Two creative and digital agencies in Birmingham have joined forces to expand their portfolio of services.
Digital agency Lightbox, which was founded in 2005, has teamed up with new social media specialist Blake7 in an undisclosed deal.
Lightbox founder Rob Pollard will remain with the enlarged business as chief executive while PJ Ellis, who launched Blake7 last year, becomes commercial director.
The new entity will trade as Lightbox Digital and continue to operate from existing offices in Birmingham’s John Bright Street. It takes the company’s total number of staff to 16.
“We have invested in Birmingham and we’re excited to call it our home,” Pollard said.
“We have committed to being in the heart of the city, and this merger is a further example this commitment.”
Lightbox, whose roster of clients includes Associated Architects, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Wesleyan and University of Birmingham School, has tripled its turnover from £180,000 three years ago to a projected £825,000 in its current financial year.
Pollard added: “Despite an incredible period of success, we will never stand still, and continue to invest in our systems, software and people to ensure Lightbox remains relevant and robust for the future.”
PJ Ellis said: “Rob and I have been speaking for some time about our growing businesses and how our own skill-sets, and those of our teams, could complement each other.
“We concluded there was no point competing with one another and by merging we could combine the skills, services and contacts provided by Blake7 and Lightbox for the benefit of all our clients.
“These are truly exciting times in the West Midlands with the arrival of new businesses, infrastructure and creative people launching new companies. We want to be right at the heart of this and have ambitious growth plans to meet this demand.”