PR and marketing specialists The Inspiration Agency have scooped a major business award in recognition of their transformational integration of two other businesses last year.
The Bournemouth-based company was named the winner of the Best Merger or Acquisition category at the 2025 Best Business Awards. These prestigious awards, now in their tenth year, attract entries from around the world, across multiple sectors, from global brands to start-ups.
The Inspiration Agency’s win follows the company’s strategic and highly successful acquisition of award-winning PR firm Darren Northeast PR in August last year, followed weeks later by the integration of B2B marketing specialists Octima.
Founded in 2011 by Louise Seager, The Inspiration Agency has grown from a compact creative team into a thriving full-service marketing and PR agency. The agency has more than tripled in size, taking on both staff and clients from the other two local businesses, expanding from a four-person operation to a 14-strong team.
Alongside its existing branding, web, design and social media services, the agency now delivers a complete PR offering – including press releases, media relations, award writing and crisis communications – and serves an increasingly broad and diverse client base.
Joe Calder, Chairman of the Best Business Awards judges, congratulated The Inspiration Agency “for making a huge success of seamlessly integrating two businesses simultaneously,” adding: “In less than a year, The Inspiration Agency has tripled in size, expanded its range of services, taken on new clients and boosted turnover.”
Louise Seager, Creative Director and Founder of The Inspiration Agency, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive this national recognition. These acquisitions were a bold move for our business, but also a natural evolution – with both companies sharing our people-first culture and focus on bespoke service and meaningful results.
“This award is a testament to the talent and collaborative spirit of everyone involved in making the transition a success – from the original founders Darren Northeast and Sarah Phillips to the clients and staff. It marks another major milestone in our journey, and we’re excited to push ahead with further expansion plans already in the pipeline.”