Atlas SEO Closure By Gentoo Media Set To Make 50 Jobs Redundant

Gentoo Media-owned marketing company Atlas SEO is preparing to shut down, placing the jobs of over 50 employees at risk. The decision follows mounting financial strain and unsuccessful efforts to stabilise operations after a leadership transition.

Gentoo Media acquired Atlas SEO in 2024 for €3.2m, four years after founders Charles Hodge and Lee Tadd launched the business. Due to recent developments, the company plans to wind down physical operations and terminate its Norwich office lease.

Financial strain follows founder departures

In a letter to staff, Gentoo Media CEO Jonas Warrer described the period since the founders left as incredibly challenging for the organisation.

“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.

Warrer confirmed that cost pressures had forced management to take decisive action. “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.”

He later told BBC News that Atlas SEO has entered a collective redundancy consultation as the company assesses its next steps.

Staff response and internal meeting details

According to an anonymous employee who also spoke to BBC News, staff were called into an urgent meeting on Thursday, 5 February, without prior warning. During the meeting, employees were informed that every role was at risk of redundancy.

The same source claimed that workers were told they could head home immediately, and alleged that the company’s chief executive opened a tab at a rooftop bar where staff accumulated a £3,000 bill “by lunchtime”.

Possibility of roles moving within Gentoo Media

Despite the proposed closure, Warrer told BBC News the company is “actively exploring alternatives during this process”, while acknowledging the uncertainty facing employees. 

He further commented on the situation: “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.”