MBO agreed at communications and sustainability consultancy

Design Portfolio, a corporate communications and sustainability consultancy, has confirmed the successful management buyout of the business from its founder, Ian Restall.

The event marks a major milestone for the company, which is headquartered in central London but also has an office in Leeds. Its clients include Flutter Entertainment, Balfour Beatty, Britvic, Trainline, Provident Financial Group and Marshalls.

The buyout was led by managing director, Julie Wilford, and finance and HR director, Alison Carey who both have been with the business for more than 20 years.

They are joined in the MBO by Leon Channon, executive creative director, Niall Callan, commercial director, and Daniel Redman, insights and engagement director.

The new owners have already spearheaded a period of significant growth for the business across revenue, headcount, EBITDA and client numbers.

Design Portfolio, which was founded in 1991, was once a financial design agency solely focused on producing and publishing annual reports.

It is now a fully integrated corporate communications consultancy working across reporting, digital, brand and employee communications, and providing an ESG and sustainability consultancy service. The business currently has 90 staff and over 150 clients.

Wilford said, “We are thrilled that our founder offered us the opportunity to buy Design Portfolio, and its parent company Flathill Communications Group plc.

“The deal ensures a seamless transition of control for Design Portfolio and the exciting prospect for us to move forward together as a leadership team.

“We will continue with our current strategy to develop the business further and support our clients in crafting impactful communications and sustainability strategies that get results, while providing the right environment for our brilliant team to develop and thrive.”

While no longer a shareholder, Restall will continue to provide oversight and stewardship as non-executive chair to the Board.

He said: “I am immensely proud of what we have built at Design Portfolio and the team of people that make it such a great business.

“I am pleased to be able to hand over the reins to a trusted management team, and I have every confidence that they will take the business forward into this next chapter of growth and development.

“I look forward to my new role as an advisor to the business and seeing the business go from strength-to-strength.”