Originally founded in 1947, Icon operates from its headquarters in south-east London with a permanent staff base of 70, supplemented by international offices and partners covering Europe, Africa, India, the Middle East and North America.

Following a management buy-out of the company by the directors in 2008, we acquired event production and creative technology specialist MEI, which bought a whole new dimension to Icon's portfolio in terms of brand promotion and activation.

In March 2011 we purchased event overlay and city dressing specialist the SLS Group. This development enables us to extend our offering beyond the arena to surrounding public spaces, as well as providing an equipment rental facility offering low-cost sustainable solutions in branding and wayfinding.

Shortly after the SLS acquisition Icon was purchased by the Chime Communications Group. Chime is the holding company for the international public relations group, Bell Pottinger; one of the fastest growing advertising and marketing services groups, which includes VCCP, Teamspirit and CSM; a global sports marketing group, which includes Fast Track and Essentially; and a market leading research and engagement group, which includes Opinion Leader Research and Facts International.

Chime is made up of four divisions, 50 agencies and over 1,200 people, with offices in the UK, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, USA, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Qatar, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand.