Manchester agency Candidsky hit by delayed wages and staff exodus after takeover

Summary

Candidsky, once positioned to become a leading Northern digital agency, has experienced delayed salaries across April, May and June 2026 owing to short-term cashflow pressures, according to parent company 5 Villages Group. The company acknowledged that pension contributions were also remitted late, with some amounts still outstanding. By 9 July, the substantial majority of affected employees had been paid, though payments remained outstanding to two former staff members.

The Manchester agency has suffered a dramatic reduction in workforce, with around 14 permanent staff before the takeover falling to just three by earlier this year, according to former senior figures. Client losses followed the departure of senior team members, and the business is now rebuilding its leadership and client base using a mix of permanent staff and specialist consultants shared across group businesses.

An HR grievance was lodged in July 2025, around two months after the takeover, against 5 Villages Group chairman Don Iro. He denies allegations of sexual harassment but accepts arranging a private hotel meeting with a former employee was an 'error of judgement'. The HR process did not reach a final determination, and former chief executive David Vernon has since lodged an Employment Tribunal claim relating to his March departure.

Common questions

What is this article about?

Candidsky, a Manchester digital agency, has been struck by delayed salary payments, outstanding pension contributions and significant staff departures following its acquisition by 5 Villages Group in May 2025. The parent company has acknowledged cashflow pressures and an HR grievance against its chairman, though it denies sexual harassment allegations.

When was this published?

This article was published on 10 August 2026.

Who published this article?

This article was published by Prolific North.