The PHA Group, an Award-Winning PR Agency

In 2025, The PHA Group celebrates two decades of growth, creativity, and impact – a journey that has transformed a small media consultancy into a multi-award-winning PR, Digital, Creative, and Crisis Management agency. 

From our first office with just four people and a handful of clients to our presence across London, Manchester, Leeds, and Boston, we’ve grown with one consistent focus: helping brands tell stories that make a difference. 

Today, our work is recognised across the industry, from crisis and corporate comms to digital, consumer and creative campaigns.

Our Journey

2005: Where it all began

Founded by former News of the World editor Phil Hall, with his wife Marina Hall, The PHA Group (originally Phil Hall Associates) opened its doors with a bold mission: to bring newsroom-level insight and media strategy to the world of PR. What began as a small team of four quickly established a reputation for trust, discretion, and results – values that still define us today. 

2015: Growth, recognition and a growing team

A decade on, PHA had become a recognised force in communications. In 2015, the agency won its biggest award to date – Media Employer of the Year at the Pathfinder Awards for its commitment to people development, culture and retention. That same year, PHA took home Best PR Campaign at the B2B Awards for The 5% Club: Investing in a Generation, a campaign that reflected our purpose-led approach to communications.

A rebrand to PHA Media marked the next chapter of growth, as the business expanded its services and deepened its sector expertise.

2018: Impact and influence

As the agency’s reputation grew, so did its influence. Founder Phil Hall was named one of the UK’s leading advisors in crisis and sports communications in the PRWeek PowerBook 2018. That same year, PHA won the PRCA Issues and Crisis Management Award for its work supporting Sir Cliff Richard’s case against the BBC – a landmark moment showcasing our expertise in managing reputation at the highest level. 

The agency also completed its evolution into The PHA Group, reflecting a broader, integrated offering that spanned PR, digital and creative services. 

2020: Leadership and legacy

In 2020, Shelley Frosdick and Stuart Skinner were appointed Joint Managing Directors following the retirement of CEO Mark Gregory. Their leadership guided PHA through a period of significant transformation, including expansion, digital diversification, and a strengthened focus on culture and client partnerships. 

Under their stewardship, PHA rose to 15th in the PRWeek Top Independent Agencies list, solidifying its position as one of the UK’s leading consultancies. 

2021: Northern expansion

With new offices in Manchester and later Leeds, PHA expanded its reach beyond London, working more closely with regional businesses and brands across the North. That same year, the agency achieved Gold Status from the PRCA after five consecutive years of meeting the Communications Management Standard, a mark of operational and client excellence. 

2022: Going digital

PHA strengthened its digital capabilities with the acquisition of Red Hot Penny, a performance and search marketing agency. Led by Managing Director David Schulhof, this move marked the creation of a dedicated digital division, integrating data-driven marketing and SEO expertise into PHA’s core offer. 

Shortly after, the acquisition of Leeds-based MCG added creative communications to the group’s growing portfolio, reflecting the agency’s continued evolution into a full-service powerhouse. 

2023: Momentum and recognition

PHA was named Most Successful Agency for New Account Wins by PRWeek, and client England Golf was recognised as One to Watch at the Sports Governance Awards. Both milestones underscored the agency’s growing influence across sectors, from sport and sustainability to consumer and corporate reputation. 

2024: Expanding overseas

2024 marked a defining moment in The PHA Group’s story with the launch of our first international agency – Dig & Dig – in Boston, USA. 

Dig & Dig brings together digital and social expertise across organic and paid social, influencer marketing, SEO, PPC, and content strategy, helping challenger brands win in an AI-first world. 

This expansion reflects PHA’s continued growth, investment, and ability to meet increasing client demand for international, integrated communications. It also reinforces our reputation as an agency that doesn’t just follow the pace of change – we lead it. 

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2025: The next chapter

This milestone year marks both a moment of reflection and renewal. George Coleman takes the helm as CEO, building on a 20-year legacy of excellence and innovation. 

From our new home in Covent Garden, our team of more than 120 specialists continues to deliver work that shapes narratives, builds reputations, and drives meaningful results. 

Our recent EVIE Award win for Consumer Campaign of the Year with ChargeGuru is just the latest example of the creativity, collaboration and craft that define us, and the reason our story continues to grow. 

Looking ahead

As we celebrate 20 years of The PHA Group, we’re proud of how far we’ve come and are excited for what’s next.

The future will be shaped by the same values that have guided us since day one: insight, integrity, and innovation. With new technology, new platforms and new ideas transforming how people connect, we’ll continue to do what we do best – tell stories that make an impact.

Our Achievements over the years

  • Best Use of PR for Alex Thomson Racing X HUGO BOSS (BT Sports Industry Awards, 2015)
  • Best PR Campaign (B2B Awards, 2015)
  • Media Employer of the Year (Pathfinders, 2015)
  • National Issues & Crisis Management Award (PRCA, 2018)
  • PR Agency of the Year (The Drum Awards, 2018)
  • Phil Hall named Top 3 Advisor for Sports & Crisis Management (PRWeek Powerbook, 2018)
  • Employee Engagement Campaign of the Year (PRmoment Awards, 2019)
  • Diversity & Inclusion Company of the Year for Snag (The Drum Awards, 2020)
  • Digital & E-Commerce Business of the Year for Snag (Federation of Small Businesses, 2021)
  • PHA is awarded Gold Status by the PRCA (2021)
  • The PHA Group becomes an accredited Living Wage Employer (2022)
  • The PHA Group achieves Google Premier Partner Status (2022)
  • One to Watch for England Golf (Sports Governance Awards, 2023)
  • Most Successful Agency for New Account Wins (PRWeek, 2023)
  • Very Large Agency of the Year (PRCA Workplace Champions Awards, 2023)
  • Sports Innovation Award for England Golf (Sports Business Awards, 2024)
  • Best E-Mobility Marketing Campaign for ChargeGuru (E-Mobility Awards, 2025)
  • Consumer Campaign of the Year for ChargeGuru (EVIEs, 2025)
  • Guide to the Nation’s Top Reputation Managers (Spear’s 500, 2025)