Media giant launches design consultancy

Marketing services group DMB&B moved into design last Friday with the launch of DMB&B Design to take on graphics and new media projects.

David Mace, formerly business development director at Sampson Tyrrell Enterprise, was “lured” by DMB&B Group chairman John Farrell to become MD of the new design arm. He joins creative director Carl Sherriff, who has headed up a small design team within DMB&B Financial since 1993 when it bought his group Sherriff Design. Farrell is chairman of the new set-up, and DMB&B Financial MD Andrew Porter adds the job of deputy chairman to his role within the group.

DMB&B Design has hit the ground running and will operate globally, according to Sherriff, who built up a 1m-plus design business within DMB&B Financial. His previous work within the group focused on financial sector clients, but clients of other DMB&B businesses, such as Mars, Fiat and Hutchison Telecom, have already signed up to the new service.

The work will be ideas-based, says Sherriff, and the new team will “fill the gap” between DMB&B’s existing “centres of excellence” in line with Farrell’s bid to promote integration within the group.

Sherriff’s team will tap into the group’s existing production, research and other resources.

“The design unit became known for being big on ideas and its creativity was recognised throughout DMB&B,” says Sherriff, who lists corporate identity, packaging, retail design, new-product development and new media among the new team’s skills. “Now that David has joined us, we have added on the strategic end,” adds Sherriff.

DMB&B Design currently has five staff, including design director Ian Lynagh and senior designer Adrian Shawcross, who have moved over from DMB&B Financial. Mace envisages expansion to about 20 people by the end of the year, including some 12 designers.

DMB&B Financial will retain its own three-strong design unit, headed by Susan Marshall.