Birmingham consultancy Whistle PR has undergone a management buyout which sees managing director Sarah Kent become majority shareholder.

Castle Bromwich-based Whistle was set up in 2012 as part of the Emerge Group and now employs 11 people at its offices in Fort Dunlop, with annual turnover of over £1 million.

The agency's clients include CALA Homes, Aggregate Industries and Churchill Retirement Living.

The new Whistle board will include Claire Gething who has been promoted to director and Whistle's previous chairman Matt Fleming who will be a minority shareholder and non-executive director.

Ms Kent said: "Over the last three years, Whistle has gone from a start-up to a £1 million company with a strong culture, great team and a solid client base.

"This feels like the natural next step for the company with continuity of culture and management as we start a new chapter.

"We have exciting plans for the business which will see us grow the team, build on specialist areas and introduce some new services."

Director of Emerge Group Matt Fleming added: "Right from day one, Whistle established and maintained the principles of excellence in people, service and output, so it has been very satisfying to watch them grow into a great PR business.

"We were delighted when Sarah embarked on the MBO and the successful completion of the project will provide the perfect platform for her and her team to take the business to the next stage.

"All of us at Emerge wish Whistle every success and, from a personal perspective, I am thrilled that I'll be maintaining an involvement in the company."

Legal advice on the deal was provided by Birmingham-based Thinking Legal for Whistle and Shoosmith's in Fareham to Emerge.