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Champions Speakers Agency has confirmed the acquisition of SpeakOut, a multi-award-winning entertainment and keynote speakers agency with a long-standing reputation in the industry.
Founded in 1985, SpeakOut operates from London and Edinburgh and is considered one of the UK’s most established and trusted speaker agencies, offering 40 years of expertise. It will now fall under the Champions Speakers Agency brand, enhancing Champions’ reputation as Europe’s largest keynote speaker bureau.
Following the acquisition, SpeakOut founder Kenny Donaldson has been appointed Head of Entertainment at Champions, taking responsibility across the company’s London, Loughborough, and Dubai offices.
The agreement underscores Champions Speakers Agency’s leadership in the sector and reflects its strategic focus on expansion and innovation.
Despite challenging market conditions, the agency has achieved sustained growth, with revenues and profits continuing to rise alongside a large-scale recruitment drive aimed at strengthening its workforce.
Donaldson brings extensive industry knowledge and connections, having built an impressive career spanning four decades working with some of the most renowned names in entertainment and broadcasting.
Commenting on the acquisition, Mr Donaldson said: “I am delighted to announce SpeakOut has taken a substantial leap forward and will now be run under the umbrella of the UK’s largest speaker bureau.
“This will provide a massive increase to the talent SpeakOut has access to. I’m very excited and energised by the opportunities this will present for the clients, some of whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with across four decades. I’m looking forward to taking on a new role as Head of Entertainment as part of a brilliant, innovative and forward-thinking team at Champions.”
Jack Hayes, Director at Champions Speakers Agency, added: “This is a key chapter in our growth story, and we’re delighted to welcome SpeakOut into the Champions family. Kenny is one of the most knowledgeable and respected professionals in our sector, his own story of how he’s grown SpeakOut is truly inspirational. He’s a legend in the industry and his arrival at the Champions Speakers Agency will be a huge benefit to both our clients and our team, and will help to make us even bigger and better.”