Newport agency targets increased growth and fresh challenges

 The Newport-based business was sold to Nottingham husband and wife team Chris and Christina Morledge by company founder Helen Culshaw but it’s very much business as usual as the firm continued to grow throughout the year - a trend that is predicted to continue into 2025.

Helen launched her award-winning business in 2004 after moving to Shropshire from the South East. She stayed on after the sale this year to help with the smooth  transition to the new ownership. 

Chris and Christina, who live in Nottingham, acquired Ascendancy following the successful acquisition of another agency, Copper Bay Digital based in Swansea in 2020. Copper Bay brings an additional ability to build bespoke business solutions and mobile apps, creating a wider offering for clients across Shropshire.

Chris said: “Helen and the team had built up an excellent reputation at Ascendancy, and she has been brilliant to work with since we took the company over. This year has been another record-breaker, and we already have several exciting client projects in the pipeline for 2025.

“The company has designed and developed websites for businesses all over the UK, as well as providing SEO and PPC services, and we are delighted to report ongoing growth as we continue to bring our high levels of commitment, service and expertise to an expanding client-base.

“We are also committed to the Ascendancy team - empowering the staff to grow and develop. It is all about growing the individuals within the team so they can achieve their career ambitions. The company has a fantastic apprenticeship route and has established a permanent four-day working week, which enables our team to enjoy a better work/life balance.

“We have created a Continuous Improvement Team - an opportunity for any staff member to join that team and come up with ideas for the business, their colleagues and to empower each other.”

Ascendancy has a rich history of award success and 2024 saw the company shortlisted in two categories at the inaugural Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards - Small Employer of the year, and Mary Harris was nominated in the IT and Digital category.

“The company has a long-standing commitment to apprenticeships and this will continue into 2025 and beyond,” adds Chris. “We strongly believe in nurturing young talent and creating the best possible opportunities for our workforce of the future.

“Promoting from within is another essential factor in the future success of Ascendancy and we were delighted earlier this year to announce the promotion of Emily Beech to Operations Manager. Emily joined Ascendancy in 2017 and made swift career progress, earning two promotions within the first 18 months and a degree in BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions after studying part-time alongside her day job.

“We are eagerly looking forward to fresh challenges and exciting developments in the new year while increasing growth as a company, maintaining our commitment to build high-quality websites for our digital marketing clients and continuing to bring on young talent.”