Sunderland construction agency completes MBO with new appointments

Identity Consult has completed its latest MBO (management buyout).

The consultancy has two offices - one in Sunderland and the other in Preston. It has been delivering development consultancy, project management and quantity surveying services since 2006.

Headquartered in Sunderland, Identity Consult has worked on some of the region’s major projects, including the Beacon of Light for the Foundation of Light; the Centre for Enterprise & Innovation for the University of Sunderland; Tees Valley Hospital; and Smith’s Dock at North Shields.

Following completion of the MBO, the new board of directors comprises existing equity directors Mark Doherty and Pete Johnson, with Matthew Pendergast and Andrew Milnes acquiring a stake in the business. David Dent will now take on the role of chairman.

Newly appointed managing director, Mark Doherty, said: “Identity Consult is a well-established and respected business which continues to go from strength to strength.

“Our thanks go to David for the drive and ambition shown in his 13 years at the helm and we look forward to working with David in his new capacity as chairman.

“His expertise will help us nurture our strategic partnerships with clients, Local Authorities and other key partners.

“The MBO is the start of an exciting new era with a business plan aimed at facilitating growth, driving innovation and underpinned with excellence in delivery.”

Identity Consult’s turnover increased by £250k in 2017/18 achieving a record £2.25m. It is expected to increase again in 2018/19 to £2.6m.

David Dent added: “This represents the end of a chapter but the start of an exciting one in the history of Identity Consult.

“I have handed over the business to an extremely talented board, led by Mark Doherty who I’ve worked with since inception of our business.

“They have developed an exciting strategy for the future direction and growth of the business with our clients, partners and staff, as always, being at the forefront and I look forward to working with them to help realise those ambitions.”