Some founders arrive at a decision over time. Others build towards it for years, quietly stacking experience until the leap becomes inevitable. For Bradley Tooth, founder of You Know Who Digital, it was very much the latter, “It’s been 15 years in the making. As soon as I go into something, I want to understand how I can own it.”
After more than a decade at the sharp end of marketing, working with some of the UK’s biggest brands, Bradley made the move many consider but few actually follow through on. He stepped away from employment and built a business designed to challenge how marketing support is delivered to growing companies.
From Big Brands to Building Something of His Own
Bradley’s journey into marketing began early and developed quickly through hands-on experience.
Starting at O2, he worked on major national campaigns, from brand promotion through to reputation management during network outages. High-pressure, high-visibility work that shaped his ability to operate at pace.
From there, he moved into larger corporate environments, including Sage, where he helped lead innovation in digital marketing. Notably, he played a key role in launching one of the first B2B TikTok campaigns that went viral in 2021.
“I’ve always liked to test boundaries, try new things and find different ways to solve problems.”
Agency-side experience followed, giving him exposure to a wide range of businesses, challenges and leadership teams. But over time, a consistent gap became clear.
“Marketing changes constantly. Businesses need support that evolves with them. I felt like there was a better way to deliver that.”
That insight became the foundation for You Know Who Digital.
Building a Different Kind of Marketing Agency
Bradley’s business focuses on acting as a fractional marketing director, supporting companies at a strategic level rather than simply delivering isolated campaigns.
It is a model built around depth, not volume. “We don’t just go into pitches for the sake of it. It’s about making sure we can deliver long-term value. If we can’t, we won’t take it on.”
In a market crowded with more than 25,000 agencies across the UK, standing out is not optional. It is survival. “Marketing never sleeps. You have to be on it all the time. If you’re not in it, you can’t win it.”
The focus now is clear. Grow, but grow selectively. Build a team that can keep pace with evolving channels, particularly AI, while continuing to deliver high-impact campaigns for the right clients.
The Leap Into Business Ownership
Like many founders, Bradley knew the move was coming long before he acted on it.
But knowing and doing are two very different things.
“I remember sitting there just before turning 40 thinking, I can’t go into another year still employed. I’d been planning it for years. It had to happen.”
A conversation with his wife pushed things over the line, “She just said, why don’t you do it and get on with it?”
That moment marked the start of You Know Who Digital, which is now approaching its first anniversary.
“Opening the business was the proudest moment. It’s everything you’ve worked towards coming together.”
How Bradley Adds Value to the Community
Bradley brings a rare combination of strategic marketing experience and executional depth, something that many founders struggle to access.
For members at Ministry of Work, his value is clear, “I can help people understand what they actually need to do to achieve their goals from a marketing perspective.”
That could mean helping a solo founder build visibility from scratch, or supporting a scaling business to structure and manage multiple channels effectively. “I’m good at pulling teams together. Paid social, PPC, TV, radio. It’s about getting the right people in place and executing properly.”
What He’s Looking For in Return
Like many founders in their first year, Bradley is honest about the challenges.
“Growing the business from home has been one of the hardest parts. Not seeing people, not having that interaction.”
That is exactly why he joined Ministry of Work.
“Being around other people, sharing ideas, hearing challenges. That’s massively important. You don’t get that working on your own.”
It is less about a specific skill gap and more about environment, energy and connection.
Life Outside the Business
Bradley does not do things by halves.
Alongside running his agency, he has deliberately started pushing himself outside of his comfort zone. “Coming up to 40, I decided to start doing things I’d always wanted to do but never had the confidence for.” That includes performing in a pantomime, contributing to Sky Sports analysis, running a podcast and managing youth football teams. A full schedule by anyone’s standards, but very much aligned with his mindset, “I love a challenge.”
The Advice He Lives By
When asked for the best advice he has received, Bradley keeps it simple – “Surround yourself with great people.”
It is a principle that underpins both his business and his decision to join Ministry of Work – “You might not need each other day to day, but being around the right people, people who share your values, that’s where you learn the most.”
Connect With Bradley
Bradley is approachable, direct and refreshingly human in how he works. “I don’t use AI to answer my messages. You’ll always get me.”
You can reach him via email: brad@youknowwhodigital.com or simply grab him for a chat around Ministry of Work.
