public sector for over a decade. This investment is a significant milestone for UKCloud, funding the business through to profitability and accelerating the development of industry leading capabilities to help organisations of all sizes embrace the obvious benefits of cloud and digital transformation.”
The funding is set to accelerate the growth of the UKCloudX and UKCloud Health brands, expanding the company’s expertise and capabilities in the defence and healthcare sectors. As part of this growth, significant investment will be made in people – a recruitment drive has begun to fill a range of new positions and further bolster the team’s experience and resources will be dedicated to new training initiatives.
Hadston 2’s new plan for and positioning of UKCloud as part of a portfolio of businesses rooted in the value and importance of data also paves the way for potential acquisitions and geographic expansion to assist nations which value and require sovereign cloud technologies.
Vasa Babic, Partner, Digital Alpha said: “We are pleased to support Hadston 2 in its acquisition of UKCloud and to support Jeff Thomas’s strategic vision for growing the business to meet customer demand for secure, sovereign data management and sustainable digital transformation; themes which align well with our views of market opportunities and priorities.”
James Austin, Director, BGF said: “With this investment, UKCloud is well positioned to cement its position as a leading provider of critical cloud infrastructure to public sector organisations and grow its roster of quality clients. BGF first invested in UKCloud in 2014 and we are looking forward to working with the company’s experienced management team as they guide digital transformation through a unique multi-cloud offering.”