Creative Agency Drummond Central Sees Profits Edge Upward
Profits have risen at the well-known Newcastle creative agency Drummond Central, which has expanded its client roster and invested in staff development. The 64-strong business, based in Jesmond, works with several high-profile brands including Greggs, KitKat, and bet365, developing and launching creative campaigns designed to capture audience attention.
Financial Performance and Employee Ownership
Newly published accounts for the year ending June 30, 2025, show that while turnover decreased from £22.4 million to £18.2 million, operating profit grew slightly from £4.47 million to £4.82 million. Gross profit increased by 7.7% to £8.89 million, which management stated was in line with expectations due to the phased delivery of some high-value projects.
The company became employee-owned three years ago when founders Julie and Stephen Drummond sold their shares to a trust. This transition has been a key factor in the agency's strategic direction and culture.
Client Expansion and Notable Projects
In recent years, Drummond Central has secured significant clients, adding global drinks giant Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey to its portfolio. The agency supported Jack Daniel's on-trade advertising activity, with creatives in Newcastle tasked with reigniting the brand's presence in bars, pubs, and venues across the UK.
Managing director Dan Appleby highlighted the agency's evolution: "Over 20-odd years we've been steadily building up to be the best strategic creative agency we can be that happens to be in the North East. What really contributed to that is that over the last six or seven years, we've been adding the right kind of client for a business like ours."
He added, "We've been working with bet365 for around 20 years but in the last seven years we've started working with Greggs, Triumph Motorcycles, Dreams Beds, Hello Fresh, Jack Daniels - big household names. The type of work we're doing now is national, if not international. That's really what's driven the way that we're performing as a business."
Agency Culture and Future Outlook
Mr. Appleby emphasized that the company's location in the North East is no longer a barrier to success in the creative sector. He noted that Drummond Central would remain true to its roots while embracing new technology.
"We're really nicely placed as a 60-person agency. We're not too big and we're not too small. We're big enough to be able to demonstrate capability and put really talented people around projects but we're small and nimble enough to try things out," he explained.
The managing director also stressed the importance of client alignment: "It's about attracting clients that believe in the same sort of things that we do, that believe in creativity and collaboration. If we can keep doing that, that's what will keep everyone happy at DC. As an employee-owned organisation, that's what we're all about - it's about running a profitable business but also a business that's good for the people that are part of it."
Drummond Central gained viral fame in 2016 when it livestreamed a puddle visible from its offices, drawing thousands of viewers and national headlines. This innovative approach reflects the agency's creative ethos and willingness to experiment.
