Birmingham – home of Cadbury chocolate, the balti curry, and a thriving modelling scene. If you’re a model looking for an agency, you’d be forgiven for thinking you have to look elsewhere to kick-start your career.
But the youngest city in Europe has several respected agencies working hard for their clients and their talent.
These reps foster long-standing relationships with brands, casting directors, and photographers. They won’t demand money upfront for portfolio shoots, and getting on their books can open doors to many exciting opportunities.
So you can choose the right one for you, we’ve broken down the best modelling agencies in Birmingham, with an eye towards agencies with active social media accounts, public-facing directors, and well-known client lists.
This fresh, dynamic Birmingham modelling agency has placed its focus on interesting, unique talent rather than height, size, or social media following. Founded in 2016 and based in the heart of the city, it represents a select roster of youthful, diverse faces.
CEO Skye Round emphasizes “personable management,” which means nurturing models and creating a tight-knit environment. She doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk, too: Her ethos extends to the local community, where she gives workshops in fashion photography at Solihull College and hires Birmingham-based sponsors for her events.
The work includes fashion, editorial, and commercial, as well as influencer jobs and acting roles. Clients include Samsung, Zalando, Boohoo, and Puma.
A leading model on its books is Anjola, who has strutted her stuff at London Fashion Week, shot for whisky brand Chivas Regal, and appeared in a social media advert for Audible.
If you want to join Atlantis, tag your socials with #scoutmeAMA or apply here.
AS Agency is based in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter and is a company built on “honesty, trust, and respect.” It represents adults, juniors (under the age of 16), families, and couples, as well as lifestyle (also known as “real”) models and specialists, including hand models.
Established by Alan Sharman in 2007, Natalie Bellamy has helmed the agency since 2022. As a Black woman, Bellamy strives to make the modelling industry a “more inclusive space,” starting with AS.
The work is mostly commercial: posters, catalogues, TV adverts, and social media videos. It also has a casting arm that supplies a range of artists with photography shoots, films, TV shows, and voiceovers.
Clients include big-name brands like Tottenham Hotspur F.C., Harvey Nichols, and Paddy Power. With such a variety of clients, jobs, and talent on its books, there’s no one model who stands out. This agency may not be known for famous faces, but it’ll work hard to keep you booked.
If you’re looking for commercial and lifestyle work, AS Agency could be the place to start your modelling journey. Apply here or look out for casting calls on its Instagram.
RMG has bases in both Birmingham and London. It represents 15 different categories of models, accepting all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and ages upwards of 12 months. Its categories include: male, female, curve, classics, petite, fitness, real, characters, mums to be, juniors, families, couples, body parts, and creatives. It has both editorial and commercial models on its books, so no matter your niche, you could be a fit.
The company prides itself on being friendly and efficient. Director Megan Pugh comes from a modelling background so is in a strong position to advise those on her roster. The most important quality, she says, is having an attitude of confidence, patience, and positivity.
Clients have included Mecca Bingo, Gym Shark, L’Oréal, and All Bar One.
Exclusivity isn’t a requirement at RMG, so you can widen your net and be signed by other agencies simultaneously. Apply here.
Valkyrie Models is on the edgier end of the agency spectrum, welcoming tattoos, piercings, and boldly coloured hair. It mostly represents younger women, with a handful of men and nonbinary people on its books.
The agency was set up by model and musician Rachel Perera, who believes everybody should be given a chance in the industry, no matter their personal style. She also runs model coaching under Siren Workshops and feminist magazine The Siren.
The work on offer includes editorial and commercial. Past clients include Adidas and nail brand Lottie London.
If you have an alternative look and style, Valkyrie could help you shine. Apply here.