Why it matters: Masson hopes the firm's success inspires other local business owners and entrepreneurs by proving that global businesses can be built from regional bases.
The details: Founded in Ipswich in 2017, The DPO Centre has grown rapidly under Masson's leadership to serve more than 1,000 clients globally across sectors including finance and insurance, life sciences, and software and technology. The company provides outsourced Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and privacy consultancy services, operating one of the largest teams of experienced and permanently employed DPOs available.
The company confirmed to Ipswich.co.uk that no redundancies are planned as part of the acquisition, with internal promotions expected in the first 100 days reflecting the business's policy of promoting from within.
The DPO Centre will continue operating under its own brand with no immediate integration plans.
What they're saying: "This is a pivotal moment for The DPO Centre. It has been the contribution of our entire #ONETEAM that has enabled us to build such a successful business, and one that has attracted the level of interest required from a group of this calibre and scale," said Masson.
He added: "Our business started here in Suffolk, and it's always been important to me to show that you don't have to be based in London or a major city to make a national or international impact. I hope our story inspires others who have an idea, the determination, and the support around them to make it a success."
The bigger picture: The acquisition demonstrates the growing influence of Suffolk businesses in the global technology sector. Masson's expertise has reached national policy levels, with his concerns about proposed data protection legislation cited in the House of Lords in 2023.
As part of the transition, Masson will step down as chief executive to become chief revenue officer, focusing on driving growth through sales expansion and strategic partnerships. Leadership now passes to current chief operating officer Lenitha Bishop, who becomes chief executive.
By the numbers: The DPO Centre employs 100 people at its Ipswich headquarters and across international offices in London, Dublin, Amsterdam, New York, and Toronto, with operations across all 27 EU member states.
What's next: Financial terms of the acquisition remain confidential. The business will continue operating from Suffolk while benefiting from Axiom GRC's resources to accelerate international expansion. Axiom GRC, formed in 2019, supports over 25,000 clients worldwide and combines consultancy with technology platforms to build business resilience across all aspects of compliance.
Masson plans to support other entrepreneurs and aspiring founders by sharing his experience of building an internationally recognised organisation.
The bottom line: The acquisition showcases how Suffolk-based businesses can achieve global success whilst remaining rooted in the county, providing inspiration for regional entrepreneurs and demonstrating the area's growing reputation as a technology and business hub.
