Avanade to acquire Robiquity in UK automation push

Avanade has agreed to acquire Robiquity, adding the Manchester-based automation and low-code specialist to its UK business.

Financial terms were not disclosed. Completion remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Founded in 2016, Robiquity focuses on AI-led business tools, intelligent automation and low-code development using Microsoft products including Power Platform, Copilot and Azure. Its customers have included EVRi, NHS Scotland, the Ministry of Justice, Virgin Media O2, WebBeds and Greater Manchester Police.

The deal expands Avanade's presence in a part of the UK market where companies are trying to turn AI spending into operational change. It is expected to strengthen the company's work with mid-market and enterprise clients using AI and automation in day-to-day processes.

The move also reflects continuing consolidation in the services market around Microsoft's AI and cloud software stack. Specialist firms that built practices around automation, copilots and low-code tools have become targets for larger consultancies and technology advisers seeking to broaden their offering and deepen delivery capacity.

Avanade pointed to its own research on the challenge facing businesses. Its AI Reality Report found that 61% of UK organisations do not believe AI is delivering returns that justify the investment being made.

According to Avanade, Robiquity brings a team with more than 200 Microsoft certifications. It also uses what it describes as a Solution Factory model to deliver projects designed to help organisations deploy and scale AI more consistently.

For Avanade, the acquisition adds skills in agentic AI, low-code development and automation delivery. For Robiquity, it offers access to Avanade's larger international business, industry relationships and links to the wider Microsoft ecosystem.

Avanade was founded by Microsoft and Accenture and says it works with more than 7,000 organisations. It also says it has 60,000 Microsoft professionals worldwide and more than 165,000 certifications.

Chris Howarth, Chief Executive Officer of Avanade, set out the rationale for the transaction.

"Robiquity has built something special, a team with deep Microsoft expertise, a genuine commitment to client outcomes and a culture of continuous learning that aligns closely with our own. That combination of technical excellence and people-first values is exactly what our clients need as they look to move from AI ambition to real, lasting impact. We're excited to welcome the Robiquity team to Avanade and to see what we can achieve together," Howarth said.

The acquisition underlines the importance of execution for companies trying to move beyond AI pilots. Many businesses have tested generative AI tools in isolated functions, but fewer have integrated them into wider workflows, data environments and legacy systems in ways that produce clear savings or measurable gains.

That creates demand for advisers that can combine software expertise with process redesign and deployment work. Robiquity's profile in intelligent automation and low-code implementation fits that need, particularly for organisations already committed to Microsoft technology.

The UK has been an active market for digital transformation projects in both the public and private sectors, with pressure on organisations to improve productivity while managing costs. Automation and AI tools are increasingly being assessed not only for new use cases, but also for their role in changing internal operations, customer service and compliance-heavy workflows.

Robiquity's customer list suggests experience across logistics, telecoms, travel, justice and policing, indicating a background in regulated and operationally complex settings. Those sectors often present the kind of fragmented processes and legacy technology estates that larger service providers are seeking to address through acquisitions of specialist firms.

Tom Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Robiquity, said the deal marked the next stage of the company's development.

"Joining Avanade is a natural next step for our business, creating exciting opportunities for our clients and our people. We believe Microsoft's technology has enormous potential to help businesses transform in an increasingly AI-enabled world. Becoming part of Avanade will allow us to bring our expertise to more clients and markets, while building on the culture and approach that have shaped Robiquity," Davies said.