First Technology
First Technology is a UK-headquartered IT integration group delivering hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, modern workplace, networking, and managed services across EMEA through 30+ offices and 2,200+ employees. It serves enterprise and SMB customers via specialist subsidiaries and 100+ vendor partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersReading, United Kingdom
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What First Technology does
First Technology, legally First Technology Holdings Ltd, is a UK-incorporated private IT integration group founded in 1982 and headquartered in Reading, operating under the parent holding company First Technology Investments (Pty) Ltd. The group delivers hybrid data centre and cloud, cybersecurity, modern workplace, networking, managed services, professional services, hardware, software and IT financing solutions across more than 30 offices in five global regions, primarily across EMEA and South Africa, with a workforce of 2,200+ employees and 1,500+ vendor certifications.
The company operates a hub-and-spoke delivery model anchored by seven wholly-owned specialist subsidiaries: BUI (Microsoft Azure Expert MSP and Gold Partner), First Digital (AI development and Microsoft Advanced Specialisation), FirstNet (cloud and connectivity), First Horizon (AWS Advanced Services Partner for cloud migration), The CRM Team (Microsoft CRM and Power Platform), Galdon Data (Microsoft Gold Partner for unified communications since 1998), and Ascent Technologies (Azure and database services). The group has built elite-tier designations across 100+ vendor partnerships spanning Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud, Dell, HPE, Cisco, Nutanix, VMware, Citrix, Pure Storage, IBM and Lenovo.
First Technology's revenue model blends multi-year managed services contracts (24/7/365 monitoring, managed security, Microsoft application stack management), transactional hardware and software sales, project-based professional services, and subscription/financing offerings including Technology Lifecycle Management and Payment Solutions. Pricing is bespoke and quote-based, targeted at both enterprise and SMB customers. Recent strategic emphasis has been on generative AI deployment services (AI for Business, Microsoft 365 Copilot workshops) and circular-economy IT asset management, while customer evidence points span financial services, insurance, communications, retail pharmacy, and data analytics.
First Technology firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- First Technology
- Legal name
- First Technology Holdings Ltd
- Website
- https://first-technology.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- First Technology is a UK-headquartered IT integration group delivering hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, modern workplace, networking, and managed services across EMEA through 30+ offices and 2,200+ employees. It serves enterprise and SMB customers via specialist subsidiaries and 100+ vendor partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
First Technology industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IT Integration & Managed Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Systems Integration & Implementation Services (BPAEAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Network, Infrastructure & Data Center Integration (BPAEAAAK), Enterprise Architecture & Technology Roadmapping (BPAEAAAC), Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions) (BPAEANAC)
Keywords
Where First Technology is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Reading
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
First Technology business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Managed Services: Ongoing managed services including monitoring, maintenance (24/7/365), managed security, capacity management, and Microsoft application stack management. Revenue generated through recurring service contracts tailored to fit customer organizations.
- Hardware & Peripherals Sales: Sale of technology hardware, equipment, devices and peripherals from leading technology vendors. One-time transaction revenue model with additional services.
- Professional Services: Consulting, training, infrastructure assessments, design, implementation, and support services aligned with business strategy. Expert teams provide planning, design, and implementation support.
- Hybrid Data Centre & Cloud Solutions: Cloud services, software, and infrastructure delivered as-a-service including technology architecture design, migration & modernisation, implementation & optimisation, and management & operations.
- IT Financing & Payment Solutions: Technology investment solutions including fair market-value lease, subscription models, accelerated migration, asset upcycling, payment deferral, rental options, and payment relief programmes.
- Cyber Security Services: Security consulting, Cyber SoC services, penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and integrated security ecosystem management.
- Software Services: Software services solutions turning complexity into clarity, including Microsoft services and payment solutions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Tailored Solutions - Pricing varies by engagement scope and complexity |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
First Technology product offering
Product offeringCore offering
First Technology is a UK-headquartered IT integration company delivering end-to-end technology solutions, including managed services, cybersecurity, hybrid cloud and data center services, networking, modern workplace, hardware and software procurement, payment solutions, and professional services for enterprise and mid-market clients across multiple industry verticals.
Product overview
First Technology is an IT integration and managed services provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of technology solutions across two main categories: TRANSFORM services (Hybrid Data Centre & Cloud, Cyber Security, Modern Workplace, Managed Services, Networking Solutions, Professional Services) focused on strategic transformation, and TRANSACT services (Hardware & Peripherals, Software Services, Microsoft Services, Payment Solutions) for transactional technology needs. The portfolio is unified by Microsoft expertise through BUI (Azure Expert MSP), supported by group companies including First Digital (AI and Microsoft development), FirstNet (cloud solutions), First Horizon (AWS services), The CRM Team (Microsoft CRM), Galdon Data (unified communications), and Ascent Technologies (database management). Additional offerings include AI for Business consulting, Microsoft 365 Copilot workshops, and Hybrid Cloud Guide resources.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Managed IT Services
- Cybersecurity Services
- Hybrid Cloud & Data Center Services
- Networking Solutions
- Modern Workplace Services
- Professional Services / IT Consulting
- Hardware & Peripherals
- Software Services
- Microsoft Services
- Payment Solutions
- Technology Lifecycle Management
- AI for Business
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Workshop
Quantifiable outcome
- 2,500,000+ cyber incidents and alerts managed through their Security Operations Center
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use First Technology
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
First Technology technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability8 records
Feature6 records
First Technology partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- MicrosoftcorePremier Microsoft partnership including Azure Expert MSP status (through BUI), Solutions Partner across multiple specializations (Business Applications, Data & AI, Digital & App Innovation, Infrastructure, Modern Work, Security), Gold Microsoft Partner, and Microsoft Advanced Specialisation Partner (through First Digital). Enables delivery of comprehensive Microsoft cloud, security, and workplace solutions.
- Dell TechnologiescoreStrategic technology partnership for hardware, infrastructure, and enterprise solutions delivery. Featured vendor partner displayed prominently on website.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)coreStrategic partnership for enterprise hardware, hybrid IT, and infrastructure solutions. Featured as key technology vendor partner.
- CiscocoreNetworking and security technology partnership covering Cisco's full portfolio of enterprise networking, security, and collaboration solutions.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreAWS Advanced Services Partner status through First Horizon subsidiary, providing scalable cloud solutions and AWS-aligned migration services. Featured vendor partner.
- Google CloudcoreFeatured vendor partner for cloud platform solutions, part of multi-cloud strategy offerings.
- NutanixcoreHyperconverged infrastructure and cloud computing solutions partnership for enterprise data center modernization.
- LenovocoreHardware partnership for enterprise devices, workstations, and infrastructure solutions.
- VMwarecoreVirtualization and cloud infrastructure technology partnership for enterprise virtualization solutions.
- CitrixcoreWorkspace and digital workspace solutions partnership for modern workplace and remote work enablement.
- Pure StoragecoreAll-flash storage solutions partnership for enterprise data storage and management.
- IBMcoreEnterprise technology partnership covering IBM's portfolio of hardware, software, and services solutions.
- First DigitalcoreGroup subsidiary specializing in digital development, transformation & deployment. Recognized as leading AI developer and Microsoft Advanced Specialisation Partner. Technology focus includes automation, data & analysis, digital workplace, innovation & IoT, cloud & migration.
- FirstNetcoreGroup subsidiary providing cloud and associated hardware & software solutions. Leading cloud solutions provider delivering robust solutions enriched with hardware and software innovations. Technology focus includes cloud, connectivity, voice, security, and retail.
- First HorizoncoreGroup subsidiary providing tailor-made, end-to-end data migration to Amazon Web Services. AWS Advanced Services Partner offering scalable cloud solutions and AWS-aligned migration services with focus on workflow improvement, cost optimization, flexibility, innovation, and business continuity.
- BUIcoreGroup subsidiary delivering cyber security and Microsoft technology development & deployment. Global cloud solutions with focus on modernisation and security. Azure Expert MSP and Gold Microsoft Partner with advanced specialisations in cloud, security, networking, specialized services, and Microsoft technologies.
- The CRM TeamcoreGroup subsidiary specializing in modern workplace, CRM assessment, development & deployment. Specializes in automating marketing and enhancing sales forecasting with advanced Microsoft technologies. Focus on CRM design & development, customer engagement, Power Platform, insights & visualization, and training & adoption.
- Galdon DatacoreGroup subsidiary providing unified communication, collaboration & telecommunications. Certified Microsoft Gold Partner since 1998, excelling in unified communications and IP telephony solutions. Focus on consulting, training, infrastructure assessments, design, and networking services.
- Ascent TechnologiescoreGroup subsidiary providing enterprise database administration, consulting & management. Flexible, cost-effective database management and Azure services for complex environments. Focus on database administration & support, Azure administration & support, database & BI consulting, Azure consulting, and data platform modernisation.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
First Technology competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Computacenter: UK-headquartered enterprise IT integrator providing hybrid infrastructure, managed services, and professional services across EMEA. Direct overlap with First Technology's hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, and managed services practices, and a comparable target customer profile of large enterprises.
- Softcat: UK-based IT infrastructure provider and reseller serving enterprises and SMBs with licensing, hardware, networking, and cloud solutions. Strong overlap with First Technology's TRANSACT hardware/software resale motion and hybrid infrastructure advisory business.
- Insight Enterprises: Global IT solutions and managed services provider operating across hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, and workplace modernization. Highly comparable in breadth of offerings, vendor partnerships (Microsoft, AWS, Dell), and enterprise GTM motion.
- Bechtle: Largest European IT systems integrator and reseller headquartered in Germany, providing IT services, hardware resale, and managed services to enterprise customers. Directly comparable in the EMEA IT integration category with similar vendor partnerships and managed services capability.
- SHI International: Large US-headquartered IT solutions provider offering cloud, security, hardware, and managed services with significant EMEA presence. Comparable hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise-focused offerings with similar vendor partnership breadth.
- Bytes Technology Group: UK-based IT solutions provider focused on software licensing, hardware, and managed services. Closely comparable to First Technology's SMB/mid-market enterprise customer base and partner-led GTM motion, with strong Microsoft partner status.
Broad incumbents
- CDW Corporation: Large US-based IT solutions and services provider offering hybrid infrastructure, security, cloud, and managed services globally. Comparable business model spanning hardware, software, and services, though significantly larger in scale and primarily US-anchored.
- Capgemini: Global IT services and consulting giant with deep cloud, cybersecurity, and managed services practices. Overlaps with First Technology on hybrid cloud transformation and managed services but operates at vastly greater scale and breadth.
- Sopra Steria: European IT services firm providing digital transformation, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity services, with strong UK and EMEA presence. Comparable enterprise GTM and managed services capabilities, though much larger and broader in scope.
- Accenture: Global professional services and systems integration leader with major cloud, security, and managed services practices. Operates in the same enterprise IT modernization category as First Technology but at vastly larger scale.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
First Technology social profiles
Digital presenceFirst Technology compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
First Technology financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
First Technology leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
First Technology subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
First Technology funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
First Technology M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about First Technology
What does First Technology do?
First Technology is a UK-headquartered IT integration company delivering end-to-end technology solutions, including managed services, cybersecurity, hybrid cloud and data center services, networking, modern workplace, hardware and software procurement, payment solutions, and professional services for enterprise and mid-market clients across multiple industry verticals.
Is First Technology a public or private company?
First Technology is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was First Technology founded?
First Technology was founded in 1982. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is First Technology based?
First Technology is headquartered in Reading, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does First Technology make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. Managed Services are the primary driver. The others are hardware & Peripherals Sales, professional Services, hybrid Data Centre & Cloud Solutions, IT Financing & Payment Solutions, cyber Security Services and software Services.
Who are First Technology's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Computacenter, Softcat, Insight Enterprises, Bechtle, SHI International and Bytes Technology Group. Broad incumbents are CDW Corporation, Capgemini, Sopra Steria and Accenture.
Does First Technology have an API?
No public API is recorded for First Technology.
What industry is First Technology in?
First Technology's product category is IT Integration & Managed Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAAAB, Systems Integration & Implementation Services, with a secondary code of BPAEAAAK, Network, Infrastructure & Data Center Integration. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7373.