Lem-uhn squeezing success for clients and employees

This is the second article in my new series, Lattes & Insights. This is a series where I interview industry experts, influencers, and thought leaders to discuss various topics, trends, challenges, and success stories in the exciting world of public relations,  communications, and marketing. In my last article, I discussed Taylor Swift’s impact on NFL advertising.

This month, I chatted with Riannon Palmer, the founder and manager director of Lem-uhn, a United Kingdom-based agency.  

I really enjoyed this conversation. With the time difference, I woke up for the interview at 5:45 a.m., and oh boy, it was worth it. Lem-uhn is a true success story, and I am so excited to share it with you all.  

Thanks for reading!

In marketing and C-suite leadership, understanding the nuances of public relations is crucial for optimizing your organization’s impact. PR bridges your company and its audience,  encompassing critical functions like crisis management, media relations, social media, press release composition,  and internal communications. While some businesses can afford in-house PR professionals, others turn to external agencies, and that’s where Lem-uhn steps into the spotlight. 

For the past three years, Lem-uhn has been making waves in the United Kingdom, redefining the PR landscape. Founded by Riannon Palmer, the agency emerged during the challenging lockdowns spurred by the global pandemic. Her prior experiences and commitment to reshaping workplace culture became the driving force behind the brand, a PR agency with an inherently positive approach. 

Rather than succumbing to challenges surrounded by her history of working in undesirable working conditions, furloughs, and stress that mounted from the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency saw itself as a catalyst for positive change. Lem-uhn attracted purposeful clients, establishing itself as a paradigm model in public relations and, more broadly, in the business field.

“We want to work with clients that have a mission to drive and grow their company,” says Palmer.

Lem-uhn is a response to the prevailing negativity in the PR industry. Originating as a freelance endeavour, it  evolved into an agency with a client-centric ethos, emphasizing “feel-good PR.” What sets Lem-uhn apart isn’t just its PR prowess; it’s its unwavering commitment to mental health. According to the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, industry statistics reveal that a staggering 91 per cent of PR professionals face mental health challenges. In response, Lem-uhn has pioneered progressive policies, introducing concepts like mental health days, menstrual leave and 45 “work from anywhere outside of the U.K.” days to cultivate a supportive and nurturing work culture. 

It hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine for Lem-uhn, however. Initially, the agency went by a different name, but faced a significant hurdle six months in when Palmer received a letter from a lawyer representing another entity with a similar name. This unexpected challenge prompted Palmer to initiate a rebranding process, ultimately giving birth  to the name that defines the organization today, “Lem-uhn.” 

Reflecting on that moment, Palmer candidly shares her experience.

“It was a scary situation,” she said. “As a young female leader, being only 25 at the time, receiving a letter of that nature was incredibly stressful and not the kind of  stress I envisioned handling.”

While scary, the incident allowed Palmer to show resilience and composure in times of what could’ve been a crisis. Today, Palmer’s decision to adapt and rebrand became a pivotal step in Lem-uhn’s identity, fortifying its position and paving the way for future success. 

That future success starts with the employees. 

Lem-uhn’s positive workplace culture has garnered well-deserved recognition, earning the agency a finalist spot in Seedlegal’s top workplace category and the WM People’s SME Award. Lem-uhn is a testament to the undeniable power of prioritizing a positive work environment in a field dominated by industry giants.

“I’m a huge believer that happier employees can deliver better for your clients,” Palmer emphasizes.

The team currently has six employees, but Palmer shares that they continue to expand.  

The introduction of innovative policies, like mental health days and menstrual leave, exemplifies Lem-uhn’s unwavering dedication to fostering a positive and supportive work culture. These policies extend beyond rhetoric; they embody a sincere commitment to prioritizing employees’ mental health and well-being. Palmer says it’s an honour to be recognized alongside larger organizations with bigger budgets.

“This is really big,” she says. “To invest in employee policies, employee well-being, and work culture is a huge thing because we’re a startup and don’t have a sizable budget, so we must be resourceful.”

In an industry known for its demanding nature, Lem-uhn distinguishes itself by acknowledging the human side of work. 

Its work culture is built on open communication, collaboration, and a focus on employee well-being. Initiatives like flexible work arrangements, remote options, and Flexible Fridays underscore Palmer’s commitment to cultivating a professional and positive workplace. These elements collectively contribute to Lem-uhn’s positive reputation in the industry, elevating the quality of client deliverables. 

Lem-uhn’s success narrative inspires startups and entrepreneurs, showcasing that triumph in PR goes beyond client victories to encompass the cultivation of a workplace where individuals thrive both professionally and personally. Lem-uhn’s story is a testament to resilience, positivity, and a sincere commitment to the well-being of its team, embodying a model for success in both business and employee satisfaction.