AlphaGraphics has acquired one of its key clients, Class Fundraising, which provides personalised Christmas cards, mugs and tea towels to schools. This strategic move is expected to enhance AlphaGraphics’ service offerings and strengthen its presence in the educational fundraising market. The alphagraphics acquisition news has already generated excitement among stakeholders, as it promises to deliver innovative solutions tailored to schools’ needs. As a result, AlphaGraphics aims to leverage Class Fundraising’s expertise to further expand its product range and improve customer engagement.
The move will mean that Class Fundraising’s 11-strong team will join AlphaGraphics’ existing workforce, taking the number of staff to 80, with plans to recruit for further positions later in the year.
AlphaGraphics managing director, Andrew Dalton, said: “Class Fundraising has been our customer for over a decade.
“The products and services offered closely align with our strategy of focusing on personalised gifts, whilst also strengthening our existing presence in the education market.
“They currently spend around £650,000 per year with us, the majority in quarters three and four, which is a major chunk of their annual sales of £2.7m, so the acquisition makes great business sense for everyone concerned. This will take group sales over £10m.
“We’ve been talking about the idea of this acquisition for the past five years, so I’m pleased to see it finally come to fruition.”
Class Fundraising was set up by Mark Simpson and Simon Fulton 11 years ago, and both men will stay with the business for the foreseeable future to ensure continuity.
Mark said: “Having worked with AlphaGraphics for such a long time, we’re confident that there’s no better company to ensure the continued success of Class Fundraising. With their extensive experience and commitment to quality, AlphaGraphics has consistently proven to be a valuable partner. Their expertise in alphagraphics charity fundraising initiatives allows us to maximize our outreach and connect with donors effectively. We look forward to many more successful campaigns together, driving our mission forward.
“The deal will give our existing operation access to even greater capacity, allowing us to offer our customers an even bigger and better choice of gifting options.”
Andrew added: “There will be no job losses as a result of the deal, and there are no plans to relocate the Class Fundraising team to our Preston Farm site before the end of the year.
“We will, at some point, want CFR employees to spend some time finding out what we do, and likewise our staff will spend some time at CFR understanding their processes, so there’s a lot to learn, which can only be a good thing.
“In the next few months, we’re also looking to recruit an operations manager, as well as a marketing director and a digital design role.”
Find out more about what Class Fundraising do by clicking here and stay tuned on our social channels for further updates and news.
We’ve been talking about the idea of this acquisition for the past five years, so I’m pleased to see it finally come to fruition.
