Working Not Working acquires The Backscratchers as it looks to expand UK presence
Freelance creative network Working Not Working has acquired London-based 'fixers' business The Backscratchers as part of a move to further its expansion into the UK market.
Backscratchers business model closely is already closely aligned with that of Working Not Working's
The deal will see The Backscratchers, which connects brands and marketers with a network of freelances and creatives on a project-by-project basis, absorbed into the Working Not Working team.
Working Not Working counts Apple, Google, Airbnb and Facebook among its clients. The business was founded by ex-FCB creative director Adam Tompkins, and Justin Gignac who previously worked for Toy and Fallon.
The platform currently gives brands access to around 35,000 global creative guns for hire across the media, advertising and tech industries.
Backscratchers co-founders Jody Orsborn and Leo Critchley, who started the business in 2012, will oversee a handover of current clients and advise on the UK and European markets but will not remain with the firm after the acquisition. Several "key members" of Backscratchers' team will stay on with Working Not Working for a longer period.
The acquisition of Backscratchers will help Working Not Working expand beyond its roots in the US. With the company saying it hopes the move will give the freelancers on its books "greater access to global talent and opportunities".
Working Not Working's Tompkins said: "The acquisition of The Backscratchers is a great head start. The company's roster of talent and deep knowledge of the UK and European markets will be invaluable."
Backscratchers' business model is already closely aligned with that of Working Not Working's. Over the past six years it has worked on projects for around 350 clients including Unilever, Google and Red Bull.
Commenting on the sale, Orsborn said: "Our vision for The Backscratchers was always to create a community and service for both clients and freelancers that sought to genuinely make the industry better.
"We believe that Working Not Working has our same dedication to transparency, quality and 'good people doing good things together'. It's the perfect next step for our business."
The value of the sale was not disclosed by either party.