Our Humble Origin Story: From Redundancy to UK’s Premier Lead Generation Agency

The best businesses often emerge from the worst circumstances. That's certainly true for Midas Media UK, whose journey from pandemic redundancy to becoming the UK's most trusted lead generation agency proves that sometimes life's biggest setbacks become its greatest opportunities. Here is our origin story!

Five Friends, One Big Vision: The origin story begins.

The Original Midas Media Team

Back in early 2020, five marketing specialists were doing what they loved most—creating successful campaigns for a prominent motoring organization. Each brought distinct expertise to their marketing department: campaign strategy, social media mastery, branding excellence, graphic design, and lead generation. But what truly set them apart wasn't just their professional skills—it was their genuine friendship and shared belief that great marketing should always serve the client's interests first.

These weren't just colleagues who happened to work well together. They were mates who genuinely respected each other's talents and enjoyed collaborating on projects that delivered real results for their employer. Little did they know that 2020 would test everything they thought they knew about their careers and their industry

When Everything Changed

COVID-19 didn't just disrupt businesses—it completely reshaped entire industries overnight. The automotive sector felt the impact particularly hard, and despite years of successful campaigns and strong performance, all five friends found themselves facing redundancy as their employer made difficult restructuring decisions.

After the initial shock wore off, each member of the group found positions with different marketing agencies across the UK. They stayed in touch, of course, but assumed their days of working together were behind them. What they discovered in their new roles, however, would ultimately bring them back together in ways none of them expected

The Harsh Reality of Agency Life

To say we were unhappy was an understatment

Working for various marketing agencies opened their eyes to practices they'd never encountered in their previous role. Agency after agency seemed more focused on maximizing profit margins than delivering genuine value to clients. They watched as businesses were sold services they didn't need, promised results that weren't realistic, and treated as revenue numbers rather than partnerships worth nurturing.

During their regular catch-ups over the following months, the same frustrations kept surfacing. They'd all witnessed agencies pushing expensive packages on small businesses that couldn't afford them. They'd seen campaign strategies designed more to justify retainer fees than to actually generate leads. Most frustratingly, they'd watched as disappointed clients became sceptical of marketing altogether after being let down by agencies that overpromised and underdelivered.

These conversations gradually evolved from venting sessions into something more constructive. What if there was a different way? What if they could create an agency that actually put client success first? What if their combined expertise could fill the massive gap they were seeing in the market?

Building Something Better

In November 2022, Midas Media UK officially opened its doors. The mission was clear, to help businesses of all sizes attract the right customers, with the right offer, at the right time. No unnecessary services, no inflated promises—just honest lead generation and marketing services that delivered measurable results.

Starting from scratch presented its own challenges. The team had to establish systems, develop processes, and learn to navigate business ownership while maintaining the high standards they had set for themselves. The first few months were tough, with long days and the constant pressure of proving their concept could work in the real world.

Everything changed with their first eleven clients. As these businesses began seeing genuine improvements in their lead generation and customer acquisition, referrals started flowing naturally. Success stories spread throughout the UK's business community, and Midas Media UK's reputation for delivering on its promises began to solidify.

Unexpected Success, Difficult Choices

By month seven, the agency's success created an unexpected challenge. Two founding members received offers from international businesses that were too good to turn down—high-paying executive positions that recognized the expertise they'd helped build at Midas Media UK.

While losing founders could have derailed a young agency, the strength of their friendships and shared vision kept everyone connected. The departing members didn't just walk away—they remained part of the extended Midas family, staying in touch and celebrating the continued success of what they'd helped create.

The Power Team That Remained

The three founders who stayed have continued building Midas Media UK into something special, each bringing unique expertise that creates the agency's comprehensive approach.

Leon Marfleet leads the team with 23 years of marketing experience under his belt. As the primary client contact and campaign strategist, Leon earned his nickname 'Midas' after delivering a campaign that achieved a staggering 57.8X return on ad spend. His ability to understand both the technical aspects of campaign management and the psychology of customer behaviour makes him the strategic foundation that enables everything else to work.

Rich handles the social media side of operations, bringing experience from managing some of Europe and America's largest social profiles with a combined following exceeding 119 million. He understands not just how to create engaging content, but how to build genuine communities around brands and turn social engagement into actual business results.

Mike rounds out the core team with his expertise in branding and graphic design. With 15 years focused on brand strategy and 21 years in graphic design, Mike specializes in taking businesses from unknown quantities to beloved brands that customers actively seek out. His work goes beyond making things look good—he creates visual identities that forge emotional connections between businesses and their ideal customers.

The Midas Difference

What makes Midas Media UK stand out isn't just individual expertise—it's how Leon, Rich, and Mike collaborate to ensure every client receives integrated support across strategy, social presence, and brand identity. This team approach has enabled them to successfully serve clients not just throughout the UK, but across North America as well.

Whether working with local Derby businesses establishing their market presence or established companies looking to revolutionize their marketing approach, the agency consistently delivers results that justify client investment and build lasting partnerships

Growing With Purpose

Marketing is really about people

Looking ahead, Midas Media UK is focused on strategic growth that maintains their commitment to excellence. Plans include expanding the team with carefully selected specialists who share their client-first philosophy and continuing to build their reputation for performance and relationship quality.

This growth strategy starts with their signature free marketing audit—a comprehensive analysis that identifies exactly where a business is succeeding and where specific improvements can drive growth. Instead of pushing predetermined services, this audit-first approach ensures every recommendation addresses real opportunities tailored to each client's unique situation. Claim your free audit by contacting us here!

More Than an Agency

The Midas Media UK story represents something larger than just another marketing agency success story. It's proof that businesses built on genuine relationships and client-focused values can thrive even in competitive markets.

The pandemic may have ended five careers, but it gave Leon, Rich, and Mike something more valuable—the chance to build a business that reflects their values while helping companies across two continents achieve growth, they never thought possible.

For businesses tired of marketing agencies that talk a good game but fail to deliver, Midas Media UK offers something different: a true partnership focused on measurable results and sustainable growth.

Ready to experience the difference? Contact Midas Media UK today for your free marketing audit and discover what happens when marketing professionals actually put your success first.