Umpf in Leeds is marking its 17th anniversary by becoming employee-owned.
The PR agency has unveiled a new creative identity and website to mark the transition into an Employee Ownership Trust.
“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,” explained Umpf founder Adrian Johnson.
“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.”
READ MORE – Why becoming an employee-owned business was the “best thing” for First Event
Described as a landmark moment for the company, which was established in 2009, it said the decision secured its “long-term independence.”
“This brand refresh feels like a really big moment for us, but also a natural evolution of where we’re heading. The agency has always been shaped by the people in it, so becoming employee-owned just makes that official,” added Milly Rose, Senior Account Director at Umpf.
“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.”
READ MORE – Leeds-based agency Umpf celebrates double CIPR win at National awards
It’s the latest regional company to go down the employee-owned route, with BDB Global, Brazen, I-COM, The SEO Works, Golley Slater and Engage Interactive among those making the move in the last couple of years.
They’ve followed brands like Aardman Animations and John Lewis Partnership.
As part of its new social value commitment, Umpf has made Smart Works its second charity partner for 2026. It’s an organisation which helps empower unemployed women to get the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure employment. It already provides pro bono support for the Yorkshire Beast Unleashed, an annual cycling fundraising challenge. It’s also been accredited as an Endometriosis Friendly Employer.
