2i Testing, the Edinburgh-based software testing company, has acquired nFocus, the UK’s longest established UK-owned testing consultancy.

The acquisition follows 2i’s recent investment from Rockpool and aligns with the company’s plan to accelerate market presence and diversify service offerings in the quality assurance space.

Dave Kelly, CEO of 2i, said: “nFocus aligns perfectly with our vision, culture, and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.”

Danny Crone, founder of Telford-based nFocus, said he was “overjoyed” by the deal.

2i aims to drive operational efficiencies, innovate service delivery, and further improve customer experiences.

Ryan James, managing director at nFocus said: “This is an exciting and pivotal moment for us.  Two of the most successful testing organisations in the UK coming together in an organic way to create something truly unique and remarkable.”

Over the past three years, nFocus has doubled its permanent headcount, acquired more than 40 additional clients, and launched a Test Engineer Academy that has helped to address an industrywide scarcity.

In the immediate term, both 2i and nFocus will continue to operate under their established brands, respecting their individual market recognitions. 

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Smart Data funding

Smart Data Foundry has been awarded £3 million to operate a new Financial Data Service, enabling more researchers to study the financial health of millions of households across the UK.

The funding is from Smart Data Research UK, part of UK Research and Innovation.

The new service, which will operate from SDF’s base at Edinburgh Futures Institute, will be part of a network of five other data services across the country.

Together, they will put the UK at the forefront of smart data research and innovation. Providing safe and efficient ways for researchers to access and use the smart data generated through everyday interactions with the digital world, including via mobile apps, navigation systems, social media and shopping.

Led by SDF’s Dougie Robb and Professor Chris Dibben from the University of Edinburgh, the new Financial Data Service will provide unprecedented insights into the economic health of the UK through secure access to de-identified banking and finance data from millions of households and businesses.