First Focus acquires Wellington MSP Resolve Technology

First Focus has acquired Wellington-based managed IT services provider Resolve Technology, strengthening its presence in the New Zealand capital and adding specialist capability in the legal and healthcare sectors.

Resolve has operated since 2007 and built a client base among law firms, health providers, community organisations and other professional and regulated businesses.

First Focus said it has supported clients in New Zealand for more than a decade and currently employs more than 100 staff across Auckland, Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch; Wellington is described as an important next location in its New Zealand expansion.

For Resolve clients, First Focus said continuity is the priority - existing relationships and support will remain in place while clients progressively gain access to the broader managed services, AI, automation, cyber security and cloud capabilities available through the combined business.

Resolve founder Simon Falconer will remain with First Focus in a vCAIO (virtual chief AI and innovation officer) role, working with clients across New Zealand. 

"Wellington was an important next location for us in New Zealand and Resolve gives us a great team on the ground with particularly strong experience across the legal and healthcare sectors," said Ross Sardi, managing director at First Focus.

"Simon staying on in a vCAIO role was a big part of what made this a good fit. Through our success with CORE, we're seeing strong demand from clients wanting practical help to identify where AI can improve their business and then implement it properly."

Falconer said the decision was driven by finding the right long-term home for Resolve's clients and team.

“The question wasn’t whether to bring in a partner, but which one would be worth joining. First Focus was the clear answer," he said.

"They have deep roots in New Zealand, more than 100 specialists across the country, and importantly, decisions about New Zealand clients and people are made here in New Zealand.

“For our clients, continuity comes first - the same relationships and people they trust, with considerably more depth and capability behind them. I’m also genuinely excited to stay with First Focus and take the practical AI work I’ve been doing with professional services firms to a much broader client base.”

The acquisition is the fourth for the company this year, with all four companies bought being in New Zealand: OneHQ in June; Optimus Systems in May; and CNX in March.