Express & Star

Connect bought by Inspired Thinking Group

Wolverhampton marketing agency Connect, which has been based in the city for a quarter of a century, has been bought by a bigger group.

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Inside the Connect offices at the Chubb Buildings

Global marketing technology and services business Inspired Thinking Group has not revealed how much it has paid for Connect which specialises in digital marketing.

Connect has offices in The Chubb Buildings, Wolverhampton; Trinity Park, Birmingham and London, It has a team of 200 and clients that include Jaguar Land Rover and Birmingham Airport.

Over the last 25 years, Connect, which was started by Sedgley-born Robert Hampton, has established itself as an innovator in creative advertising and digital.

Birmingham-based ITG said its unique approach of combining data, insight and creativity with technology to create meaningful connections with consumers, made the company a natural partner.

ITG chief executive Simon Ward said: “This is a significant and exciting move for ITG, as we continue to acquire innovative companies that can help strengthen our customer offer across the globe. Connect has a first class reputation in the digital space and a blue chip client list that reflects its standing in the marketplace.

"Its creative approach to delivering award winning communication campaigns will complement our multi-channel approach to marketing services, creating a compelling, full-service proposition for our growing list of international customers.”

Under the leadership of directors, Antony Green and Jose Espinosa, Connect and its 200 employees will continue to operate as a separate business.

Mr Green said: “We are incredibly proud of Connect’s achievements over the last 25 years and look forward to being part of the ITG team. This is an exciting step of our journey, as we work together to create new opportunities to grow our combined business and create an unrivalled offer for customers.”

Connect won the innovation award in the 2016 Express & Star Business Awards.

The former Connect PR business is now 8848 and it has moved out of Wolverhampton to Slade Heath, Staffordshire. It is not affected by the deal,