A NORTHWICH IT business has merged with another to form a new company offering seamless IT and Telecoms systems and support.

As of the beginning of the month, Puretel has formalised its partnership with IT Support Worx of Ellesmere Port, to form Coactive ICT.

The two companies have already been working closely together, with developing technology leading to an increasing overlap in their respective services.

Coactive’s IT specialists are John Kilkenny and Marc Halstead.

Marc said: "We provide hardware and software services, but it’s really about the people, not the technology. Our clients know that whether it’s a new system or ongoing support, we’ll get to know them and their business, so that we can provide the best solutions. When they have a problem, we’re at the end of the phone – or we’ll go out to their premises to make sure we get them up and running."

Existing clients will be able to keep the same people as their key contacts with no change in contract pricing.

Coactive ICT is aiming to take turnover past £1 million within three years, with recruitment plans for its new Cranage office.

John said: "We’re building on a solid foundation of more than 40 years’ experience across our respective specialisms and we’re all very excited about the future.

"By 2025, BT plans to have shut down its traditional telephone network in Britain and shifted all customers over to its fibre network and IP telephony services – in other words all ‘voice’ communication will be through the internet.

"As people prepare for this, the combining of IT and Telecoms services will make even more sense."