Clearsilver is a full-service marketing agency with a particular interest and expertise working in the mother and baby, education, and health and wellness sectors, while also supporting the third sector with PR, marketing, and strategic research support.

Telescope’s services include website design and build, direct marketing, and design for print. While the group does not directly operate any production kit, group CEO Carl Garnett’s career experience is in direct marketing production, predominantly at Blackburns and St Ives Group.

The businesses told Printweek that the deal came about after a number of Clearsilver’s clients – predominately in education – required additional services outside of PR and strategic marketing, such as printed prospectuses, leaflets, and direct marketing.

After partnering up with Telescope on several projects, and with Clearsilver’s director looking to step back from day-to-day operations, the acquisition discussions were mutual and beneficial for both businesses.

The deal, which was completed in July, has seen Clearsilver’s five staff move in with Telescope at new offices close to Leeds Dock, with the combined group now employing 20 people.

Both companies will retain their current brand identities due to their reputations within their specialist sectors and fields.

Clearsilver was previously based in Leeds, in smaller offices, while Telescope, previously based on the outskirts of Leeds, wanted an office in the centre of the city to better serve its clients and employee wellbeing; the latter being a key component in the group’s culture.

Louise Leach, former director of Clearsilver Brand Marketing, said: “Clearsilver and Telescope have worked in partnership on numerous projects over the last ten years, and there isn’t a closer fit to maximise success for both parties.

“Clearsilver was established in 2006, and since then has delighted in numerous award-wins, as well as becoming a recommended provider for schools and academy trusts, and brands specifically in the charity, wellness and parenting space.

“Existing clients can expect the same level of consistent and responsive service as always from the Clearsilver team, with a new, enhanced package of support.”

Telescope’s Garnett added: “This merger provides a fantastic opportunity to further Telescope’s core proposition in print, design and digital, and combine it with Clearsilver’s unprecedented reputation across key sectors. We are looking forward to increasing and enhancing our service offering and the opportunities this brings for all our clients and both staff teams.”

Ian Leach, who co-founded Clearsilver and has been managing director at Telescope since 2016, will lead in the day-to-day management of both businesses, supported by both companies’ employees. The two businesses are unconnected in terms of shareholders - Leach stepped back from the daily management of Clearsilver when he took over as Telescope managing director but had retained his shareholding in the marketing agency.

The approximate turnover of the combined entity will be £5.5m.