In what is thought to be Northern Ireland’s first social economy sector merger, Avec Solutions and Computer Connections have joined forces to become the leading provider of IT support and web development services to the third sector.

With a team of six full-time engineers and six associate engineers to call upon, the new company, operating under the Avec Solutions banner, is now providing support and services to almost 200 clients throughout Northern Ireland.

Former Computer Connections manager, Robin Montgomery, is heading up the new IT support team, while Geoffrey Ready will manage Avec’s rapidly expanding website development and internet hosting division, services which extend the company’s reach well beyond a Northern Ireland client base. Overall leadership continues to be provided by chief executive Maurice Kinkead, who is also taking direct control of quality management in the growing business.

Speaking after the merger was announced, Alan Thomson, chief executive of Avec’s longstanding client the Orchardville Society said: “This is great news. We have been very happy with the quality of service provided by Avec over the past ten years but as our own IT needs continue to develop we can now rely on an even greater range of skills and expertise at our disposal.”

Also welcoming the news was Peter MacCafferty, Managing Director of Cúnamh ICT in Derry, a ‘partner company’ with Avec. “I have worked with both Avec Solutions and Computer Connections in recent years,” said Peter, “and as we are selling our software products across the UK, with client and technical support provided by Avec Solutions, I am glad to have an even stronger team to rely on.”

The newly combined team will operate from Avec Solutions’ existing base in Avalon House in Belfast and can be contacted on 028 9045 9000, by email at info@avecsolutions.com.