RSM advises award-winning PR agency Umpf on its move to employee ownership
Umpf, a multi award winning PR agency with offices in Leeds and London, has become an employee-owned business in a landmark move for the agency to secure its plans for long-term, sustainable growth.
Established in 2009, Umpf has grown into one of the most awarded PR consultancies in the North of England. The agency is renowned for delivering high-impact, consumer PR, influencer and creative campaigns.
Umpf’s evolution into employee ownership secures the agency’s long-term independence, while refreshing its brand to embed a truly people-first philosophy aimed at inspiring and fostering sustainable, long-term growth. It joins a growing number of forward-thinking UK agencies and brands embracing employee ownership.
Laura Marks, Martin Cooper and Ben Brown from RSM UK advised on the deal, providing structural and tax advice.
Umpf founder Adrian Johnson said: “Our success has always been built on the talent and dedication of our brilliant team. This structure not only rewards their hard work but also positions us for even greater innovation and client impact as we open the next chapter in our storytelling journey. Employee ownership gives the entire team a meaningful stake in the business, fostering greater collaboration, long-term thinking and shared success.
“Locking in our people-first ethos for the long term ensures the team's passion and expertise remain at the heart of the business and launching our new website and creative direction signals the start of an exciting new era – let’s create some noise.”
Laura Marks, Tax Director at RSM added: “It was a pleasure to advise Adrian and the team at Umpf on their move to employee ownership. It’s clear the business has a real passion for its people and the move to employee ownership should further empower them to take the business forward and continue to build on the fantastic brand they have already created.”