Headcount: 65 (+110%)
Specialism: Sage
HQ: Stockport
Our numbers can’t quite keep pace with the frenetic growth of this highly acquisitive Sage partner.
While Innov8’s average monthly headcount vaulted from 31 to 65 between its fiscal 2021 and 2024, it ended 2025 with 125 staff and runrate revenues of £20m, MD Carl Maher told us.
The Stockport-based Sage 50, Sage 200, Sage Intacct and Sage CRM specialist has “well-established relationships” with fellow solution providers including Eureka and Panintelligence.
More acquisitions are planned for 2026, Maher stresses (see below).
View the wider Fast-Growth 50 here.
Q&A with Innov8 Technology MD Carl Maher
How have you been able to increase headcount in a flat market?
Via organic growth and strategic acquisitions – we made 5 acquisitions in 2025.
What mega trend do you think will most shape the year for your company?
Definitely AI and the drive to digitisation due to the uncertain costs of hardware.
Which competitor or peer do you respect the most, and why?
I’d have to say Kinspeed, because despite an ever-increasing competitive marketplace, they always remain professional and we even reclassify them as a ‘frenemy’.
What’s a fact or quirk about your company most people won’t know about?
Most people know us as a reputable Sage Business Partner, because in the Sage ecosystem we are a big player. But we are also a Microsoft Partner and Software Author.
Does the rise of AI and automation make it less likely you’ll continue to add headcount at the same rate in the coming years?
No, definitely not. It just means we will evolve and adapt. Future roles will be created that don’t necessarily exist today.
Name one thing you have planned for the next 12 months
Further acquisitions – watch this space!
