When I started Portland, it was me working on a laptop in my bedroom. Now, 11 years later, Portland is an established and respected communications brand not just in London, but internationally.
We employ over 80 people, have offices on three continents, and have a great array of clients whom we are proud to serve.
The next chapter in the Portland story starts here.
Joining the Omnicom Group marks the next stage in what I hope will be our long success story. It is not a decision we have taken lightly.
Two considerations were front of mind when choosing a partner: how it would benefit our clients and how it would benefit our staff.
I am hugely grateful for the trust that our clients have put in us over the years, and I am determined that this move will allow us to serve them in more and better ways in the years to come.
I believe this deal will offer the best of all worlds. In brand, ethos, management, structure and personnel we will remain the same Portland we have always been. Our service and the management team will not change. Meanwhile, we will gain the advantages of scale and reach that come with being part of the world’s second largest advertising and marketing services group.
As part of this we will be working closely with Omnicom’s Brussels-based agency, g+ europe, to offer a greater degree of integrated advice to clients who would value such an international dimension. Portland and g+ europe have worked together over many years, and have a great deal in common, so we are building on well-established foundations in taking the relationship to another level.
Portland’s management team, including me and all the other Partners, are retaining a significant stake in the company. This demonstrates a clear commitment from our senior team to Portland’s long term growth and success. The deal will make us even more committed to building the business by offering the best possible service to clients over the coming years
Thanks to everybody – staff, clients and friends – who has helped Portland to become what it is today. And here’s to the next chapter.
View the press release.