Champions Speakers Agency has announced the acquisition of SpeakOut, one of the UK’s most established entertainment and keynote speakers agencies.
Founded in 1985, SpeakOut has offices in both London and Edinburgh and brings four decades of experience to the business. Operating under the Champions Speakers Agency brand, the acquisition further strengthens Champions’ position as Europe’s largest keynote speaker bureau.
As part of the deal, SpeakOut’s founder, Kenny Donaldson, has been appointed Head of Entertainment and will be based across Champions’ offices in London, Loughborough, and Dubai.
This latest move reinforces Champions Speakers Agency’s reputation as a market leader and demonstrates its commitment to sustainable growth and expansion.
Despite economic uncertainty, the agency continues to record increasing profits and revenues while also conducting a significant recruitment campaign to add new talent to its team.
Donaldson’s appointment brings additional expertise and industry relationships, having worked with clients and performers from stage, film, and television throughout his 40-year career.
Commenting on the acquisition, Mr Donaldson said: “I am delighted to announce SpeakOut has taken a substantial leap forward and will now be run under the umbrella of the UK’s largest speaker bureau.
“This will provide a massive increase to the talent SpeakOut has access to. I’m very excited and energised by the opportunities this will present for the clients, some of whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with across four decades. I’m looking forward to taking on a new role as Head of Entertainment as part of a brilliant, innovative and forward-thinking team at Champions.”
Jack Hayes, Director at Champions Speakers Agency, added: “This is a key chapter in our growth story, and we’re delighted to welcome SpeakOut into the Champions family. Kenny is one of the most knowledgeable and respected professionals in our sector, his own story of how he’s grown SpeakOut is truly inspirational. He’s a legend in the industry and his arrival at the Champions Speakers Agency will be a huge benefit to both our clients and our team, and will help to make us even bigger and better.”
