Gemserv, the administrator of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS), has acquired two specialist consultancies specialising in digital services and cybersecurity in an effort to broaden its capabilities.

ASE Consulting and Aprose Risk were purchased for an undisclosed sum to create a combined group with 180 staff and annual revenues of more than £20 million.

Alex Goody, who was appointed chief executive of Gemserv in July, says the acquisitions represent a step change for the business at a time when significant opportunities are emerging as a result of the evolution of energy sector.

“The pace of change in the energy sector is accelerating and technology and data advances means it is increasingly connecting with other sectors such as transport and telecoms,” he said.

“These acquisitions will help Gemserv keep ahead of developments by enhancing our digital expertise. As well as significantly strengthening and broadening the services the combined business can offer to our existing clients, it will also expand the reach of Gemserv into exciting new areas.”

As well the administering MCS, Gemserv is also involved in the roll-out of smart meters across the country and is also moving into other areas such as electric vehicles and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

Robin O’Connor, a director of ASE and Aprose who is taking up the position of director of digital transformation at the combined business, said: “We have helped a range of clients across a number of sectors to identify, procure and then embrace the challenge and opportunity of technological change. That has given us valuable insight which we can now bring to a broader range of clients through joining forces with Gemserv.”

Gemserv was unavailable to comment on how the acquisitions may affect its role overseeing MCS.