Solar Communications, the fast-growing Chippenham-based business communications managed service provider, has strengthened its offering with the takeover of Response Data Communications.
This acquisition, Solar’s second in three years, will strengthen its share of the UC (unified communications) market and cements its position as one of the leading cloud and managed service providers in the UK small to medium-sized enterprise business market. 
It follows Solar’s takeover of Manchester-based Armstrong Telecommunications in 2013 – a move which increased its workforce by more than 50% and its turnover by a third
Essex-based Response Data Communications was launched nearly two decades ago and helps businesses successfully integrate systems, enabling customers to maximise investment in technology and reduce cost of ownership.
Independently-owned Solar was set up in 1988. It now employs around 80 people in its headquarters at Sheldon, just outside Chippenham, and its offices in London and Manchester.
Solar CEO John Whitty said: “RDC is an extremely capable and exciting business with a very talented team.
“Its combination with Solar will provide added depth to the innovative and business-enhancing services provided to both sets of customers.
“Following our acquisition of Armstrong Telecommunications in 2013, Solar has established the platform, people and services for growing the business organically.
“Over the last 12 months the business has transitioned from its place as a leading telephone system reseller in the UK, into a fully managed service provider being at the heart of all ICT operations for its customers.
“This transformation has been enabled by the development of our managed services portfolio coupled with the strategic acquisitions, as well as the procurement and development of new technical services and product sets.”
RDC former owner and managing director Jason Evans, who will continue to work with Solar, said:
“Following 20 years of growing our business into a successful and multi award-winning organisation, the time was right to take the next step, and allow our customers to benefit from the significant joint business with outstanding capability, experience and financial strength.
“The introduction of Solar’s telecommunications, WAN, cloud and managed services will allow us to provide a more comprehensive offering. Personally, I very much look forward to being part of the Solar team and further helping the group to develop and deliver our incredibly exciting joint portfolio of solutions and services.
“Key to the decision to join forces with Solar was that the values and culture of the business were extremely close to those already present within RDC.”
As a result of the acquisition Solar has attained Platinum Partner status from ShoreTel, a leading provider of cloud, onsite and hybrid UC solutions.
Established in 1988, independently-owned Solar Communications has offices in London, Chippenham and Manchester and employs around 80 people
