First Technology

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.

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

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

• Managed IT services
• Cybersecurity solutions
• Cloud infrastructure services
• IT systems integration
• Enterprise IT consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Reading

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. Hardware & Peripherals Sales: Sale of technology hardware, equipment, devices and peripherals from leading technology vendors. One-time transaction revenue model with additional services.
3. Professional Services: Consulting, training, infrastructure assessments, design, implementation, and support services aligned with business strategy. Expert teams provide planning, design, and implementation support.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Cyber Security Services: Security consulting, Cyber SoC services, penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and integrated security ecosystem management.
7. Software Services: Software services solutions turning complexity into clarity, including Microsoft services and payment solutions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core 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

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or IntegrationPremier 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 TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic technology partnership for hardware, infrastructure, and enterprise solutions delivery. Featured vendor partner displayed prominently on website.
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)coreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership for enterprise hardware, hybrid IT, and infrastructure solutions. Featured as key technology vendor partner.
• CiscocoreTechnology or IntegrationNetworking and security technology partnership covering Cisco's full portfolio of enterprise networking, security, and collaboration solutions.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreTechnology or IntegrationAWS Advanced Services Partner status through First Horizon subsidiary, providing scalable cloud solutions and AWS-aligned migration services. Featured vendor partner.
• Google CloudcoreTechnology or IntegrationFeatured vendor partner for cloud platform solutions, part of multi-cloud strategy offerings.
• NutanixcoreTechnology or IntegrationHyperconverged infrastructure and cloud computing solutions partnership for enterprise data center modernization.
• LenovocoreTechnology or IntegrationHardware partnership for enterprise devices, workstations, and infrastructure solutions.
• VMwarecoreTechnology or IntegrationVirtualization and cloud infrastructure technology partnership for enterprise virtualization solutions.
• CitrixcoreTechnology or IntegrationWorkspace and digital workspace solutions partnership for modern workplace and remote work enablement.
• Pure StoragecoreTechnology or IntegrationAll-flash storage solutions partnership for enterprise data storage and management.
• IBMcoreTechnology or IntegrationEnterprise technology partnership covering IBM's portfolio of hardware, software, and services solutions.
• First DigitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup 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.
• FirstNetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup 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 HorizoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup 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.
• BUIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup 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 TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup 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 DatacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup 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 TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup 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

Direct 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

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/first-technology-uk

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about First Technology