Leeds-based brand communications agency, Principles, celebrates a record start to the year with a strategic recruitment drive.
- The agency has significantly increased its turnover and profit, marking a 100% rise in Q1 turnover compared to the previous year.
- Several key hires have been made, including Jorden Sweet as Account Director and Shelly Coyle as Creative Lead, to bolster their team.
- Principles secured new clients, including a global brand project for Ropsley Limited and a trade loyalty project for Best Heating.
- A shift to a four-day working week with retained pay has reportedly improved staff well-being and has been part of the agency’s operational strategy.
Leeds-based brand communications agency, Principles, claims to be the city’s oldest in its sector and has recently initiated a recruitment drive following an exceptionally strong start to the new financial year. This achievement involves more than doubling its first-quarter turnover compared to the previous year, resulting in a substantial turnover of £701,000. Simultaneously, gross profits have also experienced a notable increase of 70%, rising to £368,000 in the same period.
In an effort to support this growth and enhance client service efficiency, Principles has welcomed Jorden Sweet back into its ranks as Account Director, following her previous tenure at FPP. Sweet is equipped with nearly a decade of experience, having worked with notable brands such as Warburton’s, Arla, and Mr Kipling. Furthermore, the strengthening of its creative team is marked by the appointment of Shelly Coyle as Creative Lead. Coyle brings with her extensive experience from Flutter Entertainment and esteemed London agencies including OgilvyOne, VCCP, and Saatchi & Saatchi.
The induction of Emily Haigh-Jacobs, a designer skilled in brand creation and development, broadens the expertise within the creative team. These strategic hires are aligned with Principles’ expansion goals, as is evident by their recent acquisition of key projects. These projects include a global brand creation and launch undertaking for the newly established engineering group, Ropsley Limited, as well as a trade loyalty project for Best Heating.
In addition to business growth, the agency is marking two years since implementing a four-day working week policy, which allows employees to maintain five days’ pay. This innovative approach has reportedly led to improved company stability and enhanced work-life balance among staff. Managing Director Mike Hackett expressed satisfaction with the agency’s progress, attributing success to the adoption of innovative strategies and the transformation of its business operations model. Hackett observed that such shifts have not only bolstered financial metrics but have also contributed to higher client retention rates, acquisition of new clients, and a more content and healthier workforce.
These developments signal a promising future trajectory for Leeds’ Principles agency as it continues to innovate and expand.
