Manchester social-first marketing agency Campfire has announced a new strategic partnership with Literacy Capital, the top-performing listed investment trust over the last three years, which focuses on helping entrepreneurial businesses reach their potential.
The partnership, alongside the appointment of serial digital media entrepreneur Jim Brigden as chairman, marks a significant milestone in Campfire’s journey to becoming the premier marketing solution for brands in a social-first world.
Campfire, founded by by former Social Chain duo, Joe Gradwell and Alex Brown, was established to bridge the gap between fast-moving, innovative startups and rigorous, process-driven network agencies. Its mission is to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions for clients aiming to achieve success in the dynamic social media landscape. Over the past five years, it has scaled its operations, partnering with industry giants like Unilever, L’Oreal, COTY, and Kao, as well as prominent independents such as Domino’s, Munchkin, Quorn, and Music Magpie.
Its services include influencer marketing, strategy, organic social, paid media, content creation, and data analytics, powered by its growing stable of value-add proprietary tools, including flagship trend-spotting and analytics platform; Spark.
Campfire’s pursuit of further growth led it to seek a strategic partner, which it has now found in Paul Pindar-chaired Literacy Capital. Pindar was the architect of the growth, and former CEO, of FTSE 100-listed Capita.
London-listed Literacy’s current market capitalisation stands at around £300m, having been founded in 2017 with capital of £54m, and the organisation “embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and strategic insight necessary for a business like Campfire.” Literacy describes the undisclosed deal with Campfire as “a significant minority investment” on its website.
Under Pindar’s stewardship, Capita grew from 33 employees to over 62,000 with a market cap of £8.5bn making circa 200 acquisitions along the way, his operational experience with fast growing companies will be invaluable to Campfire.
New Campfire chair Brigden brings a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur in the digital media space, having led iconic businesses such as Brainlabs, I Spy, The Search Works, and Overture to growth and highly successful exits. His deep knowledge of product, people, and performance as well as organic (domestic and international) and acquisitive growth will be instrumental in guiding Campfire through this exciting new chapter.
This strategic partnership represents a pivotal milestone in Campfire’s growth story. With the support of Literacy Capital and the strategic leadership of Jim Brigden, Campfire is poised to achieve extraordinary growth and innovation. Campfire is committed to enhancing its services and continuing to provide exceptional value to its clients.
