Hybrid Anchor acquires Off Canvas, creating 40 new jobs

Web and software development specialist Hybrid Anchor has acquired Edinburgh-based tech support firm Off Canvas in a business deal expected to create 40 jobs over the next three years.

This development coincides with Hybrid Anchor’s third year in operation. The company, headquartered in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, plans to fill various key positions in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The acquisition is part of Hybrid Anchor's ongoing expansion strategy, which includes employment opportunities in Scotland and Manchester.

Details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, but the strategic move is designed to address resource constraints in the tech industry, specifically in balancing project execution with help desk support.

Off Canvas, founded by Phil Holt in Edinburgh in September 2020, specialises in providing day-to-day support through PHP-based content management systems. The firm services notable clients like Colleges Scotland, agricultural cooperative United Farmers Ltd, and Forest Carbon, the UK's leading developer of woodland carbon capture projects audited under the government’s Woodland Carbon Code.

The acquisition has successfully retained 100 per cent of Off Canvas's clients. Glasgow entrepreneur and Hybrid Anchor Managing Director John Loudon believes the acquisition will significantly benefit the digital agency sector. "Negotiations have been ongoing for some time, and I am delighted to conclude the acquisition," said Loudon. "This allows Hybrid Anchor to further enhance its core competencies in software, mobile applications, and website development, while offering specialised support services through Off Canvas."

Loudon added, "We have grown successfully since starting out in March 2021, and our model is so strong we will not only retain the current staff but also recruit additional staff. Our three-year plan involves creating around 40 jobs. By dedicating resources solely to ongoing support, we will eliminate the frantic scramble of firefighting and prioritise efficient issue resolution, ensuring client satisfaction."

Hybrid Anchor's client base includes prominent names such as publishing giant DC Thomson, Danish interior designers BoConcept Scotland, and Glasgow pharmaceutical supply company Teleta.

Loudon remains optimistic about Hybrid Anchor's growth trajectory. "We are a consultancy-led agency putting strategy and digital at the forefront of what we do. We will now continue to focus on web software, web development, and mobile application development. I am optimistic about the trajectory of our business over the next few years, and with this cornerstone now in place, I expect to grow quickly. We are a local company with a global outlook and have taken full advantage of having access to the best talent regardless of where they are based."

Loudon sees this acquisition as a pivotal step in the company’s strategic plan. "It's a pivotal step forward in our strategic plan, and we couldn't be more excited about the opportunities it brings. Decoupling our support contracts and taking full advantage of having an entire company focused on support will allow us to remain agile and working at the pace and quality our clients have grown accustomed to," he said.

Phil Holt, the founder of Off Canvas, also expressed optimism about the acquisition. "Off Canvas is a unique business model that really helps clients get the best possible ongoing support for their website and web applications. With John’s energy and ideas further elevating the concept I created, I fully expect the business to reach the next level under his guidance," he said.