Rhotic Media – the parent company of Financial Promoter – has been recognised for advancing social mobility in the annual King’s Award for Enterprise, receiving the accolade in the Promoting Opportunity category for its apprenticeship‑driven approach to talent development.
The financial marketing agency was selected for its learning‑led business model, where two‑thirds of employees have progressed through apprenticeships spanning Levels 4 to 7, feeding directly into roles across marketing, commercial, content and leadership.
Joe McGrath, founder and CEO of Rhotic Media, said the recognition reflects the company’s belief that structured development is a competitive advantage.
“We’ve built a better business by being a learning organisation, investing in talent at every stage and creating structured pathways for people to develop and progress.
“Social mobility isn’t a side initiative for us, it’s how we compete. By widening access and focusing on continuous learning, we’ve created a stronger, more capable team that delivers better outcomes for our clients.”
Founded to challenge traditional entry routes into financial services, Rhotic Media has grown revenues to £1.3m while demonstrating how apprentices can progress into senior and strategic roles. The firm now supports major financial institutions including Schroders, KULA and BCB Group, delivering marketing, communications and events programmes across the sector.
The award comes as the King’s Awards celebrate their 60th anniversary, with 186 UK businesses recognised this year across categories including International Trade, Innovation, Sustainability and Promoting Opportunity. The programme highlights organisations that contribute to economic growth while improving access to opportunity.
Elizabeth Pfeuti, COO of Rhotic Media, said the company’s long‑term investment in people is central to its commercial performance.
“Our apprenticeship programmes are not limited to entry‑level roles, they are designed as long‑term development pathways, supporting individuals into senior and strategic positions.
That investment in people directly translates into better thinking, better creativity, and ultimately better results for our clients.”
The award recognises the company’s apprenticeship-led and inclusive hiring model, which includes degree apprenticeships, paid internships, paid work experience and continuous professional development. Since launching its apprenticeship programme in 2019, Rhotic Media has partnered with London South Bank University and Anglia Ruskin University to combine academic study with hands-on industry experience.
Apprentices and early-career staff trained through the programme have gone on to roles at major firms including UBS, Aon and Howden. Rhotic invests in ongoing professional development across its workforce, funding qualifications such as the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Professional Diploma and supporting training for employees at all levels.
Rhotic staff also regularly visits schools, colleges, sixth forms and charities to deliver presentations on how to break into marketing careers in the City of London.
The King’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious business honour, recognising organisations that demonstrate outstanding achievement in areas including innovation, international trade, sustainability and social mobility. The programme, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, is designed to highlight companies that contribute to economic growth while improving opportunities and outcomes across society.
Winners are permitted to use the King’s Award emblem for five years, allowing them to display the royal mark on marketing materials, packaging, digital channels and physical premises. Recipients are also invited to a Royal reception and receive an official presentation from His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant in their local area.
Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation said: “These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”
More information about the 2026 awards are on the UK government website.
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