When MCI UK and Meet & Potato announced the merger in April 2025, it marked the end of a two-year courtship.
With the merger process currently going smoothly, it explains what Meet & Potato CEO Jon Kelly and MD’s MD (both photographed) looked like, and why the two cultures have been blending in so far.
MCI UK, part of the global MCI Group network across 31 countries, specializes in engagement marketing. Meet & Potato, a Liverpool-based creative agency founded by Kelly, has built a reputation for immersive and experiential brand experiences.
How about building up into a merger?
“There’s quite a lot of preparation for the merger,” explains Jon Kelly, founder and CEO of Meet & Potato. “We spent a lot of time getting to know each other, realising our values, how we work, and whether our culture can truly blend in. We knew what I was doing was right.
For Charlee Gough, Managing Director of MCI UK, partnerships represent a change in thinking. “I was very resistant to mergers at first. I wanted to grow my UK office organically. But I met John. I clicked. The more I talked, the more I realized what a proper fit would look like. It became a culture.
Kelly added: “What stands out for me is how the teams are beginning to connect.”
The integrated approach is a bit relaxed. “We’re not enforcing that,” explains Goff. “It’s creating spaces for people to connect naturally, whether it’s a shared meeting, a joint plan or a social touchpoint of the future.”
Summer team gatherings are planned to solidify relationships. “The people at the event are social people,” says Kelly. “Give them time to come together and they form a bond.”
Experienced industry leaders are learning from each other
Agency leaders report that they have a strong relationship. “John’s industry knowledge is incredible,” Goff says. “He helped me see how to let go more. I’ve always found it difficult. But he’s got it. He’s a person I can completely trust.”
Kelly worked with longtime colleague Karen Clarkson (Managing Director of Meet & Potato) to shape his leadership approach. “Karen and I have worked together for 17 years. We have developed a very strong, intuitive working relationship,” she said.
“And what’s surprising is that I felt the same dynamic beginnings as Charlie. She is sharp, focused, commercially harboring her mind, knowing exactly what she needs to do.”
Gough explained that the team already feels profitable. “The added creative firepower and ground experiences have already made a difference internally.”
Kelly added: “We have a wide mix of voices in our rooms right now, which changes the way we approach things every day.”
So far, client positive responses
“The client is excited,” Gough said. “They are seeing new faces, new energy, new ideas. They’re already making an impact, especially for long-time clients who are welcoming opportunities to refresh their programs and bring different perspectives.”
Kelly sees important opportunities first. “We’re just beginning to take advantage of what’s possible. There’s a great opportunity for existing client relationships to offer more.”
Global Reach meets local expertise
What does Gough look like? “Full integration,” he said.
“People who work across the office on a variety of projects. They feel satisfied. They are agents who don’t want our clients to leave. Why do they want to feel their team is growing in the right way.”
Kelly added: “Success means being able to say yes with confidence. We have the support of a larger team, a wider set of capabilities, and a global network. It’s huge. The little black book has grown much bigger. ”
“Global Local Blend”
MCI Group’s International Reach combine teams have access to expert expertise, from strategy and experience design to digital innovation, association management and sustainability.
“We can adjust to any sector, any size,” Kelly said. “More importantly, you can do it with mind, creativity, accuracy. Such a global local blend is rare. And it advances our unique strength.”
One sentence by Jon Kelly summarises attitudes towards mergers. “Cultural fit is everything.”
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