NATIONAL outsourcing giant Capita has made moves to expand its operations in the travel and events market with the acquisition of a York-based event logistics firm.

NYS Corporate, based at York Science Park, will form part of Capita’s Travel and Events division.

The firm will retain its brand identity and continue to operate with its team of 62 staff.

Founded in 1977, NYS originally started out as a student travel company, before it was acquired by York-based entrepreneur Oliver Garside in 2013. It now counts O2, the NHS and Siemens among its clients.

Speaking about the acquisition by Capita, Mr Garside said: “This is an exciting new chapter in the growth and development of NYS Corporate.

"The investment will enable NYS Corporate to improve the value provided to customers, continuing to build on existing strengths and remain a niche provider, whilst also providing additional support and resources of a larger organisation.

"The joint technology, innovation and people will complement the progress made to date and accelerate many items on the services and technology roadmap.

"Together, NYS Corporate will have access to a significantly wider range of technologies, preferential rates and geographical locations – all of which will help improve support for NYS Corporate customers.

"NYS Corporate will continue to have the same emphasis on excellent customer service and continue to be a specialist niche provider of events, meetings and travel.

"The acquisition is enthusiastically supported by all of the NYS Corporate management team and they are excited about the opportunities this will create.”

Capita says the addition of NYS will strengthen its offering and bring a specialist focus in meetings and events, innovative meetings technology and a wealth of experience combining leading edge technology with service.

James Parkhouse chief executive of Capita’s travel and events business, said: “The acquisition of NYS Corporate will add significant value to our customers and partners, further enabling us to help make their business events, meetings and travel smarter though the application of quantitative and qualitative insight.

“NYS Corporate has built a great reputation for innovative technology, aligned to a strong service ethos and deep knowledge in the meetings industry. Our combined expertise enhances our existing capabilities and positions us strongly in the UK’s events, meetings and business travel sector.”

The two companies will have more than £560 million in managed spend, and employ nearly 1,000 people at seven UK sites.