Citypress

Citypress is on a mission to become the defining employee-owned agency of its time, leveraging its commercial success to drive social impact. One of the few agencies in this list which is based outside London, the Manchester-headquartered firm emphasizes a people-first approach, aiming to deliver brand-defining work for clients while fostering a positive experience for its colleagues.

In 2024, Citypress achieved revenues of £15 million, up 10% from the previous year. This growth was fueled by the addition of landmark clients like Arla, Evri, and Aspall to its roster, alongside long-standing partnerships with major brands such as Aldi, Lloyds Banking Group, and Nestlé. The agency's unique employee ownership model enhances employee engagement and aligns its success with that of its clients, creating a collaborative environment focused on achieving shared goals.

Citypress has demonstrated its creative prowess through impactful campaigns, notably the 'Milk Bank' initiative in partnership with Arla. This campaign aimed to increase access to fresh dairy in food banks by introducing fully stocked fridges and launching the world's first free milk ATM machine. The campaign generated over 200 pieces of media coverage and significantly improved Arla's brand reputation, showcasing Citypress's ability to blend creativity with social responsibility. Additionally, the agency launched "The Space Between" campaign with Crown Paints, advocating for the revitalization of community spaces, which garnered national attention.

The culture at Citypress is characterized by its commitment to employee empowerment and social responsibility. The agency introduced an Employee Owners’ Board to give colleagues a voice in its direction. In 2024, it was recognized as the PRWeek Best Large Agency to Work For, and it shared nearly £700,000 with employees through profit-sharing and performance bonuses. With a senior team composed of 50% women, Citypress actively promotes diversity and inclusion, aiming to drive social mobility through partnerships with local educational institutions.—CD