Draft:QBS Technology Group

☆ Save On Wikipedia ↗
  • Comment: This is not an encyclopaedia article, this is a corporate presentation. We don't want you to tell us what your company does, how wonderful the leadership is, all the awards it has won, etc., you can save all that for your website. We want you to summarise what reliable and independent secondary sources have, on their own initiative (not based on press releases or advertorial content etc.), decided to say about your business and what in their view makes it worth of note.
    You should base this on 5 solid sources that clearly meet the WP:NCORP standard for notability, not WP:REFBOMB it with 55 flaky ones that don't. DoubleGrazing (talk) 12:14, 9 October 2025 (UTC)
  • Comment: In accordance with the Wikimedia Foundation's Terms of Use, I disclose that I have been paid by my employer for my contributions to this article. Shamina.feroz (talk) 11:15, 23 September 2025 (UTC)


QBS Technology Group is an enterprise software delivery platform headquartered in Alderley Edge, United Kingdom. The company is recognised as a specialist in long-tail software distribution, connecting thousands of independent software publishers with resellers, service providers, and enterprise customers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.[1].[2]

Founded in 1987, QBS has grown from a UK-based distributor into one of the largest software delivery platforms in the EMEA region. Since 2017, under the leadership of CEO Dave Stevinson,[3] the company has combined consistent organic growth with a bold acquisition strategy, building partnerships with more than 12,000 software publishers and serving a network of over 6,000 partners worldwide[4][5]

Alongside its long-tail expertise, QBS has developed a strong reputation in value-added distribution, with a particular focus on cybersecurity solutions. Its services include vendor enablement, renewals, licensing, and managed fulfilment, helping publishers scale and partners deliver software more effectively to end users.[6]

QBS operates under the motto "Where great people work together", emphasising both its people-first culture and its sustainability commitments. The company has been awarded Investors in People Gold accreditation and is one of the IT channel's first distributors to achieve B Corporation certification. Its ESG agenda includes independently verified carbon footprint reporting, ISO-certified governance systems, and alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)[7].[8][9]

With recurring revenues app

roaching US$600 million in 2025 and an ambition to achieve US$1 billion by 2030, QBS continues to expand internationally. Its strategy centres on four pillars: completing global coverage, strengthening enterprise and cybersecurity channel positioning, investing in people and integration, and optimising technology to better connect publishers and partners.[10][11][12]

History

QBS Software was founded in 1987 in the United Kingdom as a software distribution business. For more than three decades it operated primarily in the UK market before embarking on international expansion from 2017 under the leadership of CEO Dave Stevinson. Stevinson has been credited with transforming QBS into a pan-European platform and setting a target of achieving US$1 billion in revenue by 2030[13][14][15]

Operations

The company delivers a hybrid model of long-tail procurement and value-added distribution. It aggregates thousands of smaller independent software publishers and makes their products available to partners who would otherwise struggle to access them.

Services provided include:

  • Vendor enablement and onboarding.
  • Software licensing and renewals.
  • Managed fulfilment and logistics.
  • Multi-language account management and partner support.

As of 2025, QBS reports working with over 12,000 software publishers and more than 6,000 reseller and MSP partners[16][17]

Leadership

QBS Technology Group's leadership team reflects the company's growth from a UK-based distributor into a multinational software platform.

At the centre of this transformation is Dave Stevinson, who became Group Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Stevinson has overseen QBS's evolution into one of the fastest-growing software delivery platforms in EMEA, championing the long-tail software distribution model, spearheading a bold acquisition programme, and setting the ambitious target of reaching US$1 billion in revenues by 2030. His background in technology distribution and academic credentials from Lancaster University, Manchester Business School, and Harvard Business School have positioned him as the architect of QBS's growth trajectory.[14][15][18]

To support this vision, Tom Corrigan was appointed Chief Revenue Officer in 2025. With prior senior roles at Mimecast, Avnet, Tech Data (now TD Synnex), Corrigan brought with him deep expertise in enterprise software sales and channel execution. His remit is to accelerate global revenue growth while ensuring that expansion is carried out in an orderly, structured way, with particular emphasis on scaling QBS's cybersecurity-focused distribution and vendor portfolio[19][20][21]

Charlie Heald, Chief Financial Officer, joined QBS at a pivotal moment as the Group accelerates its global expansion and acquisition strategy. A Chartered Accountant who began his career at KPMG, Charlie went on to hold senior leadership roles at Softcat, where he was instrumental in shaping its rise into one of the UK's most admired technology businesses, and later supported high-growth digital companies such as Rightmove and Perspicuity.

At QBS, Charlie is more than a financial steward, he is a strategic leader helping to architect the Group's ambition to become the global category owner in software delivery. He is embedding world-class governance, driving investment discipline, and ensuring every acquisition strengthens profitability, resilience, and enterprise value. Charlie's blend of rigour and vision makes him an indispensable force within the leadership team, inspiring confidence that QBS will not only achieve its billion-dollar target but also build a lasting legacy as one of the most important technology companies of its generation.[22][23].[24]

Matthew Lee, Chief Development Officer, leads strategy and M&A development. His focus is on identifying growth opportunities and ensuring that QBS continues to expand its footprint through acquisitions and strategic initiatives. Lee has been instrumental in steering the company's development pipeline and aligning corporate strategy with its long-term growth objectives[13][12].[25]

The Group's commercial strategy is guided by Oliver Roth, Group Chief Commercial Officer, who joined after the acquisition of Prianto, which he co-founded. Roth is responsible for driving QBS's commercial direction across Europe, strengthening vendor partnerships, and consolidating its enterprise market position. His experience as a founder has brought valuable perspective to QBS's leadership bench[26][27].[28]

Steven Turner, Chief Legal Officer, oversees governance, compliance, and risk management across QBS's international operations. His leadership ensures that the company's expansion is supported by robust legal structures and strong governance frameworks.[29][30]

William Geens, also a co-founder of Prianto, now serves as a strategic advisor to the Group. His insights and experience continue to contribute to QBS's long-term vision as it deepens its international presence.[31][32][12]

Together, QBS's leadership team blends vision, commercial execution, financial discipline, legal oversight, and strategic insight, ensuring that the company is equipped to deliver on its ambitious growth plans while maintaining a strong focus on people, governance, and sustainability.

Acquisitions and Expansion

QBS has pursued a strategy of growth through acquisitions across Europe and the META region.

  • Prianto Group (2025): QBS acquired Prianto, encompassing 12 companies in 10 countries, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Turkey, South Africa and Hungary. This increased recurring revenues to around US$600 million and expanded the workforce to more than 400 employees[13].[28][12]
  • Emerging Market Technologies (EMT) (2025): QBS acquired Dubai-based EMT, expanding into the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Gulf region[33][34].[35]
  • Earlier acquisitions: Since 2017, QBS has acquired distributors such as KSoft Kft (Hungary), Maxtec and Titus (South Africa), InfoNet and Elmer Yazılım (Turkey), along with regional subsidiaries of Prianto[35][36][37][38].[16]

Human Capital, Integration and ESG

QBS positions human capital and sustainability at the centre of its corporate strategy, guided by its motto "Where great people work together."

Culture and People Strategy

The company highlights its values of being Successful, Accountable, Trusting, and Passionate. Its culture emphasises personal growth, recognition, learning opportunities, and creating a workplace where employees feel engaged and valued[39]

Investors in People (Gold Accreditation)

In 2023, QBS achieved Gold accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), an international benchmark for leadership and employee management. Only around a quarter of IIP-certified organisations achieve Gold. CEO Dave Stevinson has stated that staff welfare and development are integral to the group's environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, noting that "we take great care of our people because all of our people take great care of our partners and publishers"[40][41].[42][43][44]

B Corp Certification

QBS became one of the first IT distributors in Europe to achieve B Corporation (B Corp) status in 2022. Certification covered its operations in the UK, Germany, France and the Nordics, and the company achieved a B Impact Score of 93.6[45][46].[8]

Integration and Post-Acquisition Focus

Having made nine acquisitions in recent years, QBS has emphasised cultural and organisational integration. The company has developed dedicated methodologies to ensure newly acquired teams are aligned in terms of culture, values, and people practices. Senior HR leadership appointments, such as Paula Reader as People Director, have supported the building of a structured human capital function covering People Operations, Leadership Development, and Talent Acquisition[25][46].[45][8]

ESG Commitments

QBS positions itself as purpose-driven and has legally amended its articles of association to recognise multiple stakeholder groups beyond shareholders. Its ESG strategy includes:

  • Regular carbon footprint reporting and sustainability commitments.
  • ISO certifications including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 27001.
  • Industry certifications such as Cyber Essentials.
  • Participation in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Science Based Targets initiative.[45]

Financials, Targets, and Future Ambitions

QBS Technology Group has built a reputation as one of the fastest-growing software delivery platforms in EMEA, combining consistent organic growth with a disciplined acquisition strategy. Following its acquisition of Prianto Group in 2025, the company reported recurring revenues of around US$600 million, a workforce of more than 400 employees, and operations spanning 12 geographies[27][13]

Current Financial Position

As of 2025,QBS Technology Group has emerged as one of the fastest-growing software distributors in EMEA, with a financial profile that blends high growth with predictable recurring income. Following the acquisition of Prianto Group in 2025, QBS reported recurring revenues of approximately US$600 million, annual invoiced sales exceeding £350 million, and a workforce of over 400 people across 12 geographies.[12]

The Group's revenue streams are highly diversified. A significant proportion derives from recurring income models, including software renewals, subscriptions, and multi-year vendor agreements. This emphasis on renewals and contract-based revenues provides the company with strong cashflow predictability and resilience, even in volatile market conditions.[12]

QBS's acquisition-led expansion has also strengthened its balance sheet through vendor diversification and geographic reach. Its network now spans more than 12,000 software publishers and over 6,000 reseller partners, enabling broad coverage across enterprise software categories — with a particular concentration in cybersecurity distribution, one of the fastest-growing areas of IT spend.[16]

In addition to top-line growth, QBS has placed emphasis on profitability and margin expansion. Its strategy materials highlight recurring EBITDA improvements and high cash conversion, achieved through integration synergies, standardisation of systems, and a value creation plan focused on operational efficiency.

Growth Trajectory and Targets

QBS has set a public ambition to achieve US$1 billion in annual revenues by 2030, driven by organic growth and further international expansion.[11]

Short-term priorities include scaling operations in Europe and the META region, deepening vendor relationships, and strengthening partner ecosystems. Medium-term ambitions involve broadening global reach and building its long-tail vendor portfolio.

Recurring Revenues and Cashflow

The Group highlights the importance of recurring revenues from subscriptions, renewals, and vendor contracts as a foundation for predictable cashflows and resilience.[14]

ESG and Financial Commitments

QBS links financial performance to sustainability. It is a B Corporation[43]and holds Investors in People Gold accreditation.[9] In FY2025, the company reported a carbon footprint of 18,695 tCO2e, independently verified under the GHG Protocol (QBS Carbon Report 2025).

The company has committed to reduce its footprint in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and maintain ISO and PAS certifications, while continuing to invest in its workforce and governance structures.

Future Ambitions

QBS has outlined ambitions to:

  • Grow revenues to US$1 billion by 2030.
  • Expand in Europe and the META region, with additional international reach expected through acquisitions and partnerships.
  • Strengthen its proprietary software delivery platform and integrate with hyperscale marketplaces.
  • Invest in people through structured initiatives supporting talent development, leadership, and workplace culture.
  • Lead the IT distribution channel in ESG commitments and certifications.

Awards and Accolades

QBS Team at the PCR Awards 2025
  • PCR Awards - Company of the Year - 2025 - PCR Awards[47]
  • PCR Awards - Security Distributor of the Year - 2025[47]
  • Nitro EMEA Distributor of the Year – 2024 – Nitro Software Partner Awards[48]
  • Specialist Distributor of the Year (Winner) – 2024 – PCR Awards[49]
  • Software/Cloud Distributor of the Year (Finalist) – 2023 – PCR Awards[50]
  • Security Distributor of the Year (Finalist) – 2023 – PCR Awards[50]
  • Specialist Distributor of the Year (Finalist) – 2023 – PCR Awards[50]
  • Investors in People Gold Accreditation – 2023 – Investors in People[44][40]
  • B Corp Certification – 2022 – B Lab[43]
  • Ranked 12th in Top Distributors List – 2022 – CRN[51]
  • Sustainable Distributor of the Year – 2022 – CRN Tech Impact Awards[52]
  • Software and Services Distributor of the Year – Winner - 2021 – PCR Tech Awards[53]
  • Sustainable Distributor of the Year – 2021 – CRN Tech Impact Awards (CRN Winners)
  • Software Distributor of the Year (Highly Commended) – 2020 – PCR Awards[54]
  • Specialist Distributor of the Year (Finalist) – 2020 – PCR Awards[55]
  • Software Distributor of the Year (Finalist) – 2019 – PCR Awards[56]
  • Software Distributor of the Year (Finalist) – 2018 – PCR Awards[56]

References

  1. "QBS Technology Group overview". QBS Technology.
  2. "Qbs Software About Us". Qbs Software.
  3. https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/events/networking-lunch
  4. "PCR Online - QBS Technology". PCR Online.
  5. "QBS Software - About Us". QBS Software.
  6. "PCR Online Biz". PCR Online Biz - Article.
  7. "QBS Software - ESG Focused". QBS Software - ESG Compliant and Focused.
  8. "BCorporation - QBS Technology Sustainable Organisation". BCorp.
  9. "Channel Web News Article". Channel Web - CRN Publication.
  10. "Channel Web Expansion in META". Channel Web Article.
  11. "Business Desk - NorthWest - $1 billion". Business Desk.
  12. "Channel Web - Prianto Buyout". Channel Web Article - Prianto Buyout.
  13. "Channel Web - Prianto Buyout". Channel Web.
  14. "PCR June Big Interview". PCR Online Big June Interview - Dave Stevinson.
  15. "PCR Online - Dave Stevinson". PCR Online - Article.
  16. "PCR Online - Expanding European footprint". PCR Online.
  17. "QBS Software About Us". QBS Software - About Us.
  18. "Insider Media Publication".
  19. "Linked in - Tom Corrigan Assigned CRO". Linked in - Tom Corrigan Assigned CRO.
  20. "IT Channel Oxygen - Tom Assignment". IT Channel Oxygen - Tom to be elected.
  21. "Channel Web - Tom Corrigan - CRO QBS Software". Channel Web - Article - Tom Corrigan.
  22. "IT Channel Oxygen - Found CFO". IT Channel Oxygen - Found our CFO.
  23. "IT Channel Oxygen - Charlie Heald - Ex-Softcat".
  24. "PCR Online - Charlie Heald - Strategic Hire". PCR Online.
  25. "Channel Web - Integration Team". Channel Web - Integration Team - Matthew Lee.
  26. "QBS Software - Scalefusion CCO of QBS". QBS Software - Scalefusion. 16 May 2025.
  27. "IT Channel Oxygen - Organic Growth 25%".
  28. "PCR Online - QBS Software agrees to acquire Prianto".
  29. "Law Society Steve Turner - SRA Regulated". Law Society Website.
  30. "QBS Software - Steven Turner". QBS Software - Steven Turner.
  31. "Computer Weekly - QBS Software acquires Prianto". Computer Weekly - QBS Software acquires Prianto.
  32. "PCR Online Biz - Scaling up the integration team".
  33. "EMT Meta Acquisition by QBS Software". EMT Meta Acquisition by QBS Software.
  34. "PCR Online Pan EMEA Growth".
  35. "Channel Web EMT Acquisition".
  36. "IT Channel Oxygen - Maxtec Acquisition".
  37. "IT Channel Oxygen".
  38. "QBS Technology Group acquires Hungarian software distributor in expansion move". Channel Web - Hungarian Expansion.
  39. "QBS culture page". QBS Software.
  40. "Linkedin Post - Investors in People - Gold". Linkedin Post - Investors in People - Gold.
  41. "Technology Reseller - Gold- Investors in People". Technology Resellers.
  42. "QBS Software - ESG Compliance". QBS Software.
  43. "BCorporation - QBS Bcorp Certified". Bcorp.
  44. "Channel Web Investor in People Gold". Channel Web.
  45. "IT Channel Oxygen - BCorp". IT Channel Oxygen. 23 July 2023.
  46. "PCR Online - Therese Stevinson on BCorp". PCR Online Biz.
  47. "PCR Awards- 2025 Winner - Company of the Year". PCR Awards - 2025 Winners.
  48. "Go Nitro Website - Distributor of the year - QBS". Go Nitro Website - Distributor of the year - QBS.
  49. "PCR Awards - Sustainable Distributor of the Year 2024". PCR Awards - Sustainable Distributor of the Year 2024.
  50. "PCR Awards Shortlist". PCR Awards Shortlist.
  51. "QBS Software Top 12 Ranked in Distributors". QBS Software Top 12 Ranked in Distributors. 26 August 2022.
  52. "Channel web Sustanable distributor of the Year". Channel web Sustaimable distributor of the Year.
  53. "PCR Award Winners". PCR Award Winners.
  54. "PCR Online Distributor of the Year highly commended". PCR Online Distributor of the Year. 5 March 2020.
  55. "PCR Awards Finalist 2021". PCR Awards Fianlist 2021.
  56. "PCR Award - Roll of honour". PCR Award - Roll of honour.