Agency Updata: fresh Group acquired, Identity hits APAC, LIWLIG expands into UK, and more

FCM Meetings & Events acquires fresh to expand creative offer in UK

FCM Meetings & Events has acquired creative agency fresh Group, marking its first acquisition and a significant step in its growth strategy in the UK meetings and events sector. The deal brings in-house creative and brand experience capabilities into FCM M&E’s core offering, as the business looks to strengthen its position in the market.

The acquisition will see the combined UK team grow to nearly 100 people, with new hubs in Manchester and Edinburgh alongside its London base. The move creates a single-source proposition spanning event logistics, production, communications and content, supported by an in-house creative studio. The expanded UK operation will also complement FCM M&E’s existing presence across 19 global markets.

Frits de Kok, head of meetings and events, EMEA, said the deal “fundamentally transforms what we can deliver for customers”, adding that the business now has “world-class creative, brand experience expertise, and full-scale production capabilities under one roof”. He described the move as “a game-changing moment” that allows the agency to “own the entire event journey” from strategy through to delivery.

Lee Harris, CEO of fresh, said the partnership would “accelerate our global presence while retaining the local knowledge and expertise that our clients value”. He added that combining the two businesses would “remove the friction between planning and creation” and enable the delivery of “a premium, scalable service” with stronger ROI for clients.

LIWLIG Group expands into UK and appoints Jason Megson as MD

LIWLIG Group has expanded into the UK and appointed Jason Megson as managing director of LIWLIG Global, as part of its international growth strategy. The move establishes a London base for the business, supporting clients with pan-European and global ambitions while positioning the agency as an alternative to more traditional network models.

LIWLIG Global will combine the group’s Nordic creative and delivery capabilities with a flexible international team of senior talent (pictured), designed to offer a more streamlined and agile approach. Megson brings more than 20 years’ experience in brand experience and creative agencies, with a focus on scaling businesses and delivering international growth.

Group CEO Timo Aalto said the business aims to “provide a real, fresh and agile alternative” as it expands globally, adding that Megson’s experience will be key to delivering “structured and scalable” growth. Megson added: “LIWLIG already has what many are trying to build. The opportunity now is to scale that in a smart and agile way.”

Identity sets sights on APAC with strategic Australia launch

Experience agency Identity has expanded into Australia, completing its global footprint across the UK, Europe, the US, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. The move means the agency can now deliver major projects - including sporting events, conferences and cultural activations - across multiple regions with both local and global support.

The expansion has been achieved through the acquisition of Queensland-based major projects specialist EPG. The business will continue to operate under its existing name as “An Identity Company”, retaining its brand and autonomy from its headquarters in Queensland.

EPG leaders Andrew Sharp and Jake Benson will join Identity’s major projects leadership team, adding experience in delivering large-scale international events. The move is intended to strengthen the agency’s capability in Australia while supporting its wider global delivery across complex, multi-market projects.

"The Golden Age of Experience is happening on every continent, and we're delighted we can now deliver on four of them," said Michael Gietzen, group CEO of Identity, pictured.

DRPG ranked number one brand and corporate film agency for 2026

DRPG has been ranked number one in the 2026 UK Top 50 corporate and brand film production companies list, published by EVCOM in partnership with Moving Image. The ranking, compiled with input from the British Film Institute, recognises leading companies across the corporate and brand film sector.

The agency moved into the top spot following a year of growth across corporate film, branded content and event-related production, reflecting the increasing role of film in live, virtual and hybrid events. DRPG has also expanded its capabilities across animation, broadcast and integrated production, alongside international growth through acquisitions in the US, Germany and the UK.

CEO Dale Parmenter said: “Taking the number one spot in the UK Top 50 is a huge moment for everyone at DRPG. It reflects the belief our clients have in us, and the passion of our people to keep pushing creative and technical boundaries.” He added that the company’s integrated approach has enabled it to “adapt, diversify, and support clients across an ever-expanding range of platforms and sectors.”

Principal. Global Events appoints group operations director and launches US office

Principal Global Events has appointed Adam Wright as group operations director and launched a new US office, as part of its international growth strategy. The move comes as the agency reports 20% revenue growth in 2026, driven by an expanding global client base and a pipeline of international programmes running into 2027.

Wright (pictured) joins from Event Concept, where he spent 22 years working across event delivery and production. In his new role, he will oversee operations, production and the agency’s US business, focusing on aligning UK and US teams and developing scalable operational frameworks to support continued growth.

Co-founder Anupa White said: “This is a defining moment for Principal. We’ve seen strong growth in the business, and with 20% revenue growth already achieved for 2026, the launch of our US presence alongside Adam joining the team allows us to scale with real intent. Just as importantly, we have an incredibly strong and dedicated team delivering for our clients every day, and Adam’s leadership will help us continue to build on that foundation as we grow.”

Wright added: “Principal has built an impressive reputation for delivering high-impact experiences globally. I’m excited to be joining at such a pivotal point in its journey and look forward to strengthening operations, supporting international growth and helping the team continue to deliver exceptional work for its clients.”

Ginger Owl Productions releases whitepaper to help organisers prepare for Martyn's Law

Ginger Owl Productions has released a whitepaper to help event organisers understand the implications of Martyn's Law, entitled ‘Accreditation Systems & Martyn’s Law: Practical Considerations for the UK Events Sector’.

With Royal Assent granted to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 in April 2025, the industry is now approaching the halfway point of a 24 month implementation period.

Full official guidance has not yet been released, but Ginger Owl Productions has produced the whitepaper to help the industry start its readiness journey now.

Ginger Owl co-founder Julie Chennells said: "Martyn's Law represents the most significant change to event security legislation in a generation. For event organisers, understanding how it affects both your planning and live operations is crucial.”

The whitepaper is available to download here .

TRO Delivers 2026 Anthropy National Gathering at Eden Project

TRO successfully delivered the 2026 Anthropy National Gathering at the Eden Project in Cornwall, marking its fourth consecutive year supporting the UK’s leading leadership summit. The event brought together more than 2,000 leaders from over 1,200 organisations for over 200 sessions across 20+ stages, fostering collaboration across business, civil society, academia and government.

The agency managed end-to-end delivery for the summit, overseeing everything from delegate management and supplier coordination to infrastructure planning, production delivery, transport logistics and exhibitor support. This year’s programme included the new FutureDome, designed to showcase innovation across UK industries and create spaces for collaboration and discussion among attendees.

Caitlin Heaney, senior project coordinator at TRO, said: “Anthropy26 grows each year and it’s really special to be able to grow with it. Our team works really closely with the Anthropy team to deliver this national gathering, from Anthropy branding to the delegate journey, to the logistics and venue quirks, no detail goes unnoticed.”