Leeds-based Fuse8 has snapped up Mick Craven and Gary Delaporte, one of the top creative teams from Poulters, to launch a new brand-building advertising agency within the group.

Poulters was closed by parent company Bezier last month, with its 42-strong workforce made redundant. Among those were Craven and Delaporte, who have been appointed to launch Industry - a new division Fuse8, which will provide advertising services to other teams with the group as well as other agencies.

Nigel Hunter, Fuse8's managing director, said: “Mick and Gary are two of the most highly respected creatives based outside the M25. We are ecstatic to be able to announce that they are joining fuse8. Their creative ability and expertise further enhances our offer and will allow us to expand our business into new markets.

“They are also hugely determined to make Industry a recognised and respected creative outfit in its own right. We have jointly authored a robust business plan and we look forward to making Industry a resounding success.”

Craven and Delaporte have worked together for 16 years, having spent time at JWT in Manchester, Propaganda in Leeds and Poulters. In that time, they have won a plethora of industry accolades including numerous Roses Awards, a Campaign Poster Award and D&AD recognition.

Craven said: “Fuse8 is a hugely exciting business that we are convinced is going to be on an upward trajectory for a long time. We all share the same vision for Industry about delivering outstanding creative work that achieves results. We’re looking forward to making Industry a great success and believe that our alliance with fuse8 provides us with the perfect foundations upon which to do so.”

Established in 2000, now employs 75 people located in offices in Leeds, London and Chelyabinsk, Russia. Clients include STORM watches, Countryside Properties, Shepherd Homes, Italian restaurant chain Casa Mia and law firm Gordons.

Delaporte said: “We’re now in a liberating position where we can create our own brand which reflects our core values. Industry will only ever deliver dynamic creative thinking that builds brands and generates return on investment.

“Working with Fuse8 provides us with access to innovative strategic thought and an outstanding understanding of technology and how to apply it in the marketing arena. We know that combining these skills with Industry’s creative offer provides us with a clearly differentiated proposition that is of great interest to the market.”