On top of this, the full-service agency has already hired three new starts in 2021 and is currently hiring for another four new roles. 

Being something that the directors had always intended to do, the plan to make employees shareholders has been under consideration since early 2020. But, the onset of lockdown accelerated the decision making and shaped this eventual rollout of the scheme.

The seven team members have all worked for AD for two years or more and this is a great way to thank them for their commitment and the outstanding work they continue to put into the company.

The rollout of the scheme, however, is tainted with sadness as After Digital lost a dear friend and colleague, Ken Beattie, in September 2020. Ken was a founder, director, and co-owner of the business alongside David Johnstone and David Brophy as well as a passionate advocate for employee involvement and ownership.

The board had agreed on the scheme prior to Ken’s passing and, although he is not here to see it implemented, the agency believes it is a fitting legacy to his memory and contribution to building After Digital.

David Johnstone, managing director and co-owner of After Digital, said: “In a year when we lost my friend, co-founder, and co-owner, being able to turn something so deeply sad into a positive, and begin to realise the vision of employee ownership with this amazing group of people gives me huge optimism for the future and what we can achieve together.”