South West IT company Acronyms has acquired another IT specialist, Cornwall's IT-OK, and will continue its growth plans with a new office expected to open in the Duchy in 2021.

The move allows Plymouth-headquartered Acronyms to increase the number of its clients in Cornwall, where IT-OK is based, bring on board specialist staff and continue ambitious growth plans.

The acquisition comes after discussions with former IT-OK directors Ian Chambers and Andrew Hampton, both of whom required more time to focus on their award-winning digital agency, Pitched.

This acquisition is in-line with Acronyms ambitious growth strategy and the company’s determination to support the Cornish market and reinforce its position as a leading IT consultancy in the South West.

Dave Smith, founder of Acronyms

Alongside taking ownership of all existing IT-OK contracts, the acquisition means Acronyms is also welcoming two IT technicians to the team. Both will play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition for clients. They also bring their knowledge and experience to the existing team of engineers, helping to provide IT support across the region.

It now has an aim of opening an Acronyms Cornish office in early 2021, just months after expanding its office space at Plymouth Science Park.

“We are delighted to have acquired IT-OK. The business that Ian and Andrew have built up gives us a great opportunity to continue their success in Cornwall,” said Dave Smith, managing director at Acronyms.

“Despite COVID-19 we have continued to build and grow and, at a time when we are helping more of our customers deal with an ever-changing world, IT is playing an increasingly important role.

“Our success is also in-line with the great levels of innovation and technological advancement in the South West. Too often we’re considered a backwater, but nothing could be further from the truth.

How to contact William Telford and Business Live

Business Live's South West Business Reporter is William Telford. William has more than a decade's experience reporting on the business scene in Plymouth and the South West. He is based in Plymouth but covers the entire region.

To contact William: Email: william.telford@reachplc.com - Phone: 01752 293116 - Mob: 07584 594052 - Twitter: @WTelfordHerald - LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com - Facebook: www.facebook.com/william.telford.5473

Stay in touch: BusinessLive newsletters have been re-designed to make them even better. We send morning bulletins straight to your inbox on the latest news, views and opinion in the South West. Get our breaking news alerts and weekly sector reviews too. Sign up now - it's free and it only takes a minute. To sign up for Business Live's daily newsletters click here.

And visit the Business Live South West LinkedIn page here


“As well as building our reputation across the region, we’re determined to ensure that the rest of the country starts to change its view and see the South West as a key area of tech innovation.

“This is an exciting time for us and to grow during a period of such uncertainty is a great reflection on how well the entire team is working and supporting clients.”

Acronyms, founded in 2003, provides businesses with IT support in the form of an outsourced help desk, alongside a range of associated products and services including unified communications, internet connectivity and disaster recovery solutions.

The company has worked throughout the coronavirus pandemic to support clients, which include care homes, charities and medical suppliers.

At the company’s busiest point during the height of the pandemic it saw fielded calls increase by 260% from the typical average.