Six-figure acquisition sees marketing agency and PR firm join forces

Leeds-based strategic marketing agency, Fantastic Media, has acquired Faith Brand Communications for a six-figure sum.

This move comes after nearly 16 years of collaboration between the two West Yorkshire firms on various projects.

While both brands will maintain their distinct identities for the immediate future, this partnership has expanded the collective strength of the business duo, which now has a combined team of 33 marketing professionals.

Together, they will oversee a substantial portfolio of over 45 retained clients with a combined turnover exceeding £2m.

Faith founder and former managing director, Stefanie Hopkins, will continue to play a pivotal role as communications director while Fantastic founder Andy Hobson and co-owner, Andrew McCarthy, will become owner directors of Brighouse-based Faith, supported by a leadership team which spans both firms.

Fantastic Media is a 25-strong full service marketing agency delivering strategy, digital, website development, social media and content creation for national and international clients, which include Leeds United, Overfinch, Laxtons, abbeydale food, Schades Group and Leeds-based Skopes menswear.

The agency, which has been trading for 18 years, reported its best ever year in December with six new clients coming on board from across the UK and Europe and 26% growth in overall revenue to £1.65m.

Faith Brand Communications celebrated its 16th anniversary in October and achieved a record financial performance in 2023 with a 25% increase in revenue.

Since its inception in 2007, it has provided communications support to over 160 clients, some as far afield as the US.

As part of the acquisition, the Faith Brand Communications team will relocate from Brighouse to Fantastic Media’s offices over the next quarter.

Hobson said: “Fantastic, very much like Faith, has grown organically over the past 18 years by delivering high quality, targeted brand and marketing strategies based on emotional connections and strong relationships between agency and client teams.

“This approach is testament to the longevity of both companies’ approach and confirms that people are at the core of our DNA.

“The coming together will be a perfect fit for all parties and will strengthen the offering to new and existing clients.”

Hopkins added: “I’ve known Andy and the Fantastic team for many years, having provided PR both for the agency and its clients, so I am thrilled to join forces.

“This move marks an exciting chapter in our journey, opening up new horizons of growth and possibilities.

“Since launching Faith from my kitchen table with just one £250 a month client in 2007, we have built a solid foundation as a PR agency in Yorkshire and beyond, and this union allows us to take our expertise to new heights.

“The synergies between our strengths in public relations and Fantastic’s comprehensive marketing capabilities promise a truly integrated offering for brands.”