Independent integrated agency Four Communications Group (Four) has acquired Sheffield-based creative technology studio Joi Polloi for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition of Joi Polloi, which counts Channel 4, BBC, Sky, Natural History Museum, NASA and the Science Museum Group among its clients, is set to bolster Four’s existing digital offering.
The Sheffield agency’s team of 15 will strengthen Four’s headcount of 80 spread across digital and creative teams in London, Cardiff and Dubai.
Four will use Joi Polloi’s base in Sheffield to launch its North of England hub, Four North, with plans for “the addition of talent” in a range of services from media planning and buying to communications in the region.
Andy Barratt, the founder, managing director and creative director at Joi Polloi, will also become Four’s first chief digital creative officer.
Baratt said: “Building on Joi Polloi’s already solid reputation for reaching and engaging audiences through innovative ideas and new and emerging technologies, we are all thrilled and excited to be joining Four and a platform to take our skills and expertise to the next level both in the UK and internationally.”
Paul Dalton-Borge, chief executive, digital and creative said: “We have been blown away by the creativity and calibre of work from the Joi Polloi team and we have already been working together for some time. Welcoming them officially as part of the Four family is very exciting and will take our work in creative and emerging technologies to the next level.”
Group managing director, Einir Williams added: “With the emphasis on the levelling up agenda, we can see lots of opportunity for our public sector work in the north of England. We feel it’s important to add expertise on the ground to complement our London and Wales offices. There are also private sector opportunities. Clients in some areas such as property and health are very enthusiastic about the new office.
“We’re also keen to tap into the talent pool outside London. Our fully flexible working policy means that people have more options about where they can be based.”
