Sheffield Tech Firm Announces Major Recruitment Drive

Sheffield-based software consultancy The Curve, co-founded by brothers Paul and James Ridgway, is set to expand its team by 40% following a string of key contract wins with clients in the UK and abroad. The company plans to hire 10 new team members, including technical leads, developers, and QA specialists, as it aims to grow its workforce from 25 to 35 by 2026.

Headquartered at Oxo House in Sheffield’s Riverside district, The Curve supports organisations in developing and refining essential business systems. Now in its sixth year, the company’s success includes a high-profile collaboration with a global IT hardware provider, which has opened doors to opportunities across Europe and the United States.

The Ridgway brothers have steered The Curve’s growth without external funding, relying on a sustainable, organic approach to expansion. Their commitment to scaling strategically is further highlighted by the recent appointment of Mai Mai Steele as Chief Commercial Officer, who brings extensive experience in growing UK tech businesses.

CEO Paul Ridgway emphasised the company’s mission: “We position ourselves as strategic partners, working closely with organisations to drive innovation and unlock new opportunities through technology.”

The Curve has grown steadily since launching with just five team members in 2019. Its collaborative culture is fostered by a pod-based workspace design at Oxo House, which promotes teamwork and efficiency.

HR Manager Farrah Welch-Turner highlighted the firm’s thoughtful hiring strategy: “Our focus is on finding top-tier talent that aligns with our values and vision. These roles provide exciting, long-term opportunities for professionals who want to contribute to impactful, cutting-edge projects.”

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VirtualDCS Announces Recruitment Plans Following Acquisition

Leeds-based cloud hosting and cyber resilience firm VirtualDCS has unveiled plans to expand its workforce after being acquired by Manchester private equity group MonacoSol. The company is set to hire around 12 additional staff over the next 12 months, strengthening its team of developers, system analysts, network engineers, and cybersecurity specialists, which currently numbers 22.

The acquisition, completed for an undisclosed sum, ensures that VirtualDCS co-founders Richard May, John Murray, and Dan Nichols remain at the helm of the business. The company has also relocated to a new headquarters in Leeds' prestigious Wellington Place, signaling the start of its next growth phase.

Richard May, co-founder of VirtualDCS, described the acquisition as a defining moment: “This partnership with MonacoSol is a key milestone in our journey. With their support, we’re better positioned than ever to innovate, enhance our capabilities, and deliver exceptional solutions to our clients. This is a major step forward for the business.”

MonacoSol, the private investment office of renowned technology entrepreneur Richard Beaton, is led by his sons Ollie and Eddie Beaton, who serve as CEO and CFO. Ollie Beaton expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying: “VirtualDCS is an innovative business with a talented team and a strong, loyal customer base. We’re thrilled to partner with them and support their growth.”

The deal was facilitated with legal and financial advice provided by several firms. MonacoSol was advised by Rebecca Grisewood of Gateley, Colin Smyth and Jake Hodgson of RSM UK, and David Taylor of Harts Chartered Accountants. VirtualDCS received legal counsel from Cathy Cook and Brad Stewart of LCF Law.

With MonacoSol’s backing and the expertise of its founders, VirtualDCS is poised to enhance its services, grow its team, and strengthen its position as a leader in cloud hosting and cyber resilience solutions.

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Cheshire Agency Rebrands as Ideate Digital to Reflect Evolving Expertise

Cheshire-based digital marketing agency Pretzel Group has rebranded to Ideate Digital, aligning its identity with its core proposition of combining ideas and data to deliver impactful marketing campaigns and websites.

The move comes as the agency experiences significant growth, secures new business, and deepens its expertise in Shopify and WordPress website design and development. Its expanded focus on Technical SEO and Digital PR positions Ideate Digital as a full-service provider, offering digital strategies and ongoing support for clients across industries such as eCommerce, retail, hospitality, aesthetics, and clinics.

John Butcher, Ideate Director and Founder, explained the shift: “When we formed The Pretzel Group in 2020, our goals were different. Over time, our vision and expertise have evolved, and Ideate reflects our position as leaders in innovation and strategy. We’re not just a digital agency – we’re a small team of experts delivering big ideas and comprehensive services through data-driven insights and a value-led approach to client relationships.”

Butcher highlighted the growing need for sustainable marketing strategies in response to rising digital advertising costs and increased competition. “As businesses face shrinking marketing budgets, the focus needs to shift to long-term strategies like well-optimised websites, robust SEO, and a strong digital PR presence. This is where our expertise is driving growth and attracting new clients.”

The rebrand coincides with a period of expansion, with Ideate securing competitive pitches and delivering notable projects. Recent successes include developing a fully-optimised online presence for Mint Finance LTD in just six weeks, creating a new WordPress site for The PR Boutique, and continuing its long-standing relationship with Pagazzi to solidify its position as the UK’s leading “ceiling lights” brand.

Butcher added: “As we enter this exciting new chapter as Ideate Digital, we’re focused on growing our team and delivering continued success for our clients. This rebrand is not just a change of name but a reflection of our commitment to innovation and high-quality service.”

With a redefined vision and ongoing growth, Ideate Digital aims to set new benchmarks in delivering marketing strategies that balance creativity, technology, and data for sustained client success.

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