A RINGWOOD company which stages events for some of the UK's biggest corporate names is under new ownership following a successful management buy-out.

Andy Haynes and Jeremy Shakerley have become managing partners of UKS&V after buying the company from its founders, Trevor Pogson and Kay Sutton, for an undisclosed sum.

The business, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year, lists the AA, Financial Services Authority, IBM and Vodafone among its clients, with UKS&V providing a range of services such as event design.

Mr Haynes, who joined UKS&V in 1997, said: "It's our intention to raise the company's profile through great service, quality and value for money across many industry sectors."

Law firm Lester Aldridge and the corporate finance team at accountants Princecroft Willis worked on the deal.

Mr Shakerley, who has worked for UKS&V since 1989, said the business enjoyed an "excellent reputation", particularly for its high production values. "We are looking to build on that in the years ahead," he added.