Headland

Headland was founded in 2012 to challenge conventional agency structures that meant corporate, financial and public affairs clients were forced to choose between senior strategic and commercial counsel and creative campaign delivery. The agency has since established itself as one of the UK’s leading reputation and communications consultancies. Specialising in financial communications, corporate and campaigning strategies, public affairs, sustainability, and digital communications, it operates with a purpose-driven ethos: “to champion collaboration and diverse perspectives in building reputations for a thriving world”.

Headland – one of the fastest-growing communications agencies in the UK over the past five years, according to our Global 250 research – now represents some of the world’s most famous brands and leading FTSE-listed businesses. Its business performance over the past year has been exceptional, with revenue reaching £33.3 million – an 18% increase – alongside a 28% profit margin. Employee headcount has grown to 185 and client retention has risen from 69% to 75%.

The agency continued to secure major clients, adding 40 new accounts in the past year. Its portfolio includes household names such as TikTok, Accenture, Danone, National Express, KFC, Just Eat, and Pret, as well as disruptive innovators like OpenAI. Headland’s ability to support clients during high-stakes moments is a core strength — in the past year alone, it has advised more than 200 clients on issues ranging from acquisitions to regulatory scrutiny and government hearings.

Headland stands out for its deep client integration, with teams embedding themselves within operations, whether that means working from wind farms, fulfilment centres, or out on deliveries, and its employees are frequently seconded into client organisations to provide hands-on support. The agency’s stakeholder intelligence model ensures clients are equipped with insights from investors, policymakers, regulators, customers, and employees, and it runs exclusive forums with business and political leaders under the Chatham House rule, featuring high-profile figures such as chancellor Rachel Reeves and climate journalist Akshat Rathi.

One standout campaign was its work for International Distribution Services (Royal Mail’s parent company) in navigating a complex turnaround and subsequent takeover bid. Headland played a pivotal role in strategic communications, political engagement, and regulatory guidance, contributing to a revised £5.3 billion acquisition offer.

In 2024, Headland promoted 48 employees, hired 54 new team members, and brought in senior leaders from Teneo, Brunswick, and major media outlets. With an 81% retention rate and strong commitments to gender and racial diversity, the agency continues to set industry benchmarks for inclusivity. — MPS