Sheffield-based digital agency Evoluted has entered a new era of its almost two-decade history following a successful management buyout by long-standing employees, Giorgio Cassella and Sam Biggins.
This strategic move, completed without external investment, ensures Evoluted’s continued independence and empowers its new leaders to unleash their ambitious vision for the agency’s next stage of exponential growth.
Founded in 2006 by Ash Young and Gareth Davies as a pioneering web development service for local businesses, Evoluted has blossomed into a full-spectrum digital powerhouse. Today, a team of 25 talented professionals delivers bespoke development, cutting-edge design and UX, and impactful digital marketing solutions to a diverse international client base.
From sporting goods and health supplements to utility pipelines and apparel manufacturing, Evoluted’s transformative work has earned numerous international accolades.
Operating from its home in a historic Grade II listed building in Sheffield, with remote employees spanning the UK, B Corp-certified Evoluted is on track to surpass £2.2 million in revenue this year.
Biggins, who joined Evoluted in 2012 as graduate software developer, before taking a brief sojourn into the world of tech before returning as head of development in 2016, expressed his said: “I’m incredibly excited about Evoluted’s future as we enter our milestone 20th year in business. We’ve got a world-class team packed with talent who genuinely operate as partners, not contractors, and a strong culture of people over profits backed up by our B Corp certification and the ongoing work we do to create positive impact for our people, our clients, our communities and the environment.
“Our power lies in bringing together talent across the digital spectrum and working across sectors – pulling concepts and ideas from different industries to enhance clients in others creates phenomenal value. We’ve created a melting pot of expertise which forges new connections to drive real business transformation and fits in perfectly with our Steel City heritage.”
Cassella joined Evoluted in mid-2018 from a successful Sheffield edtech startup, initially working in technical SEO before becoming Head of Marketing in 2020. Together, the duo stepped into joint managing director roles in 2022, leading the agency to celebrated achievements including significant revenue growthand B Corp certification. The MBO now grants them full autonomy to execute their vision and steer Evoluted through its next phase of expansion.
Ash Young, departing Evoluted founder, said: “Starting Evoluted straight from university has been an incredible journey. Over the past 19 years, the agency has become my passion, my purpose, and a reflection of my dedication. As I move on to new adventures, I take great comfort knowing that I am leaving the business in capable hands. I have no doubt that Evoluted will continue to thrive and achieve even greater success in the years to come.”
The buyout was facilitated with support from Martin Dean of Gravitate Corporate Finance and James Burdekin of MD Law. Dean said: “We are delighted to have worked with Evoluted for this Management Buyout. Giorgio and Sam are a pleasure to work with and are great business leaders with some very exciting plans for the future. We’re eager to see what’s next for Evoluted under their ownership.”
