Auspicious Holdings targets learning market in DBLX acquisition
Tue, 07 Jan 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Auspicious Holdings is targeting growth in the Learning & HR market after buying DBLX, the digital custom content and platform business.
Stoke-based DBLX, led by CEO and co-founder Nicky Hoyland, works with HR and Learning & Development teams inside major organisations to improve learning & development and internal communications. It does this via bespoke technology such as immersive digital content, custom platform development and strategic consulting.
Its global clients include Santander, St James's Place, Subsea 7 and Centrica.
DBLX is international media group Auspicious Holdings' third acquisition since launching in October 2024. It joins Blue Chalk Media, a US-based non-fiction production company, and UK-based Studio Yes, a creative advertising and video production studio.
Hoyland becomes Global Chief Innovation Officer at Auspicious while retaining responsibility for the growth of DBLX.
Rob Ashcroft, who recently left Santander UK where he spent more than 17 years in Learning Management roles, joins Auspicious as Chief Learning Officer. He will help DBLX build out its learning consultancy, transformation and employee experience offer.
Hoyland said: "Joining Auspicious is a fantastic step for DBLX. Our strength lies in combining custom creative content and technology to deliver engaging experiences that truly resonate with employees."
Rachel Pendered, Auspicious Co-CEO, added: "Learning is a huge focus for large companies as they invest in employee skills and capabilities that directly impact the bottom line. It's a major growth market for Auspicious both in the UK and in the US. Rob and Nicky are industry titans who have worked with and for major brands on complex briefs."
Indeed, the Global Corporate Training Market is currently valued at £352.66 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11.7 per cent between 2025 and 2030.
It is being driven by increasing demand for skill development, advancements in digital learning technologies and the rising emphasis on employee engagement and retention following the pandemic.
Find out why more UK dealmakers are feeling optimistic
Share this article
Latest Professional and Financial Businesses for Sale
Consultancy & Investment Business
Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
Established in 2024, this unique consultancy & investment business is now for sale. This is a promising opportunity for a buyer due to the strong foundations set by the current owner.
Relocatable Financial Business
UK Wide
This is an excellent, unique opportunity to purchase a relocatable Financial business. Having now built up a very strong and recognised brand, the business has quickly gained momentum since being established in 2014. Going from strength to strength o...
Family & Private Client Solicitors
London, South East, UK
Specialist and well-established family and private client solicitors’ firm in East London looking for a sale.