Capita’s IT services division has announced the acquisition of Sheffield-based Technophobia Limited, a developer of next generation web applications, for £6.3 million.

Technophobia's customer base comprises both public sector clients and private sector clients inlcuding Co-Operative Bank, Pizza Express and the Technology Strategy Board.

Technophobia’s turnover increased by 81% in two years and it came 69th in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 list of Britain’s fastest growing privately owned technology companies. The company also featured in the top 50 list of fastest growing digital media companies in Europe.

The acquisition adds valuable expertise to Capita’s existing capabilities, which will drive greater efficiencies across Capita Group, and also enhance its web based information management solutions such as websites, intranets and extranets for public and private sector customers. Emma Marshall will remain as managing director and will report into Paul Dawson, business director, systems integration, Capita. The business will be part of the IT Services division, but will remain a stand alone entity with a distinct identity.

“Technophobia has bucked the trend by growing significantly despite the challenging market conditions, so it’s an exciting acquisition for us”, said Paul Dawson, business director, systems integration, Capita. “Competition is tougher than ever for the private sector and having a website that is easy to navigate, intuitive and integrates neatly with other channels of communication – be that that internal or external - is essential. For the public sector, the trend is to move services online, enable self service and engage citizens in new ways. They want to have the ability to book and pay for waste collection, or change their address details at the click of a button. Together, we are in a great position to support our customers and help them to future-proof for the next wave of demands.”