Advertising Amplified.

We built Astus because we believed clients deserved better.

positioning statement

The UKs No.1 Media Barter Agency

For brands and media agencies who want to know their advertising budget is genuinely working as hard as it can, Astus is the partner that finds the extra — and guarantees it. We make your existing spend go further, whether that means more advertising, more sales, or money back in your pocket.

We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, nearly every client stays with us. That’s not a line — it’s because we actually deliver what we promise, every time.

positioning modeladvertising amplified

What we do?

We find extra value hiding in your media spend — and give it back to you. That might be more advertising, product sales you wouldn’t have had, or straight-up cash. You don’t spend a penny more.

What you get?

You get more out of what you’re already spending. More media. More sales. Money back. It’s guaranteed — we don’t deal in maybes.

How you feel?

That feeling when you know you’ve got the best deal in the room. Your budget is working harder than anyone else’s, and you can prove it.

Why trust us?

The UK’s number one in media barter. Over 20 years running. Nearly £5bn in deals done. And almost every client we’ve ever worked with is still with us.

Your Astus Team

Warm, confident & straight to the point – real people with real experience

Real results. Real businesses. Over 20 years of proof.
Contacts

Frances Dickens OBE

Founder & Chairman

I co-founded Astus Group in 2003 with Paul Jackson MBE, and we’ve built it into the UK’s leading media trading company — now an international business serving major brands and media owners worldwide. My OBE recognises a career spent making media trading more transparent and accountable. What I’m proudest of? My team — watching young people join, grow and become leaders. Many dont know that I spent 5 years riding (the naughty) horses for the Household Cavalry

Paul Jackson MBE

Founder & Chairman

Having Graduated with a Degree in Civil Engineering from Cardiff in the 1993 recession I found myself selling TV Ad space at TSMS. The people and culture got me hooked on media and advertising! I am very proud of the people and culture we have created at Astus and that we are still enjoying it 23 years later. I love to get outdoors and have hiked up Kilimanjaro, The UK 3 peaks, Yorkshire 3 peaks, High Tatras in Slovakia as well as a bit of rafting in the Norwegian Fjords.

David Jones

CEO

I’m one of the founding members of the Astus team, back in 2003. Before life at Astus I worked in the media agency world. Helping to grow Astus over 20+ years has seen me take on the role of CEO. Outside of Astus I enjoy following F1 and typically grimacing at Spurs performances!

Steven Ballinger

CCO

After 22 years at Dentsu, I joined as Chief Commercial Officer at Astus in 2024, with a career built on commercial leadership, revenue growth and business development. What I’m proudest of? Setting a clear growth strategy and delivering sustainable profit for clients, partners and shareholders. What I enjoy most here is the culture — collaborative, entrepreneurial, always pushing for growth. Outside work, you’ll find me travelling with my family, chasing new destinations, cultures and experiences. Arsenal and golf share my passion and frustration equally!

Damian Gilmour

CFO

I joined Astus in 2008 and I’m the company’s CFO. Originally from Australia, I’ve played a key role in the growth of the business, helping establish Astus as one of the UK’s leading media barter agencies. Known for my commercial mindset, approachable nature, and ability to build strong relationships, I bring a calm, practical perspective to everything I do. Nearly two decades on, I’m still as passionate about the business and its people as ever. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me on a tennis court

Lindie Struweg

UK FD

I arrived in the UK on a working holiday in 2002 with an empty passport and a finance degree – decades later I’m still here, South African accent intact and loving London life. A big part of that has been the Astus family, which I joined in 2009. I’m proud that, years on, Astus continues to embody the same passion, culture and collaborative spirit—while consistently delivering transparent, meaningful value to our partners. My focus is on driving efficiency across the business, enabling growth and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Outside work I love travelling, live sports & gigs and always having a great London restaurant to recommend.

Matthew Herbert

UK MD

After growing up in a lovely/sleepy village in Gloucestershire, I yearned for the bright lights. After moving to London to attend Brunel University, I graduated with a BSc in Sport Science & Leisure management. Staying in London, I worked in the Leisure industry and was a client of Astus in one of my roles. I was so impressed with Astus as a company and their business concept, I called the Founder to pitch my services, it was the best phone call I ever made! 16 years later, I am very proud of the company we have built and particularly the retention levels of many big brands. Many moons ago, I played football for Forest Green Rovers, but these days my knees only allow me to concentrate on golf….

Ewan Douglas

Head of Growth

I joined Astus in 2025 from Channel 4, where I held a range of senior leadership roles. My experience is in leading sales teams and partnering with agencies, clients and broadcasters, creating strategies that deliver consistent growth. I’m thrilled to be part of an ambitious, collegiate Astus — an environment that combines commercial growth, innovation and agility, wrapped in a genuinely supportive culture. I have a love for Scottish football and bagpipes. I’m working to convince my new colleagues of the joy to be had in both of these.

Claire Ingham

Client Director

I joined Astus in 2007, fresh from university and ready for the corporate world. Nearly 20 years later, I’m still passionate about helping clients unlock additional value that directly impacts sales or solves a real problem. It’s great to be part of a team that knows how to have fun while delivering results. Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to two feisty girls who keep me on my toes. They’re my toughest clients yet!

Mary Cusack

Senior Media Executive

I joined Astus in 2023 after studying Law at the University of Manchester, proof that career paths don’t always follow the script! I’m most proud of the people at Astus. The strength of the team and the culture of collaboration are what make the business so successful. What I enjoy most is the flat structure, which creates a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute. Fun fact: I’m basically a human TfL journey planner, give me any two Tube stations and I’ll probably tell you the quickest route before Citymapper does.

Manish Vadukul

Re-marketing Director

With over 25 years’ experience in remarketing and business development, I work with clients across multiple sectors to create bespoke, discreet routes to market for excess and first-line products. I’m most proud of building strong, trusted partnerships that deliver real value for our clients. What I enjoy most about Astus is the creativity and collaborative approach to finding solutions. I love connecting with people who think differently and finding opportunities where others see challenges. Outside of work, I enjoy scuba diving, hiking and would love to get into mountaineering.

Sophie Scott

Goods and Services Director

I joined Astus in 2008 and feel incredibly lucky and proud to have developed my career here over the years and be part of the company’s growth. One of the most enjoyable parts has been working with such creative and forward-thinking people- many of whom have become good friends. Outside of work, I love film and theatre and even had a go at writing a screenplay once… for my eyes only!

Ted Unwin

Commercial Director

My background is TV trading — 23 years at ITV and Sky. What drives me at Astus? We’ve got the relationships, the deals and the flexibility across every media channel to solve a huge range of client challenges. The key is understanding what every stakeholder is measured on, then driving outcomes that hit those numbers. In my spare time, you’ll find me at Stamford Bridge — or playing very average golf.

Olly Horner

Group Digital Director

After three years working in TV, I moved into digital media, where I’ve spent my career developing innovative solutions that deliver measurable results. At Astus, I build digital solutions for clients globally, helping them improve performance, maximise return on investment, and achieve meaningful business outcomes. I enjoy combining creativity with data-driven thinking to solve complex challenges, working closely with clients to develop strategies that drive engagement, growth, and long-term success.

Locations

We have global reach through regional offices

selected clients

delivering the best, for the best

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Years of trading

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Clients

£0bn+

In billings

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Retention Rate

FMCG

Diageo: £1M ROI from TV spend

“With Astus we could see visibility of the transaction with our media agency. We had the ability to take money out whenever we wanted.”

It was pure media value. Exactly the same reach and quality — with value back.

Senior Marketing Leader, Diageo

FMCG

Diageo: £1M ROI from TV spend

“With Astus we could see visibility of the transaction with our media agency. We had the ability to take money out whenever we wanted.”

It was pure media value. Exactly the same reach and quality — with value back.

Senior Marketing Leader, Diageo

Want to amplify your next campaign? How do we get the ball rolling?

  1. Lets Talk! Let us know what you’d like to do e.g. sell your product or service, cashback, more ads or sponsorship?
  2. If you have one let us know the details of your media agency and contact and we can reach out to them
  3. We will develop your bespoke advertising amplified proposal