Penrith-based H&H Reeds has acquired a new company.

The print, design and graphic media firm has acquired Cockermouth’s Dotcom Associates, a web development company.

In the planning for some time amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the move is part of a continued expansion plan for H&H Reeds, which is the largest commercial printer in Cumbria.

Last year, the business acquired Carlisle-based Print Graphic to develop its services to offer a bespoke creative consultancy incorporating a full suite of branding and graphic solutions, along with commercial print, signage, photography, websites and digital marketing.

Andy Jackson, managing director for H&H Reeds said: “This is the latest chapter in our ongoing evolution and growth plans and has taken a lot of collaborative engagement.

“We have been working to put this on a formal footing for six months, so I am thrilled that, despite the pandemic, it has finally gone through.

“This highly strategic move increases our technical and web development hosting significantly and gives us the capability to advance our business plan by two to three years.

“We have merged two very progressive companies, and two very talented groups of people with a blend of skills.

“Our new team members are not just website builders, they are website developers and marketing strategists and will extend our web design and digital media offering.

“In bringing these skills and specialisms in-house it takes H&H Reeds to a whole new level.”

Established over 11 years ago, Dotcom Associates, like H&H Reeds, has a UK-wide customer base, and its clients include those from the agricultural, rural and general business sectors.

Although currently working remotely, it is hoped that the company’s team of four will be joining the H&H Reeds team at its hub in Carlisle while retaining a base in Cockermouth, once the lockdown is lifted.

Allan Bewley, owner of Dotcom Associates, is now web and digital services director for H&H Reeds.

Speaking on behalf of H&H Group, the parent arm of H&H Reeds, Richard Rankin, chief executive said: “This is an exciting development for our group. We completed a significant step last year with the acquisition of Print Graphic but what we didn’t do was include the more creative digital service at that stage, this merger fills that gap perfectly and slots neatly into our existing business plans.”