A MARKETING and communications agency has changed hands after 26 years following a management buy-out.

"I thought it was time for someone else to take over. It was an opportunity and was something always in my mind," said James Hazeldine, who recently completed the sale of HPS Marketing Communications to Mark Cornwell, current managing director and Richard Triggs, financial director, for an undisclosed sum.

"I leave this agency in a very strong condition creatively, administratively and financially and under the stewardship of Mark and Richard, who have been with me for the last 15 years. The only changes we expect to see will be for the better."

Since the Desborough Park Road agency was established it has expanded considerably to incorporate a PR consultancy, Marketing Expressions, concerned with sales, promotions and incentives and a healthcare agency.

James, 52, however, will not be retiring from the business world. He already has a directorship for a company dealing with small parts for the automotive industry based in Bury St Edmunds and Scunthorpe and will continue to be involved with HPS on a consultancy basis for the next three years.

"I am not sitting around doing nought," he said.