There is no smoke without fire, and LUCHFORD is ablaze. - PR Manager LUCHFORD Employee Review

1.0
8 Mar 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Learning to be happy again when you leave

Cons

I write this review as a heartfelt warning to those considering taking a position at LUCHFORD. I wish I’d taken heed of Glassdoor reviews prior to accepting a position, and listened to the many contacts, recruiters and industry peers who tried to warned me. Do listen. There is no smoke without fire, and LUCHFORD is ablaze. I will stick purely to the truth of my own experience, with as much hard evidence as possible as I am not angry to have left, just relieved, and do not wish to be inflammatory: You will be sold the dream during the interview process, but be warned the reality is very, very different. There is an expectation that everyone should work multiple job roles outside their own, pipped as "teamwork" whereas it is in fact exploitation as no profits for extra exertion go to staff (more on below). For example the MD also the CEO’s PA. The storyline that management, particularly the CEO, believe is that they’re inclusive, supportive, and nurturing team-players. Quite the opposite is true. Again evidenced by the fact that (beyond management, for whom I cannot comment) bonuses have not been grantedin as many years: showcasing a lack of appreciation, gratitude and distillation of worth from the CEO to her employees.* *Though I understand that more recently bonuses could not be granted due to the business not being able to reconstruct itself into a 21st Century agency. It remains very traditional & analogue, lacking a digital department and so ability to win future-facing clients. Many decent, moral employees have either left of their own volition or been managed and/or bullied out. Only those in the CEO's image at remain & will thrive: unsympathetic and unsupportive individuals. And finally: there is no HR department, which speaks volumes. If there were I feel the mistreatment of staff could be rectified through a 3rd party as opposed to through the continual anguish displayed on this platform.

Explore other reviews about LUCHFORD

5.0
17 Feb 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Mentorship and Collaboration: Excellent opportunities for mentoring, with a strong culture of sharing contacts and networks. There’s a strong sense of teamwork throughout. Client Experiences: Exposure to a wide range of clients and experiences—from dinners to press trips. Everyone is encouraged to meet and host press and KOLs. Kelly, the CEO, is very hands-on, providing excellent learning opportunities and fostering creativity. Work/Life Balance: Flexible hours and a supportive approach to work/life balance—the best I’ve experienced at an agency. Creative Brainstorming: All levels are encouraged to contribute to creative sessions. Time is deliberately set aside for brainstorming, which everyone enjoys. It's very inclusive. Culture and Team Spirit: Regular team drinks on Thursdays, plus summer and Christmas parties. Hard work is recognised, and there are plenty of fun team events.

Cons

Opportunity for more travelling - the agency is taking on more global clients, which is exciting

2.0
23 Oct 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Very good for strengthening your network and/or building media and talent contacts with access to multiple clients willing to host. - If the CEO likes you, the opportunities here are incredible. Kelly will mentor your, invite you to join her at events and media lunches, put you on the best clients and fast track your growth in the agency. - Finance/HR team are lovely. - One of the best work/life balances I have come across in agency - the office is usually cleared by 5.30pm. Option to flex up to 1h earlier or later with prior notice. - Great consultants/freelancers.

Cons

- Toxic environment and horrible office culture with pods assigned based on the CEO's favourites. If you're not a favourite, good luck getting her attention or even a response. - Lack of processes e.g CEO makes her own rules, no media monitoring services, no agency database etc. - Opinions are shut down immediately if they're different to others. - Lack of strategic counsel and expertise provided to clients. Feedback isn't shared, even if it's been received more than once and starts to be at the detriment of the agency. Inconsistency among client roster - a few in particular that are very out of place and wanting luxury placements for consumer campaigns. - Inconsistent planning (e.g 6 / 12 month strategy for clients). - Terrible management with a severe lack of communication. Instead of sharing feedback or what's frustrating them, they won't acknowledge you or be unresponsive to emails to avoid confrontation. - Micromanagement from some seniors and very inconsistent feedback. Very political so if they feel you're stepping on their toes, they will show you (in front of the whole team) who's boss. - Some Directors are very up and down so you never know how they'll be with you. Also won't acknowledge struggles you're having with results or provide support - even if you're offering solutions and showing multiple different avenues you've tried managing it independently first. - Multiple conversations in the office that lended themselves to disordered eating, comments made about people from the north and constant references back to wealth and money.

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