Currently employing more than 100 full-time members of staff, working across all industry sectors, Hawthorn boasts an annual turnover of £9m, whilst the Anagram team stands at 15 and turns over £3mper annum. Anagram will now dry hire equipment from their base in Cambridge, adding to Hawthorn's existing bases in both the Midlands and London.
Hawthorn's managing director, Martin Hawthorn, said, "This is an exciting opportunity for everyone within the group, allowing us all to open new doors, pool resources and develop existing relationships. There are many synergies between the two companies, bringing them together under one umbrella increases our knowledge, expertise and product range, with a larger team covering more of the UK."
Anagram is a well-established brand with an excellent reputation and will continue to trade under that name. Pete Harding and Neil McGann, Anagram's founding directors will continue to run the company from Cambridge.
Peter Harding, Anagram's director added, "Becoming part of a greater group gives us access to a wealth of new, cutting edge equipment whilst retaining our dynamic team, who remain committed to providing bespoke, design-led event solutions for our existing clients. In addition we can now dry hire equipment to new customers in the local area."
Hawthorn, renowned as a single source supplier of lighting, sound, video, staging, drapes and Graphic Frame systems, will be extending their expansive stock range to the Anagram team. With Anagram's well established relationship at Battersea Evolution, it is expected that being part of a larger group will enable them to offer further technical support to future events.
Recent investment in equipment includes the purchase of Christie Spyder Vista X20 VT Controller, Christie J series 20k projectors, Clay Paky Alpha 700 series and Sharpies, taking the two companies' combined inventory to in excess of £12m.
(Jim Evans)
