Scaling a Business Without Losing Your Culture | A Little Bit of Light Relief | February 2026

This episode of A Little Bit of Light Relief features Jeanette Ramsden (CEO & Founder of The Curve Group), Kelly York (COO), and guest Steve Kemish from Intermedia Global Ltd. (IMG), an award-winning specialist marketing agency. Steve discusses IMG’s rapid growth, ranking 38th in the Sunday Times fastest-growing companies with an impressive 109% compound growth over four years, expanding from ~£2m to £13.5m turnover and growing headcount from ~15 to 40+. Steve emphasises that while awards are rewarding, they represent only the visible outcome of years of hard work, challenges, and team effort. A major focus is IMG’s successful merger of three businesses into one. Steve highlights that integration is less about numbers and more about culture, people, and communication, likening it to blending families. Key lessons include: Prioritising people and culture alongside financials. Investing heavily in communication as organisations scale. Actively listening to employees using “stop, start, continue” feedback. Addressing small issues early before they become big problems. To retain and motivate talent, IMG implemented authentic benefits such as unlimited holiday, flexibility for family life, and a clear Employee Value Proposition grounded in seven core values including “Make others look good,” “Make their problems go away” and “Experience is not a monopoly on good ideas.” Steve also shares advice on acquisitions: treat them like relationships, do due diligence beyond finances, especially on culture and HR, and avoid rushing into deals that don’t feel right. He stresses the responsibility leaders have to protect employees’ livelihoods and to make decisions for the good of the majority. Looking ahead, IMG plans to continue focusing on talent, culture, and empathy - both toward colleagues and clients. Steve’s overarching advice: surround yourself with good people, say no to poor cultural fits, and build organisations that balance performance with humanity. #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipInsights #PeopleFirstCulture #ScalingWithPurpose #MergersAndAcquisitions #CompanyCulture #TalentManagement #AuthenticLeadership #FutureOfWork #BusinessPodcast