Independent Future for Phoenix Wharf After Management Buyout

Istoria Group, the Bristol-based collective of creative businesses, is pleased to announce the successful management buyout (MBO) of Phoenix Wharf, marking an exciting new chapter for the award-winning interior design and branding agency. Phoenix Wharf, known for its work in the hospitality sector, will now continue as an independent company under the ownership and leadership of Creative Directors Chris Gwyther and Emma Carter, alongside Commercial Director Ollie Lewis.

Phoenix Wharf was established in 2015 within Istoria Group, after Chris and Emma, both longstanding members of Istoria Group’s sister company Ignition, proposed creating a specialised agency focused on the unique needs of the hospitality sector. Since then, the team has built Phoenix Wharf into a distinctive brand, celebrated for its impactful, emotionally resonant designs and its ‘substance with soul’ mission. The agency’s impressive client roster includes The National Trust, Space NK, Yeo Valley, Oh So Yum! and Bristol Loaf, and it has earned multiple industry accolades, including two GOLD awards in the London Design Awards’ hospitality category.

Claire Menzies, Chairwoman of Istoria Group, commented on the buyout:

“It has been a true privilege to support Phoenix Wharf from its earliest days, watching it grow into a leading name in hospitality design. Chris, Emma, and Ollie have built something very special with Phoenix Wharf, and their vision and dedication make this next step a natural evolution. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see their continued success as an independent agency.”

Reflecting on their time with Istoria Group, Phoenix Wharf Creative Director Chris Gwyther shared:

“The support and encouragement from Istoria Group have been invaluable to our journey, providing us with the foundation to grow and thrive. As we look to the future, we’re energised by the opportunities that independence brings and excited to continue creating spaces that connect, inspire, and endure.”

Emma Carter, Creative Director, added:

“Our years with Istoria Group have been integral to our success, allowing us to nurture our ideas and build a talented team around our core mission. We’re grateful for the platform Istoria provided and thrilled to take the next steps as an independent agency.”

As Istoria Group refocuses on its portfolio of creative and digital businesses, the buyout exemplifies its ongoing mission to incubate and support pioneering ventures. The company was originally founded by Claire Menzies and Sam Rowe (CEO) with a vision to build a collaborative collective of diverse businesses, helping innovative agencies reach their full potential while championing creativity, mutual learning, and sustainable growth.

“Phoenix Wharf embodies everything Istoria Group stands for,” Menzies added, “from bold ideas to meaningful, purpose-driven work. We look forward to cheering them on as they continue making an impact in the hospitality sector and beyond.”