Member Article

durhamlane embarks on acquisition trail

Newcastle-based sales consultancy durhamlane has acquired coaching company Thinkfreer, signalling the start of an acquisition programme for the business.

Launched by Alison Freer in 2000, Thinkfreer specialises in leadership development across multiple sectors, including digital and technology, health, manufacturing and engineering.

Alison will join durhamlane as Director of Consulting, Learning and Digital Transformation, a role which will see her take a lead on guiding clients as they adapt to commercial leadership in the digital age.

Founded in 2011, durhamlane is actively looking to build its operations through acquisition. Cofounder Lee Durham believes such acquisitions are key to entering more markets worldwide to secure future growth for the firm.

Lee said: “durhamlane has grown rapidly in the last five years, reaching into national and international markets with our unique blend of commercial-focused consultancy, training, outsourcing and recruitment services.

“We are delighted to reach a position in the life of the company when we are able to acquire fantastic organisations like Thinkfreer, expanding our knowledge base and service offer into new markets across the world.”

Alison said: “I’m delighted to be bringing Thinkfreer’s leadership development legacy to complement durhamlane’s centre of excellence in sales and commercial performance.”

Together with Richard Lane and Lee Durham, Thinkfreer has designed a programme to help business leaders manage digital change and to make the most of opportunities arising from digital innovation.

Alison continued: “durhamlane works with ambitious businesses in fast-paced industry sectors including digital, software, high tech, engineering and biotech. These are industries which are experiencing and capitalising on disruption. Business leaders who are operating in those environments need to learn and adapt very quickly and anticipate rapidly emerging opportunities and changes.”

“With more than 25 years of experience working with all types of organisations, I can honestly say, that durhamlane is the most energetic, talented and professional team of commercially-minded business people I’ve come across. I’m hugely excited about what we have to offer the business community together, through the durhamlane brand and network.”

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