Service Provider TSG has acquired Creative Computing Solutions, an established Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central partner known for its work with the likes of Hat Trick Productions, whose credits include programmes such as Derry Girls, Outnumbered and Have I Got News For You.
The acquisition will see Creative Computing Solutions’ existing customers and employees benefit from TSG’s broader managed IT services capability, expertise, and resources as a leading Microsoft partner. For Creative Computing customers, it is “business as usual”, their contracts, support and day-to-day contacts all remain exactly the same.
Rory McKeand, CEO of TSG, has commented:
“For us, Creative Computing Solutions was a natural fit, offering an established Business Central customer base, the technical expertise our partners expect, and complementary capabilities that will further enhance our offering. The most important thing for us is that Creative Computing Solutions’ customers keep what already works. They will continue to have access to the people, support contacts and specialist Business Central expertise they know, while gaining the additional depth TSG can provide across managed IT, cloud, cyber security, business applications, data and AI. They will also benefit from TSG Academy – the most-used Microsoft training platform in the UK, which is absolutely free to our customers.”
Based in Maidenhead, having built a strong reputation over 35 years, Creative Computing Solutions has circa. 100 customers and offers a particular specialism in the production and media sectors. The acquisition will see Creative Computing Solutions’ CEO, Justin Farmiloe, step into the TSG management team as CTO, while the business’s existing contracts, support arrangements, and the intellectual property of all bespoke customer solutions will remain unchanged.
Headquartered in Gateshead and employing around 300 people, TSG delivers world-class leading customer support to businesses using Microsoft Dynamics, Sage and Pegasus business applications, and broader Microsoft technologies in industries including professional services, healthcare, food and beverage, education and manufacturing. Customers include companies such as Perspective Financial, Day Lewis Pharmacies and McQueen’s Dairies.
The multi-million-pound acquisition deal forms part of TSG’s continued growth trajectory. The acquisition is set to double TSG’s Business Central practice, increase the company’s headcount by approximately 8%, and will enhance the business’s technical expertise, specialist sector knowledge and Microsoft solutions capability.
Justin Farmiloe, now Chief Technology Officer at TSG (formerly CEO of Creative Computing Solutions), commented:
“Creative Computing Solutions has built its reputation on long-term customer relationships, practical support and deep Business Central expertise. In choosing TSG, it was important to find a partner that understood our customers, our people and the specialist capability we have developed. This acquisition gives us the scale and wider expertise to do more for customers, while protecting the relationships and support they already trust.”
TSG completed the acqusition of Dayta in late 2024. Dayta was a specialist provider of accountancy software and financial management solutions for schools and multi-academy trusts. The acquisition strengthened TSG’s presence in the education sector and was described at the time as the first step in its post-MBO acquisition strategy.
What happens to the Creative Computing brand and apps?
For the short-term, Creative Computing will retain its overarching brand, and any changes will be communicated to customers clearly. Creative Computing’s specialist TV and media apps will be supported: Just-TV, Just-ROYALTIES and Just-TALENT will remain in place and continue to be supported and developed as part of TSG.
