Yorkshire and London-based PR consultancy Umpf has embarked on a new chapter as a business, by transitioning to employee ownership and unveiling a refreshed brand identity. The shift to an employee owned model was advised upon by experts from RSM.
Founded in 2009, Umpf is a PR consultancy with offices in Leeds and London. Delivering high-impact, consumer PR, influencer and creative campaigns, it has grown into one of the North of England’s most decorated PR consultancies, collecting more than 80 industry awards.
As the firm looks to build on its early success, it has become the latest in a growing number of businesses to consider employee ownership. The creation of Employee Ownership Trusts is the fastest growing form of business ownership in the UK – and bosses at Umpf believe the move aligns with the firm’s focus on sustainable growth and high engagement.
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.”
Laura Marks, Martin Cooper and Ben Brown from RSM UK advised on the deal, providing structural and tax advice. Marks, a tax director at RSM added, said it was “a pleasure to advise Adrian and the team at Umpf” on the change to employee ownership.
She added, “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.”
Needs more Umpf
As it embarks on its latest chapter, the business has also revitalised its corporate identity. Turning its skillset on its own branding, Umpf retooled its logo as part of a “natural evolution of where we’re heading”, according to Milly Rose, senior account director at the firm.
Rose continued, “The agency has always been shaped by the people in it, so becoming employee-owned just makes that official. Moving to an EoT gives everyone in the team a genuine stake in where we’re heading next. That kind of ownership boosts the energy, ideas and ambition, which can only be good news for our clients.”
Along with Umpf’s new creative identity, it has refreshed its website to mark its changed ownership – something it asserts reinforces “a people-first approach designed to secure its long-term independence.” Further highlighting this, the firm has also confirmed Smart Works as its second charity partner for 2026, while recently securing Endometriosis Friendly Employer accreditation.
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