Telescope focuses on growth with acquisition

A Yorkshire marketing group has strengthened its services and expanded its turnover following the acquisition of a longstanding business partner.

Leeds-based Telescope Group has bought Morley-based data management specialist AC Database Services (ACD) for an undisclosed sum, bringing a key part of its operations in-house after more than 15 years of collaboration.

Bosses say the deal is expected to add almost ten per cent to Telescope’s turnover, while safeguarding all jobs at ACD and creating opportunities for further growth.

Founded in 2010 by Andy Cowman, ACD provides data management and bureau services to clients including Cotton Traders and luxury fashion brand Me+Em.

Its operations include managing large-scale customer databases, with one client alone maintaining records covering more than eight million individuals and over a billion pieces of associated data.

Andy, who will remain involved as a consultant after stepping back from day-to-day operations, said: “I have known and worked with Carl for a lot of years, and he is a friend as much as a colleague. 

“When I started to think about stepping back, Telescope was always the home I pictured for the business. 

“It means my clients carry on being looked after and my team carry on doing what they do well, which is what I wanted. 

“I am pleased to stay involved and help make the move a smooth one.”

The acquisition strengthens Telescope’s existing offering across direct mail, print production, digital marketing, website development and strategic communications through its Clearsilver Brand Marketing agency.

By integrating ACD’s expertise, the group can now manage the entire marketing process, from customer data preparation and analysis through to campaign production and distribution.

Telescope managing director Carl Garnett has worked with Andy and his colleagues for decades, with the businesses sharing clients and collaborating on projects for more than 15 years.

Existing customers are already accessing the expanded services, with further business opportunities emerging following the acquisition.

Carl added: “This feels like a great day for us. 

“Andy and I have worked alongside each other for the best part of 26 years, first as colleagues and then as business partners, so bringing ACD into the group feels like a natural step rather than a big leap.

“Andy is a friend, his team are people we already know and rate, and we are pleased to be able to secure their jobs and give their clients the continuity they need. 

“It is a genuinely exciting move providing real scope for growth. 

“It has already opened doors to new work, it keeps two established Leeds businesses growing together, and it gives our clients more from their data than we could offer before.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.