Managing Director Sally Willis reflects on how strong relationships have shaped both her career and the agency’s growth
Leeds agency Fantastic Media has passed £2 million turnover for the first time, as it marks its 20th anniversary in 2026.
The agency's sustained growth has been driven by its strategic approach to marketing, investment in the right people, and commitment to placing relationships at the heart of everything it does. By consistently demonstrating value, Fantastic helps clients become more discoverable, credible, and successful.
Today, Fantastic has a team of 29 people with c.50 retained clients across the North. At the helm is Managing Director Sally Willis, whose own career mirrors the business’s growth.
From account manager to MD
Sally studied marketing at the University of Huddersfield, before joining Fantastic as an Account Manager. Thirteen years later, she now leads the business alongside its owners, having progressed through senior positions as both the team and turnover have more than doubled.
In this time, Sally has helped guide her team through major milestones, including Fantastic’s relocation to Leeds in 2019 and the acquisition of PR agency Faith in 2024, which brought public relations into the agency’s full-service offering.
People and relationships sit at the centre of how she works. Her down-to-earth approach of “What you see is what you get” has built trust with both colleagues and clients. Skopes Menswear, Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors, and Skipton Hire Centre have all worked with Fantastic for over a decade and eight team members have been with the agency for eight years or more, a track record Sally puts down to a genuinely people-first culture.
Under her leadership, Fantastic has significantly expanded its placement scheme, creating more opportunities for young people to gain valuable industry experience and develop their careers. By investing in the next generation, the business has built a strong pipeline of future talent.
Sally has also invested in her own development, undertaking leadership training with Dale Carnegie, Nine Dots Coaching and Deborah Ogden.
Her contribution was recognised with Employee of the Year at the Huddersfield Examiner Business Awards.
The agency continues to invest heavily in career development, enhanced bonus schemes, and social activities such as a book club and a five-a-side football team.
A more transparent industry
Sally has also shaped the agency’s strategic direction through a rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.
“Marketing is now far more transparent. Clients can clearly see what we’re doing and the impact it’s having, which means businesses increasingly value marketing as a strategic investment”, she explains.
That focus has pushed Fantastic beyond the traditional agency model. The business works closely with clients – often owner-managed businesses – to understand every aspect of their organisation before recommending solutions, positioning itself as a long-term consultancy partner rather than a supplier
Away from the office, Sally finds balance through Reformer Pilates, walks with her dog Stanley and travel.
Sally's focus is now on the next chapter: scaling the business significantly towards its next milestone of £3 million.
Fantastic Media
Address: 6-18 Dock Street, Leeds, LS10
Telephone: 0113 246 4425
Email: s.willis@fantasticmedia.co.uk
Website: www.fantasticmedia.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fantastic-media-uk-ltd/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/fantastic_media/
Share