First Focus is an Australian managed service provider (MSP) founded in 2003 and headquartered in Sydney.[1] The company provides managed IT services to businesses in Australia and internationally.[2]
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | IT Managed Services |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | , |
Number of locations | Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Auckland, Manila |
Key people |
|
| Services | IT support, cloud services, cybersecurity, unified communications |
Number of employees | 300+ (2024) |
| Website | firstfocus |
As of 2024, First Focus employs over 300 staff across offices in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Ireland, and South Africa.[3] The company has been described by industry publication, Channel Insider, as "one of the largest MSPs in Australia"[3] following a series of acquisitions.
First Focus is the title sponsor for the Motorsport Australia, Radical Cup Australia. In 2024 the Series became known as the First Focus Radical Cup Australia.
History
editFirst Focus was established in 2003 as an IT managed services provider.[1] The company grew organically for its first eleven years, completing its first acquisition in 2014.[1] Following this single acquisition, First Focus returned to organic growth until 2021.
In 2021, First Focus began acquiring other companies.[1] The company's acquisition activity increased in 2023, when it completed six acquisitions including Brisbane-based eStorm, enterprise-focused Ordyss, EnactMSP, communications specialist Flexnet, networking company The Specializt, and Melbourne-based Rock IT.[1]
In 2024, First Focus increased acquisition activity with four major purchases. In February, the company acquired Adelaide-based Enee,[2] followed by Lettscom in July.[2] In November, First Focus purchased Melbourne-based Section Group to expand into website design and digital marketing services.[2] In December, the company acquired Brisbane-based Xari Group, strengthening its security and disaster recovery capabilities.[4][5]
Most recently, in February 2025, First Focus acquired South Australia-based Tie Networks, expanding into unified communications solutions.[6]
Business model and operations
editFirst Focus operates as a managed service provider, providing IT infrastructure management and support services to business clients.[1] The company has expanded its service offerings through acquisitions, which have added cloud transformation, cybersecurity, and virtual chief information officer services to its portfolio.[1]
In 2024, the company acquired Section Group, expanding its operations in Victoria and adding website design and digital marketing services.[2] The acquisition of Tie Networks added unified communications capabilities.[6] According to Channel Insider, the Section Group acquisition allows the company to serve smaller businesses seeking consolidated IT services.[3]
First Focus holds Microsoft partner status and has published case studies of its cloud transformation projects, including work with Energy Action.[7] Company representatives have provided commentary on artificial intelligence strategy implementation in industry publications.[8]
Radical Cup Sponsorship
editFirst Focus owner, Peter Paddon, has been a registered driver in the Radical Cup Australia since 2013[9] . In 2024, First Focus became title sponsors of the cup, with the event becoming known as the First Focus Radical Cup Australia.[10] The First Focus branded series receives broadcast coverage through the Seven Network, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports,[11] as part of the SRO Motorsports Australia platform.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g "Australian MSP First Focus Accelerates Acquisitions to Round Out 2023". Channel Insider. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "First Focus acquires Section Group for website, digital marketing services push". ARN. 4 November 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ a b c "Australian MSP First Focus Makes Third Acquisition in 2024". Channel Insider. 8 November 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ "First Focus expands to over 300 with Xari Group acquisition". ARN. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ Once, Liezel (14 February 2025). "Australian IT giant First Focus grows with Tie Networks buyout". Outsource Accelerator. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ^ a b "First Focus heads into the UC space with Tie Networks buy". ARN. 10 February 2025. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ Microsoft News Center (5 May 2021). "Energy Action fires up cloud based digital platform, plans AI push to rein in costs, speed growth". Microsoft News. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ "Harnessing AI in Business: Why Strategy Matters". IT News. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2025.
- ^ "Peter Paddon". Driver Database. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
- ^ Craill, Richard (2024-04-04). "First Focus for Radical Cup in 2024". The Race Torque. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
- ^ Miles, Thomas (2024-05-15). "Radicals return to Perth, Price racing for special cause". Auto Action. Retrieved 2025-01-11.
- ^ "Seven Network locked in for Shannons SpeedSeries". SpeedSeries. Retrieved 2025-01-11.