Welcoming TC Solutions to the dbfb group

We’re excited to share some big news: we’ve completed the acquisition of Milton Keynes-based Totally Converged Solutions (TC Solutions). This move expands our regional footprint, strengthens our customer relationships, and brings together two like-minded teams with a shared focus on service.

Left: Simon Dixon, Managing Director (TC Solutions), Right: Simon Pickering, Managing Director (dbfb)

Why TC Solutions?

When we set out with our advisers at Evolution Capital to find a business that aligned with our values and long-term vision, TC Solutions stood out straight away. With strong customer loyalty, a hands-on service ethos, and a proven track record in mobile, telephony and connectivity, they felt like a natural fit.

“We’ve grown TC Solutions from the ground up, and after 17 years we were ready to look at the next step. We’re both staying on – and that matters. We’ve worked with many of our customers since day one, so getting the transition right is a top priority.

What stood out about Simon and the dbfb team was their personal, customer-focused approach. Our customers will be in good hands.

We’re excited to get to know the team and bring the best of both businesses together.”

— Andrew Thomas, Director, TC Solutions

Founders Simon Dixon and Andrew Thomas will remain in the business, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing continuity for customers.

What does this mean for all our customers?

This is about building on what we all do best. TC Solutions brings extra depth to our customer-first model, reinforcing the principles we’ve always stood by:

• Relationships that last – Their long-standing partnerships mirror our own approach to support and service.

• Shared values – A commitment to responsiveness, reliability, and real human support.

• Stronger presence – A deeper local connection to the Milton Keynes business community.

No changes to contracts or support. Just the same reliable service, with a few more friendly faces behind the scenes.

Growing our Milton Keynes footprint

Milton Keynes is one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities and a key part of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. While we’ve served businesses in the area for years, this acquisition brings us even closer to the heart of the region’s growth.

“Working with Simon and the dbfb team has been a fantastic example of how a clear M&A strategy can be successfully implemented. From initiating a long-term relationship with a leading funder in Santander, to identifying a target that fits dbfb’s growth ambitions, Evolution Capital’s collaborative approach has delivered a great outcome for both buyer and seller.

“It’s been a pleasure to work so well as a team – and we look forward to supporting dbfb in its continued growth.

— Charlie Futcher, Transaction Manager, Evolution Capital

More progress, same principles

Over the past year we’ve expanded our team, grown our IT and bulk text messaging services, and delivered double-digit revenue growth. Welcoming TC Solutions is the next step – and we’re continuing to explore opportunities that help us deliver more for customers.

“We’ve grown significantly over the past year – welcoming new talent into the business and deepening our capabilities in IT and bulk text messaging,” said Simon Pickering, Managing Director at dbfb. “It’s a fast-moving market, and businesses like TC Solutions, that lead with service and innovation, continue to thrive. For Simon and Andy, this was a natural next step – and with them staying on, we’re even better placed to help all our customers adapt, grow and benefit more from their technology.

“Ultimately, this deal is about strengthening what we do best – delivering performance and productivity for our customers.”

— Simon Pickering, Managing Director, dbfb

We’re looking forward to the next chapter—and we’re glad to be doing it with people who care about customers as much as we do.

Want to know more?

Visit our services page,  business mobile page or get in touch to see how else we can support your business.

You can also follow the journey on LinkedIn for updates from Simon, Andrew and the wider team.

Don’t let the long acronym put you off – Data Management as a Service (DMaaS) is a simple and brilliant way to keep all your data in one place, saving you the hassle that normally comes with data governance. If your business processes a lot of data, DMaaS can make your work more efficient and keep your data accessible and protected. 

What is DMaaS? 

Traditional data management systems keep your data on-premises and involve tedious organising and monitoring of multiple different silos – an outdated process that keeps you from running your business.  

With a DMaaS, you can keep all your data in one place with nifty cloud-based storage. From data collection, to storage, to analysis, for structured or unstructured data, everything you need is stored neatly, and securely, in a single platform.  

Sound good to you? Get in touch to improve your data management. 

Benefits of DMaaS 

Let artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) do the heavy lifting. Automated services can quickly search and manage heaps of data for you and minimise the risk of human error, saving you time and effort with your data storage. 

DMaaS is also cost-effective. It operates on a consumption-based model, so you only need to pay for the infrastructure that your company uses – meaning no capital expenses (CapEx) or operational expenses (OpEx) and unforeseen charges you might deal with for traditional storage. 

Setting up DMaaS is simple – choose from a range of storage options and let your service provider manage the hardware, software, management, support and any other resources you may need.  

Diligent data security means you can rest assured that your data is protected. As soon as potential cyberthreats emerge, the automated platform can identify, alert, and resolve them. 

Call 01604 673320 or email discover@dbfb.co.uk to learn how dbfb can help you get organised with a cost-effective, secure, and modern form of data management.   

Modern businesses (and let’s be honest, most of us) depend on having quick Wi-Fi connections and signal. It is the way in which we communicate, complete our work, and without it, many business processes grind to a halt.  

Network performance refers to the response times of your network and how quickly it performs the actions you tell it to. We’ve all experienced that feeling of loading limbo, staring at a buffering icon for what feels like an endless amount of time whilst waiting for that important email to land in our recipient’s inbox. A clear sign of poor performance. To improve your network performance, read on to learn some common problems you may be facing. 

Wi-Fi Interference 

Most problems with performance are due to Wi-Fi interference. This is when the Wi-Fi network becomes congested or interrupted with too many competing signals.  

When two or more wireless networks use the same channel (or even adjacent channels), the devices end up competing for limited bandwidth, slowing down your network connection. This is a common problem in urban areas, where there are many people and many devices all trying to connect to the internet. To solve this problem, you can introduce multiple routers or different channels where congestion tends to occur. 

Wireless devices that use Bluetooth can also interrupt your connection as they operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi. Try switching to wired connections instead or move wireless devices away from your routers.  

Your office microwave might be the culprit for your slow internet. Electrical devices like microwaves or infrared sensors which produce electromagnetic fields can disrupt your Wi-Fi signals. Investing in shielded Ethernet cables or moving these devices away from routers should fix the problem. 

If you want to find out if you are struggling with Wi-Fi interference, you can book a Wi-Fi site survey to determine where your issues may lie.  

Want some advice on how to improve the performance of your networks? Get in touch with us today. 

Physical obstacles 

Walls, doors, and furniture can block Wi-Fi signals, slowing down your internet connections. To overcome this, try moving your routers to more open areas. This includes closer to your workstations, and away from concrete, metal, or plaster.  

Technology upgrades 

Outdated network security protections and firmware can also disrupt your connection and stop your system from working at its optimum capacity. If your bandwidth cannot keep up with the amount of data your company produces, upgrading your internet lines can improve this issue. Introducing switches can improve network latency, as it allows messages to be transmitted exclusively to the recipient, as opposed to passing them through the whole network. 

Wi-Fi issues can be a headache, and when so many modern devices operate with Bluetooth or the internet, finding the root cause of poor network performance can feel impossible. At dbfb Communications we can help you stay connected so you can focus on your work instead of your router. Email us at discover@dbfb.co.uk or call us on 01604 673320 to learn more about connected services. 

By Paul Sculthorpe MBE

I’ve spent my life in sport—first as a player, now as a businessman. And one thing remains the same: margins matter. The smallest improvements make the biggest difference. Whether it’s an extra 1% in fitness, a smarter game plan, or just having the right tools at the right time—it all adds up to success.

But here’s the thing: sport isn’t just about what happens on the pitch. Clubs are businesses. They need to deliver for the fans, the players, and the board. And in today’s world, that means embracing digital sport—using tech to engage supporters, empower coaches, and protect players. Those who do it well? They’ll dominate both on and off the field.

Keeping fans hooked

Fans are the heartbeat of any club. Without them, there’s no atmosphere, no revenue, no club. But the way fans engage with sport has changed—it’s not just about 80 minutes on a Saturday anymore. They want instant updates, behind-the-scenes content, and seamless matchday experiences.

With WiFi, 5G, and digital platforms, clubs can make matchdays smooth and hassle-free—no more faffing about with paper tickets, no more queues for food, just instant access to everything they need. And let’s talk loyalty. The best clubs know their fans—what they like, when they attend, what they buy. Using data, clubs can offer personalised content, exclusive deals, and VIP experiences that keep supporters engaged week in, week out.

Smarter coaching, bigger results

I’ve worked with some of the best coaches in the game, and one thing is clear: coaching isn’t guesswork. The best teams are the best-prepared teams. Back in my playing days, we relied on instinct, experience, and a bit of video analysis. Now? Tech takes it to another level.

With AI-driven performance tracking, movement analysis, and real-time insights, coaches can make smarter, sharper decisions. They can spot weaknesses before the opposition does, fine-tune training sessions, and adapt game plans instantly. And it’s not just about matchday—digital tools mean coaches and players can stay connected, analyse footage, and strategise from anywhere. The clubs that use this properly? They gain the edge.

Looking after the lads

Ask any player—injuries are the toughest part of the game. No one wants to be sat in the stands when they should be on the pitch. But with 15% of players injured at any one time, clubs lose millions every year. Digital sport changes the game here too.

With AI-powered injury prevention, personalised rehab plans, and wearable tracking, clubs can keep players fitter for longer. It’s not just about physical injuries either—mental health is huge. The game’s faster, tougher, and more demanding than ever. Players need support—proper recovery spaces, data-led wellbeing tracking, and access to mental health resources. When players are in the best shape physically and mentally, they perform.

Clubs that get this, win

Look, sport will always be about talent, passion, and hard work. But the reality is, clubs that embrace digital innovation will be the ones lifting the trophies. Those that ignore it? They’ll be left behind.

If you want to engage fans, support players, and give your coaching staff the best tools to win, digital sport isn’t optional—it’s essential.

The future of sport isn’t just about skill and strategy. It’s about technology, connectivity, and making smarter decisions.

Let’s get after it.

No matter what size or sector your business operates in, cybercrime is a very real (and very scary!) threat. While online tools make work quick and efficient, the more your business operates online, the more vulnerable your business becomes to attacks — which is something everyone wants to avoid. 

For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), managing their systems is a crucial task. But if your business is busy enough as it is and you don’t know where to begin with protecting your business from prying eyes, consider a cyber security management service. This will allow you to keep up with modern detection and response practices, and rest easy knowing your business is protected.  

To find out more about the services we offer, get in touch or read on to learn how managed cyber security can benefit your business: 

Quickly responding to emerging threats 

Thankfully, there are businesses offering managed cyber security services who can take over these important processes for those in need of protection. Managed cyber security firms are well-equipped and ready to respond to emerging threats. Experts manage ongoing cyber risks in real time and continuously work to improve existing protections, like personal bodyguards for your business. They w ill also have knowledge of cybersecurity regulations and be able to ensure that a business stays compliant with any legislation, avoiding any unfortunate visits from the government!  

Using resources and costs more effectively 

This allows businesses to focus on their core operations. The managed cyber security business can then handle their cybersecurity needs in a more cost-effective and resource-effective way. Better cyber security can also help the firm’s customers. It guarantees that their work and private information will be safe and protected. This includes payment details and confidential documents (which you really don’t want to fall into the wrong hands) and ensuring satisfaction for all involved.

Ready to protect your business from cyber spies? Get in touch to see how we can help fortify your online operations and provide you with peace of mind.  

Expert training for staff members 

Many cyber security firms also offer training to staff members of the organisations they support. This can help to prevent social engineering attacks, such as phishing emails. This helps to raise awareness of tricks used by scammers to allow staff members to stay vigilant when they are asked for information. Your business info should stay within the business! 

dbfb Communications provides cyber security management services to all types of businesses. We help keep their digital operations safe from the ever-evolving threat of cyberattacks and other risks.  

We provide a complete cybersecurity package. This includes mobile device management, Microsoft 365 Security, and cyber security awareness training, protecting businesses from the full range of major cybersecurity threats.  

Get in touch now to protect your business. Contact via live chat, call 01604 673320 or email discover@dbfb.co.uk to learn more. 

If your business is juggling multiple offices, data centres, or a growing number of remote working employees (and who isn’t these days?), then chances are your network could do with a bit of an upgrade. Enter Managed SD-WAN—the sleek, modern way to keep your digital operations fast, secure, and gloriously smooth. 

Let’s break it down… 

How Does Managed SD-WAN Work 

Think of SD-WAN services (that’s short for Software-Defined Wide Area Network) as your network’s personal traffic controller. It doesn’t matter where your people are logging in from—London, Leeds or lounging with a laptop in Lisbon—it makes sure your data takes the quickest, most efficient route every time. 

It does this with a clever combo of broadband internet, VPNs, and something called MPLS. All the traffic is monitored and managed centrally, allowing the system to adjust in real-time. Speeds stay up, delays stay down, and your team stays happy. 

And the best bit? It’s software-based, meaning it’s super flexible and quick to adapt—especially when cyber threats rear their ugly heads. 

SD WAN vs Traditional WAN  

Boost your network in just a few clicks! SD-WAN makes your business run faster and safer. Curious? Submit your enquiry today to learn how. 

Why Managed SD-WAN is Your Business’s New Best Friend 

Sure, SD-WAN sounds great. But who’s got the time (or the in-house experts) to manage all that? 

That’s where SD-WAN managed services steps in. A specialist provider (like us!) will handle the heavy lifting—installation, maintenance, real-time tweaks, and ongoing optimisation. You get all the benefits without the late-night troubleshooting sessions. 

Here’s what’s in it for you: 

✅ Save money – SD-WAN’s cost-effectiveness is clear. No more pricey legacy systems or hardware-heavy setups. SD-WAN works brilliantly with various ISPs and tech platforms, giving you the freedom to mix, match and ditch what you don’t need. 

✅ Boost efficiency – Enjoy lightning-fast performance and seamless connection across multiple locations. 

✅ Strengthen security – With centralised control and dynamic updates, your data’s in safe hands. 

✅ No tech headaches – Our experts run the show while you get on with running your business. 

Let’s Build You a Better Network 

At dbfb Communications, we tailor Managed SD-WAN solutions to fit businesses of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re scaling up, streamlining, or simply sick of laggy connections, we’ve got a package to suit your needs (and budget). 

Ready to simplify your network and supercharge your network performance? 

Contact us today about SD-WAN management via live chat, give us a ring on 01604 673320, or drop a line to discover@dbfb.co.uk. Your future network will thank you. 

Helping to make a difference for young patients and their families

At dbfb, giving back to our communities is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, supporting Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital—a place that holds deep personal meaning for our team.

At dbfb, giving back to our communities is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, supporting Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital—a place that holds deep personal meaning for our team.

Why this matters to us

For our Director, Paul Sculthorpe MBE, this partnership is more than just a commitment—it’s personal. In 2013, Paul’s daughter, Evie, was diagnosed with kidney cancer at just four years old.

Thanks to the incredible care at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, she made a full recovery. Now approaching her 16th birthday, Evie’s story is a testament to the life-changing work of the hospital.

Paul has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the hospital ever since. Now, with dbfb’s support, we’re proud to continue that mission.

How we’re supporting

We’re kicking off our partnership by attending the Champions for Children Gala Dinner this March—a major fundraising event that will help support vital hospital services and projects. But this is just the beginning. We’re committed to ongoing fundraising efforts that will make a real difference for children and families in need.

Making an impact

Our Managing Director, Simon Pickering, explains:

“Paul’s personal experience and the outstanding care his family received made this partnership an easy decision. As we expand our business into the Northwest, we want to give back to the community—and this is a cause that truly matters.”

Jack Bright, Relationship Manager at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, adds:

“We are thrilled to have dbfb’s support. Their fundraising will make a real difference to the futures of children and young people across the region and beyond.”

Join us in supporting this incredible cause

We’re just getting started, and we’re excited about the impact we can make together. Stay tuned for updates on our fundraising efforts and how you can get involved.

Find out more about the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity: www.mftcharity.org.uk