Ignis Shortlisted for Best Agency Culture

London based, multi-discipline marketing agency, Ignis, has been shortlisted for Best Agency Culture at the European Agency Awards 2026.  

Founded in 1988, we have been crafting moments that matter for some of the world’s most exciting brands that stay with the consumer long after the activation ends.

It is not the first time that ignis has been recognised for its outstanding company culture in 2026, having secured wins in the Sunday Times Best Small Places to Work awards for the third year in a row, as well as Campaign UK’s Best Places to Work. 

Appropriately for an agency nominated for company culture, we are no strangers to Ibiza, having taken our entire organisation there in 2022 for a bi-annual company weekend. A number of the team will be returning to the island to attend the awards ceremony on September 22nd. 

Speaking on the nomination, founder Stephanie Whitaker said, “I’ve always believed that work should be both fulfilling and enjoyable. Seeing that belief brought to life every day by such a talented, supportive and committed team has been one of the greatest privileges of my career; getting recognition for it is just the icing on the cake!”

This flurry of awards comes three years after we became an Employee Owned Trust, which puts company decisions in the hands of the 40 strong team. We can credit this scheme for further fostering a culture of shared accountability, where collaboration isn’t encouraged, it’s instinctive. It has also allowed all members to financially benefit from the company’s success through tax-free dividends.

Ignis strives to empower individuals to work in ways that suit their lives, not just the business, through a 40 day ‘Work from Anywhere’ policy, a hybrid working model and flexible hours. Alongside this we provide a comprehensive benefits package including enhanced maternity and paternity leave, a Vitality healthcare scheme, free F45 gym classes, and a company pension with an 8% employer contribution. Additional initiatives such as Cycle to Work and Nursery Voucher schemes support wellbeing and financial flexibility.

Alongside personal growth, we are committed to professional development for the entire team. Through a broad and inclusive learning programme, spanning professional qualifications, leadership development and cultural enrichment, we look to support individual growth and career progression. With an annual budget of £1000, Ignites are encouraged to source training and experiences which spark their creativity, while all junior account managers are automatically enrolled in the Alliance of Independent Agencies Account Management Marketing Diploma. 

We make the most of our central London location by capitalising on the vast and varied culture for social outings. Recent notable outings have included the Paradox Museum, a Rock & Roll West End Walking Tour, Natural History Museum Lates, Grease The Live Movie Experience, while further afield, destinations have included New York, Vegas, Paris and Uganda. 

The company culture stretches beyond a solely employee focus, as we have successfully built long lasting client relationships of 35 years plus, which is a testament to both the quality of the work, and the strong connections we’ve built with our clients. 

Executive Creative Director, Nick Peters said, “we are fortunate that a founding principle of building strong relationships has gone beyond our core team to include our clients, suppliers and a network of freelancers, all of whom have made Ignis what it is today.”

Recent brand activations include the Pepsi House of Treats at SXSW London and Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, Carlsberg Britvic Fifa World Cup Pace Ball and Big Talk activations, Tango’s Chicken Shop Rave, and joining the Alliance of Independent Agencies at MADFEST.