MPL takes on ex-Judds team

The fallout from the ú1m collapse of graphics group Judds continues this week. Michael Peters Limited is taking on several redundant staff, including Judds chairman David Judd, to boost its position in UK branding.

Judd and up to seven account- handling staff are joining MPL. Judds managing director Jasper Judd will be helping with the transition, but he then plans to leave the design industry.

Meanwhile, Greg Vallance, Judds creative director until the consultancy went into receivership owing some ú1m (DW 17 February), has joined Dragon International as creative director.

The MPL-bound team is described by MPL as “the majority of the senior management of Judds”. Judds marketing director John Watts says: “MPL is ideally suited to offer us the security, support and resources we need to continue servicing our established clients.”

MPL managing director Peter Sampson says the consultancy’s brand work has been going well in Europe but is falling behind in the UK. MPL had decided to acquire a UK brands consultancy and was considering Judds among others.

“It was extremely unfortunate for Judds that it went into receivership, but quite fortuitous for us. It fell into our lap,” says Sampson. “We were looking for excellent client people and not for design resources.

“We have to guarantee continuity for [Judds’] clients. I’m sure [the new Judds] will be targeting the Judds UK clients as well, but I am hopeful that the existing relationships with these clients rest with the people joining MPL.”

Rob Hudson, new creative director at the part of Judds bought out by former Netherlands office DJPA, says all the consultancy’s five full-time designers and a number of freelances are still on board. “The Judds name is going to remain for now to maintain continuity,” he says.