Robin Skidmore, co-founder of search marketing firm Epiphany, has invested £500,000 in a new agency offering PPC and programmatic display advertising to UK brands.

The initial investment in Journey Further is to ‘recruit senior staff, secure premium office space and build a brand for the company, which aims to employ 30 staff within 12 months’.

“We went on an astounding journey with Epiphany…” said Skidmore. “Journey Further is the next chapter in that story and the paid search and programmatic space is where we know we can make the biggest impact. For too long, brands have been kept in the dark when it comes to paid performance.”

The Journey Further team’s search advertising experience is said to span 12 years, including campaigns for Virgin Holidays and AXA, among others. Matt Kwiecinski has joined as managing director of Journey Further, following 18 years at Omnicom. Most recently, Kwiencinski oversaw the merger of Critical Mass and Agency Republic.

Skidmore continued: “We have established a structure whereby senior analysts work directly with our clients to deliver a more personal and trustworthy service… Naturally, our growth plans are ambitious and we are looking for the very best talent to join us.”