From Inside Out: Our Evolution
Sometimes, the right idea comes along when you're not even looking for it.
Evolve Studio was founded in January 2025 by four partners - Jess, Dave, Jeff and Greg - brought together by a shared vision: to deliver strategic marketing that actually works for businesses that deserve more.
Meet Our Team
Jess
Head of Operations
Dave
Head of Commercial Partnerships
Jeff
Head of Strategy
Greg
Head of Innovation & AI
A Lesson from the Inside
The roots of Evolve trace back to Fun & Active Playgrounds, a leading UK provider of playground transformation projects for schools and community areas. Before Jess joined, Dave and Greg had hired an external marketing agency. Over time, it became obvious that the cost far outweighed the value being delivered, and confidence in the agency approach began to erode.
Transformation Through Strategy
That changed in 2020, when Jess came on board as Marketing Manager. Working closely with Dave and Greg, she helped lead an impressive transformation.
Through a combination of sharp strategy, creative flair, and digital know-how, the marketing team elevated the brand to the top of its niche. From securing the number one spot on Google for their most valuable search terms, to integrating a powerful CRM (HubSpot) and streamlining operations, the team didn’t just support growth—they drove it.
By 2024, it became clear the marketing team had outgrown the business. They had built something exceptional, and while Fun & Active continued to thrive, the real opportunity lay beyond.
The Birth of Evolve
Around the same time, Dave and Greg had been working with business coach Jeff Shrimpton—an experienced guide to countless SMEs navigating the highs and lows of growth. Jeff kept hearing the same frustrations from his clients: poor agency communication, lacklustre results, and a sense of confusion about where their marketing spend was going.
So when Dave and Greg floated the idea of starting a new kind of agency—one rooted in strategic insight, real-world results, and built by people who’ve lived it— Jeff didn’t just support it—he wanted to be part of it.
And with that, Evolve Studio was born.
Why Evolve?
The name ‘Evolve’ wasn’t chosen lightly. It reflects our own journey—moving from in-house excellence to an independent partner—and the journey we help our clients embark on too. Growth is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous process of refinement, innovation, and alignment. ‘Evolve’ captures that perfectly. It represents change with purpose, and progress that’s grounded in strategy.
Built on the experience of growing a business from the inside, and the insight of helping others do the same, Evolve brings something different to the table. We don’t just ‘do marketing’. We understand it as a powerful tool for business evolution—one that, when exercised with clarity and care, can deliver measurable, sustainable growth.
How We Work
We also believe that great marketing isn’t something you outsource and forget. It works best when we work together. Collaboration is at the heart of how we operate—because the more closely we align with our clients’ goals, values, and internal expertise, the more meaningful the results. We don’t take marketing off your hands—we roll up our sleeves and work alongside you.
Looking Ahead
Today, Jess leads the execution of all our client projects, backed by the collective experience of her small team, all experts in their own field, along with guidance and support from her co-founders. Together, we bring a rare blend of hands-on expertise, strategic thinking, and ethical ambition. We’re here to partner with businesses that are ready to level up—not with noise or fluff, but with marketing that works.
This is more than a business for us. It’s the next chapter of a journey that started with genuine passion—and we’re ready to help you with yours.
FAQS
What makes Evolve different from other marketing agencies?
We’re not an agency you outsource to—we’re a strategic partner who works alongside you. Born from client-side experience, we understand what businesses really need from marketing: clarity, traction, and commercial results. We don’t just ‘run campaigns’—we shape strategy with you, roll up our sleeves, and help drive the outcomes that matter.
What industries do you work with?
We specialise in niche, professional, and B2B sectors—particularly SMEs with £2M+ turnover looking to scale. If you’re ambitious and growth-focused, we’ll likely be a good fit.
How involved will I need to be?
We work with you, not just for you. We handle the heavy lifting, but close collaboration ensures what we build aligns with your voice, goals, and market.
How do you measure success?
Success looks different for every business—and we define it with you from the start. Whether it’s more qualified leads, stronger conversions, or sharper positioning, we track progress against what matters most to your goals. Always clear, commercial, and free from vanity metrics.
Do you offer one-off projects or retainers?
Both. Many clients start with a defined project—like a new website or SEO strategy—then move into a retainer for ongoing support, optimisation, and growth.
What can I expect from the first call?
A friendly, focused conversation to understand your business, goals, and challenges. We’ll explore fit and talk through how we might help—no hard sell.
