New digital marketing agency, launches in Leeds

A new, Leeds-based digital marketing agency has been launched, seeking to redefine the typical agency model by providing quality services for clients, but with a more open, accessible and honest approach.

Aptly named ‘Another Concept’, the agency is the brainchild of four digital marketing experts with more than 50 years of combined experience: Alex Gregory, Marcus Hearn, Tom Brook and Rich Hart. All proud, no-nonsense Yorkshiremen, the quartet first met back in 2015 when they worked at one of the largest digital marketing agencies in the UK. Although the four had different specialisms, they immediately developed a strong bond that they’ve maintained ever since.

Prior to starting their new venture, the co-founders each held senior roles at digital agencies. Between them they’ve also worked in both in-house positions and on a freelance basis for some of the country’s biggest brands. But, despite this, the four all claim that they’ve never lost sight of their shared belief that clients deserve more from their agency partners.

Motivated by their collective experience and their strong desire to change the perception of agency relationships, the four have started Another Concept and now offer a variety of digital marketing services including organic search, content, digital PR and outreach. However, they promise to deliver these in an open and collaborative way that offers clients a direct route of communication to their expertise, as and when they need it. They will also be offering a ‘fluid’ approach to strategy and retainers that puts performance first.

Speaking about the launch, Tom Brook, who heads up the content marketing services, said: “All four of us have worked in a number of situations where we felt things could and should have been done differently. Often that was simply because we just wanted to do the best we could for the client. Sadly though, too many digital marketing agencies are stuck in a set way of working and are too busy thinking about profitability rather than performance.

“There are some good agencies out there, but I think far too many aren’t maximising their clients’ budgets or delivering the best possible ROI. I also think many agencies have far too many layers of account management. We are offering people direct access to experts. It means we can get work done faster, work holistically and respond to client queries in a much more timely manner.

“Ultimately, we just went back to the drawing board. We highlighted what we felt was problematic with the current agency model and vowed to take a new, better approach that will ensure clients get quality services without the nonsense. We want to be an extension of our clients’ teams and more like a partnership, rather than a standalone third-party that floats about on the edge.”

Alongside this, Rich Hart, who leads on the Digital PR service, spoke about how excited the team is to work together as both digital marketing experts and friends: “I think it’s a rarity to find an agency these days that has the shared core values that we have and we have our collective wealth of experience - and of course the fact we’ve known each other so long - to thank for that.

“Personally, I couldn’t think of a better group of people to have around and work with here. But also I’m proud to have co-founded and I think I speak for all of us, when I say that we can’t wait to properly get out there into the online markets and deliver some excellent results.”

Following the launch, Another Concept is looking to grow its client base within a variety of sectors, but has already been working with a number of firms within the sports niche.