Case Study: Brand Ambition’s Growth Journey Through Help to Grow
From Uncertainty to Sustainable Growth. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many businesses faced difficult choices. For Brand Ambition, it was the moment a new business venture took shape.
Founded by Sam Raife and his uncle, the Leeds-based digital marketing agency began with a shared ambition: to build a company that created opportunities and lasting impact.
We didn’t want to just create a consultancy,” Sam explains. “We wanted to create an agency with a legacy — to train people, grow careers, and give employees real opportunities.
Starting out as a first-time director, Sam admits he felt a degree of imposter syndrome.
“No company had ever hired me as a director before. I was insecure about whether I was a ‘proper businessperson.’”
That’s when he discovered the Help to Grow: Management Course, delivered by Leeds University Business School.
“It felt like a trial by fire — an opportunity to see if I could really run a business.”
Learning the Theory Behind Growth
Although Sam had previously studied Business at University, he found the course at Leeds University Business School offered something different.
“There were models and frameworks I hadn’t come across before. It helped me connect practical experience with theory.”
One model in particular focused on diversification - this prompted a turning point for Brand Ambition. At the time, the company specialised in branding and SEO but regularly received client enquiries about web development.
“We realised we were missing a clear opportunity,” Sam explains. “The course helped us identify that gap.”
Following the programme, Brand Ambition expanded its services to include web development by partnering with an external developer and hiring an apprentice to help build the new department.
“That decision alone increased our revenue by around 25% that year,” says Sam. “It was a direct outcome of what we learned on the course.”
Building a Culture of Growth
Beyond financial results, the course helped shape Brand Ambition’s culture and long-term goals. The company has since begun developing a training and development arm to support apprenticeships and internal learning.
“The idea of an internal academy came directly from the course,” Sam shares. “It’s about building that legacy — not just growing revenue but creating great employees.”
Another company director has since taken the course, gaining fresh insights into sales and operations.
“Having someone else go through it brought a new perspective,” Sam says. “You can’t overstate the value of learning from others — both the mentors and the other business owners.”
Brand Ambition chose Leeds University Business School partly for its strong local reputation and connections within the business community.
“We’re based in Leeds city centre, so it was convenient, but also the team running the course were excellent — really supportive and knowledgeable,” says Sam.
Looking Ahead
Brand Ambition continues to evolve, guided by the direction and confidence Sam gained from the Help to Grow course. The original business plan he created during the programme still informs business updates today.
“It’s amazing to look back and see how much we’ve actually achieved,” Sam reflects.
Help to Grow gave us a structure, a community, and the belief that we could build something sustainable. It’s not just a course — it’s an investment in your business and in yourself.
About Brand Ambition
Brand Ambition is a Leeds-based digital marketing agency specialising in branding, SEO, and web development. Founded in 2020, the company focuses on creating long-term value through training, growth, and innovation.
About Help to Grow: Management Course
Delivered by Leeds University Business School, the Help to Grow programme offers practical leadership training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping business leaders boost performance, resilience, and growth.
Our next Help to Grow: Management Course cohort starts on 12th January 2026. Take your business to the next level like Sam and Apply Now.
If you would like more information, please contact our dedicated team by emailing HelpToGrow@leeds.ac.uk
Or alternatively contact our Business Development Manager, Alison Cameron on 07935 342227
