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.”

Superspree, an international innovator in socially focused financial technology, today announced the worldwide launch of its first range of contactless payment terminals designed specifically to support the growing “kindness economy.”

The new product portfolio includes two flagship solutions: the Loop range, intended for attended use, and the Halo range, created for unattended locations. These devices facilitate simple, fast, and secure contactless payments for donations, tips, and ‘pay-what-you-can’ contributions, making it easier for individuals and organisations to participate in acts of giving.

Available to customers in every country worldwide, the Superspree terminals represent the first cohesive approach to developing payment technology designed for social impact, with the initial focus on charitable giving and supporter engagement.

This global launch follows the success of Superspree’s Global Development Programme, launched in January 2025. The initiative brought together a diverse group of non-profit partners across sport, education, heritage, health, faith, conservation, and animal welfare. These organisations have been trialling the Loop and Halo contactless devices in day-to-day operations, creating an evidence base that demonstrates how digital payments can accelerate and simplify fundraising.

Building on these results, Superspree is now seeking to collaborate with a multi-national NGO to pilot the terminals across several countries, providing access to the technology and strategic expertise required to engage contributors across global networks.

“Payment technology has long been built for commerce. We’ve built ours for kindness,” said Laura Bond, Chief Executive of Superspree. “With the Loop and Halo contactless ranges, we’re offering the tools for communities, charities, and individuals to give — and to give easily — wherever they are in the world.”

The devices are already gaining traction among forward-thinking organisations seeking to adapt to evolving donor expectations. As cash usage continues to decline, Superspree’s approach makes giving faster, simpler, and more inclusive, ensuring that generosity remains as spontaneous and borderless as the causes it supports.

About Superspree

Superspree is a global leader in financial technology for the kindness economy. Founded on the principle that donating to good causes should be as irresistible as chocolate, the company develops innovative contactless payment solutions specifically for communities, non-profits, and individuals to engage in generosity at scale. With operations and device availability in every country in the world, Superspree is redefining how technology supports kindness across borders and causes. Find out more at www.superspree.com

Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing agency, has extended its global reach by launching operations in the United States, offering bespoke publishing services tailored to authors and publishers across the country.

With the unveiling of MaplePublishers.us, the company has established a dedicated U.S. branch as part of its wider international growth strategy. This move reflects its ambition to provide American clients with the same trusted publishing, design, and creative expertise it has delivered in the UK.

The new office will enable Maple Publishers to collaborate more effectively with U.S. authors, independent writers, and publishing houses, ensuring personalised guidance at every step of the publishing journey.

The expansion follows sustained growth in the UK and rising demand from U.S. clients seeking high-quality creative services, particularly among independent and mid-sized publishing firms.

Maple has noted a surge in U.S. enquiries for its tailored design and visual content, and aims to enhance communication, shorten delivery times, and provide a more seamless client experience.

“Our expansion into the U.S. follows strong growth and successful launches in the UK, where we’ve built a trusted reputation for guiding authors through every stage of the publishing process,” said Mr Varun Gupta Managing Director for Maple Publishers. “The U.S. is a natural next step, offering wider opportunities. Our goal is to bring the same quality of service to American authors while tailoring our approach to local platforms and trends.”

By drawing on its UK expertise and combining it with a strong U.S. presence, Maple Publishers is positioning itself to meet the increasing demands of the American publishing industry.

For more information, visit maplepublishers.com or maplepublishers.us.