Rapid7 signs UK distribution deal with Exclusive Networks

Rapid7 has signed a UK distribution partnership with Exclusive Networks, expanding its channel reach in the market.

Under the arrangement, Exclusive Networks will act as Rapid7's strategic distribution partner across the UK. The companies aim to broaden access to Rapid7's security products through resellers, managed security service providers and other channel partners.

The deal gives Rapid7 greater coverage in a market where cybersecurity spending remains under pressure to deliver simpler operations and clearer returns. For Exclusive Networks, it adds another vendor to its UK security portfolio as distributors compete to offer broader platforms rather than collections of standalone tools.

The partnership will focus on channel expansion, technical enablement and go-to-market support across Rapid7's portfolio. It is also intended to help partners build deeper security practices and support customers across the full lifecycle of adoption and use.

Exclusive Networks brings an established regional base to the agreement. Its Northern Europe operations include more than 550 reseller relationships, giving Rapid7 a wider route to market in the UK and neighbouring parts of the region, according to the companies.

UK focus

The UK has become a key battleground for cybersecurity suppliers as organisations look to consolidate vendors and reduce operational complexity. That has created an opening for distributors that can provide not only market access but also training, technical support and closer engagement with service providers.

Rapid7 is positioning the agreement around that shift. Customers are increasingly looking for unified approaches to security operations rather than adding more individual products, the company said, and partners need stronger support to meet that demand.

"This partnership is about creating long-term value for partners and customers alike," said Ross Baker, Senior Sales Director, Northern Europe, Rapid7.

"The UK market is a highly advanced, partner-driven region and increasingly focused on outcome-based cybersecurity. Exclusive Networks' deep regional expertise, cybersecurity specialisation and commitment to partner enablement make it an ideal strategic distributor for Rapid7 as we continue investing in growth across the region," Baker said.

Channel strategy

The agreement points to the continued importance of indirect sales models in cybersecurity, particularly in the UK, where specialist resellers and service providers play a central role in mid-market and enterprise buying decisions. Vendors have increasingly leaned on distribution partners to extend coverage, support training and speed partner recruitment without building out large direct field operations.

For Rapid7, the move also reflects competition among security companies to strengthen local execution in Europe. The company serves more than 11,500 customers worldwide and has sought to grow its presence in managed detection and response, exposure management and wider security operations.

Exclusive Networks operates in more than 50 countries and serves customers in more than 170, giving it a broad international footprint. In the UK, its role often centres on helping vendors recruit and support specialist partners through sales, technical and accreditation programmes.

Neil Brosnan, Vendor Alliances Director at Exclusive Networks UK, outlined the distributor's view of the market in two comments.

"The next phase of cybersecurity growth won't come from selling more point products. It will come from helping customers simplify security operations and make better decisions, faster," said Brosnan.

"Customers don't need more tools; they need platforms that help them see more, respond faster and reduce risk with confidence. That's why Rapid7 is such a great addition to our portfolio. Together, we're giving partners the technology and expertise they need to build more strategic security practices and deliver better outcomes for customers," he said.

The partnership also underscores how distributors are trying to define their role beyond logistics. In cybersecurity, that increasingly means acting as advisers to vendors and partners on market entry, service creation and technical readiness, especially as customers ask for integrated security operations rather than separate tools for each task.

Both companies said the relationship would centre on collaboration across the ecosystem, with support for strategic partners and managed security service providers forming part of the UK plan. Whether the agreement translates into stronger market share for Rapid7 in a crowded cybersecurity channel is likely to depend on partner enablement and scalable services.