IMA

IMA is an integrated marketing and creative agency combining brand strategy, advertising, media, digital experience and retail activation. Founded in Headingley, Leeds, in 1988, it works across consumer and business markets, connecting brand communications with shopping experiences, digital channels and live events. Its international operation spans the United Kingdom, North America, continental Europe, South Africa and the Middle East.

The agency’s work brings together strategic planning and practical production. Brand consultancy, consumer insight and customer journey mapping inform creative campaigns, while copywriting, art direction and packaging design translate those plans into communications across multiple formats. Production capabilities include television and video, 3D modelling, CGI, motion graphics and animation through ima3D.

Connecting campaigns and commerce

Retail and shopper marketing form a substantial part of IMA’s offering. The agency develops point-of-purchase materials, in-store activations, retail displays and visual merchandising, alongside broader omnichannel retail strategies. These capabilities support campaigns that extend from brand advertising into the environments where customers encounter and buy products.

Its media and digital services cover planning and buying across paid, owned and earned channels, search engine optimization, social media, content creation, CRM and e-commerce creative. Digital experience platforms and predictive data analytics complement this work. Experiential services include promotional field marketing, brand roadshows, live activations and corporate events.

Company development

Advantage Smollan acquired Intermarketing Agency in June 2017. In August 2021, the business combined with Leeds-based agency HOME to form IMA-HOME, bringing together their creative, strategic and marketing capabilities. During 2024–2025, the continuing business unified its international public brand as IMA, replacing the IMA-HOME name.

The launch of IMA Benelux in January 2026 extended the agency’s European operation by bringing Dutch Moving Media and Hamilton Bright Events together under the IMA banner. This development added experiential and retail marketing capabilities to its integrated offering.