Aspire Technology Solutions, a North East IT group, has expanded into the North West by acquiring Warrington-based Sentis Managed Solutions. The deal is the Gateshead group's fourth acquisition in two years as it aims to grow across the UK and achieve a £100m turnover by 2030.
Deal details and regional presence
Sentis serves more than 80 customers across the North West, focusing on mid-sized firms similar to those targeted by Aspire. The company stated that the acquisition gives Aspire an immediate presence in the region and further expands its geographic reach.
All Sentis employees will join Aspire and operate under the Aspire brand. Co-founder Neil Homer will remain with the business to provide continuity of leadership, while co-founders Martin Perry and Michael Cox will step back from day-to-day operations to support the business in ambassadorial roles.
Leadership comments
Chris Fraser, CEO and founder of Aspire Technology Solutions, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Sentis to Aspire and look forward to working together. Our previous acquisitions have given us a clear understanding of what effective integration requires. Building trusted relationships, nurturing talent, and doing the right thing for customers are key, and they’re values we see clearly in Sentis.
“That gives us confidence in the fit between our two companies and in what we can achieve. Sentis has built an impressive position in the region, and bringing our teams and expertise together will create new opportunities for customers and colleagues alike.”
Neil Homer, co-founder of Sentis Managed Solutions, said: “Sentis has built real momentum, and joining Aspire gives us access to the investment and wider capabilities to take that forward. It enables us to offer more to our customers while retaining the relationships they value.
“This is an exciting milestone for the business. I’m looking forward to playing an active role in the next chapter.”
Growth trajectory and advisory
In March last year, Aspire secured investment that valued the business at £200m. Existing financial backer LDC, part of the Lloyds Banking Group, and new minority investor Federated Hermes, provided additional funding.
In August, Aspire reported that its turnover had risen above £50m, with operating profits also up. The group bought Cloud Cover IT in January 2024, CloudCoCo’s managed IT services business in November 2024 and Scotland's NVT Group in March 2026.
On the Sentis deal, Aspire was advised by Muckle LLP, Evolution Capital and BDO, while Sentis was advised by Mackrell LLP and KBS Corporate.
