England and Fuse8 reach settlement
An Agency Called England has released a statement revealing that the dispute over the departures of three members of its staff to join Fuse8 – a matter which reached the courts – has now been settled.
According to the announcement, Fuse8 and three former members of England staff, will pay costs and damages to England and are now subject to a number of undertakings which prevent them from soliciting and/or dealing directly or indirectly with a number of clients of An Agency Called England and/or soliciting employees of An Agency Called England.
However, Fuse8’s legal representatives have said that neither the agency, or any of its staff, has agreed, or been ordered, to pay any costs or damages. The statement says that the amount to pay is in settlement of England’s claim and says that it considers the figure an acceptable amount to pay to end the legal proceedings.
As The Drum reported in August, the fall out followed England’s client services director Nigel Hunter, media director Stephen Dixon and account manager Zoe Ward leaving to join Fuse8. England say the dispute centred on breaches of fidelity by the three staff members while still in the employ of the agency, as well as breaches of employment contracts relating to confidential information and post-termination restrictions.
Legal representatives of Fuse8 said that that no admissions were made and no findings of any breaches were made by a court or any other jurisdiction.
They also add that Fuse8, Hunter, Ward and Dixon strongly deny these allegations and continue to do so.
In England’s statement, chief executive Tony Stanton said: “We are pleased that this episode is over and encouraged that by standing up for what we believe in we have been completely vindicated.
“We have worked for many years to build a successful and much-admired business. The actions of a small number of people appeared to have had the specific aim of damaging our business and reputation. We took the courageous route in confronting these actions, were entirely right to do so and we are satisfied with the outcome.
“England has prided itself for many years on working hard to deliver the best possible service for its clients. Despite the events of the last few months, I am proud to say that the agency has a team of talented and committed people who are working hard together to this aim, and I am confident that the agency will continue to go from strength to strength.”
In response to the announcement, Fuse8’s Hunter said: “The legal action has been an unwanted distraction for all of us, but now it is over we are looking forward to taking Fuse8 forward. We joined Fuse8 because it is a vibrant business with a great culture, excellent clients and a clear growth and succession strategy. The court case has actually galvanised us even further and we are in a position to announce some significant developments imminently.”