He remains one of the best-known – and respected – names on the Dorset business scene.

And now he’s coming back!

Thirty six years after joining forces with Marty (Aylesworth) Syvertson to create Bournemouth-based Aylesworth Fleming, founder Matt Fleming – pictured right, with Marty – is to return as Executive Chairman.

The award-winning full-service marketing agency he created from scratch was acquired by OLIVER in 2016 after growing into a £60m group employing more than 250 people.

AF/OLIVER is now part of the global Inside Ideas Group which creates work for over 200 clients in 46 countries. 

Matt, a renowned residential property expert and industry commentator, stepped away from the day-to-day running of Aylesworth Fleming after its sale.

Instead, and having worked with major housebuilders across the UK for more than three decades, he continued to act as a consultant to AF/OLIVER.

But now, from next month and at the age of 64, he’s coming back as Executive Chairman – and he couldn’t be happier.

Matt said: “In recent years I’ve maintained an attachment with the agency and its super talented people.

“I’m fired up at the thought of coming back to AF/OLIVER on a formal basis.

“We’re in the middle of the most volatile property market in a decade, and decisions made now will have a dramatic effect on brands as they face the uncertainty of the next five years.

“I can’t wait to help them.”

In a LinkedIn post, Matt added: “I started Aylesworth Fleming over 36 years ago; next month I’m coming back – and I’m even more excited this time around!

“Despite enjoying a great leaving do, I kept my relationship with the agency, using my ad-hoc role as their residential property consultant to preserve the cherished attachment I have with the business and its super-talented, special people.

“And to make certain I kept my finger on the pulse of the property market of course.

“So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when they invited me to come back and do a proper job for them.

“They’ve offered me the chance to work again with clients I love and to win some new ones too.

“I’m 64 years old – I feel like I’m 24!

“I’m really fired up (and a little bit nervous) about the thought of going back to proper work and being the ‘newbie’ at AF/OLIVER.

“I’m relieved to say I won’t be the boss this time round, but I’ll be working in a brilliant business with people I know, respect and admire.”

AF/OLIVER currently works with some of the largest UK housebuilders including Redrow Homes, Crest Nicholson, Bloor Homes and the Vistry Group as well as smaller regional developers.

The agency is set to continue with its domestic and international expansion, led by its experienced senior management team and bolstered by Matt’s return.

Chris Woodward, OLIVER’s UK Group Managing Director, pictured left, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Matt back to the business he founded and turned into a powerhouse in property marketing.

“He rejoins us at a dynamic time for both the UK property market and our business.

“Both are seeing strong growth and the combination of deep residential expertise, and the unique OLIVER ‘bespoke teams’ model is a game-changer for clients.

“Matt will focus on accelerating UK growth and taking our unique residential property proposition into international markets.”

• afagency.co.uk