Gentoo Media-owned online marketing company Atlas SEO has confirmed its upcoming closure, putting more than 50 jobs at risk of redundancy.
Gentoo Media acquired the business, which was founded in 2020 by Charles Hodge and Lee Tadd, in a €3.2m deal in 2024.
In a letter sent to staff last week, however, Gentoo CEO Jonas Warrer told staff “the period since the founders left the company has been incredibly challenging”.
“We have fought to stabilise the business, but the turnaround simply has not happened fast enough, and the company is under severe financial pressure,” he wrote.
“As a result of this pressure, the company has taken the difficult decision to terminate the lease on the Norwich office.
“It is therefore proposing to close down our physical operations in Norwich and wind down the company. This means that regretfully, all roles based in Norwich are at risk of redundancy.”
Warrer added in comments to BBC News that the business has now entered into a collective redundancy consultation process.
One anonymous staff member also told the news outlet that all employees were called to an urgent meeting without notice last Thursday, 5 February, where they were told that all roles would be put up for redundancy.
The employee added that all staff were told they could go home immediately, and that the company’s chief executive opened a tab at a rooftop bar where employees racked up a £3,000 bill “by lunchtime”.
Some roles may move to core Gentoo Media business
While all roles at Atlas SEO are considered to be at risk, Warrer said to the BBC that the business is “actively exploring alternatives during this process”.
He recognised the uncertainty this creates for employees, and committed to engaging openly and fairly with them throughout the process.
Speaking to NEXT.io, Warrer added: “As this is a provisional decision and part of an ongoing consultation, no final determinations have been made at this stage.
“This applies to employees, as well as to relationships with clients and providers – with the caveat that we will of course be doing our utmost to honour all existing commitments with any clients and suppliers of Atlas SEO. We are currently reviewing all available options and remain in a consultation phase.
“As part of this process, we are also exploring opportunities for affected employees, including the potential for some to transition into roles within Gentoo Media’s core business where relevant competencies align.
“Our priority throughout is to handle matters responsibly and with respect for everyone involved. We are committed to treating employees, clients, and providers with fairness and professionalism while the consultation process continues.”
