Agency roundup: Brand Ambition; Eat & Green; Hatch; and more

A Leeds-based digital marketing agency has made two new hires following a series of client wins.

Brand Ambition, which works across PR, SEO, design, web development and paid media, has appointed Hayley Stansfield as PR and content manager and Anna Kerslake as junior designer.

Stansfield, former content marketing manager at XLMedia PLC, brings over 10 years of experience to the Brand Ambition team and will play a key role in improving its PR and content strategy to help improve the online presence and online visibility of clients.

Kerslake joins the business as junior designer from her previous role as an advertising executive having also recently graduated from The University of Leeds with a Masters degree in Advertising & Design.

She will work on the creative design of on-site graphics to support new website launches and PR and social media campaigns.

The two new arrivals will support the agency’s latest client wins; Leeds-based direct sales recruitment specialists Citrus Connect, app and software developer experts Decodifi and live-in care providers Noble Live in Care.

Stansfield said: “It’s exciting to be joining an agency with such a positive and diverse client portfolio that offers the perfect opportunity to create PR campaigns that really make an impact.

“A key aspect of my role will be working with the branding team to ensure that PR actively aligns with client’s goals, and target audience and their SEO targets.

“This will help to develop a robust reporting strategy to demonstrate the true value of the links and coverage we secure and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Sam Raife, co-founder and managing director, said: “With some exciting new client wins coming in, the timing couldn’t be better for Hayley and Anna to join the team.

“If we want to level up and keep pushing the agency forward, we need the right people around us smart, skilled, and ready to make an impact.

“Bringing additional support and expertise to services like this is a big part of our plan to grow, strengthen our digital marketing offer, and keep doing great work across the board. We’re genuinely excited to have them both on board.”

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Micro agency, Eat & Green, has added premium Irish cream brand, Coole Swan, to its client portfolio.

Coole Swan joins Leeds-based Eat & Green’s roster of scaling consumer brands including Yorkshire bakeries Jacksons of Yorkshire, Lottie Shaw’s and luxury linen brand, Tielle.

Founded by communications expert, Julia Cross, Eat & Green’s remit with Coole Swan is to support the brand’s growth, raising awareness amongst new retail buyers and key commercial stakeholders.

Made with just single malt Irish whiskey, real Belgian white chocolate and fresh Irish dairy cream, Coole Swan grew by 67 per cent in the UK in 2024, with this year’s growth set to top that as the premium Irish cream category soars.

Coole Swan CEO, Mary Sadlier, said: “Julia quickly grasped my requirements and devised a clear, targeted plan to achieve our goals.

“Just a week into our partnership and we’re already generating results, including securing a slot on a nationally recognised industry podcast.

“I’m looking forward to achieving cut through in this competitive category together.”

Cross added: “The trend for clients seeking senior-level comms support outside of the traditional agency model is showing no sign of slowing down.

“In these times of financial uncertainly, the types of clients I work with are seeking a consistent, senior point of contact to provide a straight-talking, streamlined service and value for money.

“I’m looking forward to adding value to Mary’s business. We’re already doing great work together and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

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Hatch, a communications agency headquartered in Leeds, has been appointed by Uyare, a new rooftop bar and restaurant in Victoria Leeds, to manage its official spring launch.

Uyare, the latest venture from the team behind Leeds’s South Indian restaurant, Tharavadu, will bring an elevated hospitality experience to the city, serving a small plate menu that showcases the rich and diverse flavours of Kerala.

Set within Victoria Leeds’s 7,000 sq ft space, Uyare will offer a blend of relaxed dining and a rooftop bar concept, featuring distinct areas such as Bhoomi – The Earth restaurant, and Agni – The Fire bar.

Hatch will support Uyare’s launch through a communications strategy, including creation of a new UYARE identity, dedicated influencer and media press office, and a series of high-profile launch events.

The campaign aims to build anticipation around the spring opening and position Uyare as a must-visit destination in Leeds’s food and nightlife scene.

Jason Madeley, managing partner at Hatch, said: “Leeds has a fantastic food and drink scene, and Uyare is set to be a game-changer for the city in an iconic rooftop location.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside the brilliant team behind Tharavadu to bring the amazing vision of Uyare to life.”

Siby Jose, founder of Tharavadu, added: “Launching Uyare is a significant moment for us, and we wanted a partner that truly understands our story and ambition.

“Hatch’s expertise and creative approach stood out to us, and we’re confident that together, we’ll create something truly special.

“Uyare is not just about great food – it’s about bringing the warmth, hospitality, and bold flavours of Kerala to a stunning new space for all in Victoria Leeds.”

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Digital marketing agency, Spike, has been appointed by online classified platform, Gumtree, to help manage and grow its paid search campaigns.

Established as the UK’s first free site for classified ads, Gumtree’s users can buy and sell items, cars, and properties, as well as find jobs, through free local listings on the platform.

Leeds-based Spike will support Gumtree’s plans to scale with data insight, audience building, ad copy, and channel optimisation, to help improve performance at a brand and campaign level.

Following a competitive pitching process, the agency was selected because of its experience in classified ads websites, in particular its automotive experience, which is a key vertical for Gumtree.

Recently appointed by Bauer Media, Spike has worked with a range of high-growth companies including Stagecoach, Travelodge, and Quickline.

Rob Powell, co-founder and director at the agency, said: “Our team is incredibly enthusiastic about this project. We’re looking forward to uncovering all of the opportunities and taking paid search in an exciting new direction for such a key player in the classified ads space, with an aligned vision for growth trajectory.

“The upward trend of Paid Media in recent years is now counterweighted for increasing demand in accurate marketing measurement, which is a key driver for our team.

“We’re always stretching ourselves further to stay at the cutting edge of the constant change and newest technologies at Spike. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a fresh approach to paid search informed by AI insights to consolidate Gumtree’s position as the leading classified ads platform in the UK.”

Kim Faura, chief consumer officer at Gumtree, added: “As well as leaning on their extensive expertise in the automotive and classified ads sector, Spike stood out with their approach to utilising AI with proprietary tools to get insights and recommendations for maximising search ad performance.

“With ambitious plans for the year, it’s an exciting time at Gumtree, and we’re looking forward to seeing the growth and impactful results we can achieve with Spike.”