Matt Pyke founded Fly High Media from his room at university in 2015 at the age of 19, while studying marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Initially focused on website development and social media for small businesses, he built the agency on strong client relationships and data-driven strategies.
In 2016, Matt incorporated Fly High Media Ltd and moved into a business incubation hub, balancing full-time studies with business growth. Expanding services to include SEO, PPC, and graphic design, he hired talented graduates to support rapid scaling.
After graduating in 2018, Matt established the agency’s head office in Cheshire while maintaining a presence in Manchester. Today, Fly High Media employs 15 staff, has £1m turnover, and serves international clients across pharmaceuticals, engineering, health, training, and ecommerce.
The agency was also recently nominated for Web Development Project of the Year at the Prolific North Champions Awards 2025 and Pyke has also been shortlisted for Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
He shares a glimpse into his career so far….
How did you first get into your industry?
I founded the agency while studying marketing at university, where I discovered my passion for digital marketing and identified a gap in the market. My goal was to create an agency that not only connects with clients on a personal level but also helps them achieve their marketing objectives.
What do you love about your job?
I love problem-solving, whether it’s building new processes and systems or refining existing ones. Finding the most effective and efficient solutions is what drives me – both for improving our internal operations and, most importantly, delivering the best possible results for our clients. Seeing the impact of these improvements, whether in streamlined workflows or measurable client success, is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy seeing my team thrive and develop their marketing knowledge, working collaboratively on campaigns, and delivering great work together as a team.
Who – or what – has inspired you in your career?
I’ve always been driven by a desire to push myself to be the best I can be while also helping others grow. Seeing clients achieve outstanding results and watching individuals at Fly High Media develop in their careers is incredibly rewarding. The impact of continuous learning, innovation, and mentorship inspires me every day to keep improving and striving for excellence.
What are the biggest challenges about your job?
Growing the business means constantly adapting—expanding our services, improving efficiency, and staying ahead of the curve. The challenge is balancing innovation and agility, maintaining the personal touch that sets us apart, whilst improving our systems to handle more demand.
What skills have been the most crucial to you succeeding in your career so far?
Resilience and a positive mindset have been crucial to my success. When faced with a challenge, I focus on finding a solution rather than getting frustrated. Every situation presents an opportunity to learn and improve, and embracing that mindset has helped me navigate obstacles effectively. Additionally, I believe my ability to bring out the best in people and help them play to their strengths has been invaluable. By fostering a supportive and high-performing team, we not only grow as a business but also deliver the best possible results for our clients.
What education or training would be most useful for someone looking to follow your career path?
I believe university can still be a valuable path, but only if you’re proactive in gaining real-world experience alongside your studies. A degree provides a strong foundation, but practical skills, internships, and hands-on projects are what truly set you apart. Apprenticeships are also a great option, allowing you to earn while you learn and gain direct industry experience. Regardless of the route you take, the key is continuously learning, staying curious, and applying your knowledge in real business scenarios.
What advice would you have for someone looking to follow your path?
Always stay curious and keep learning – mastering your craft is a continuous process. Persistence is key; challenges will come, but resilience and adaptability will set you apart. Surround yourself with the right people, build genuine relationships, and grow your network – opportunities often come from the connections you make. Most importantly, take action. Theory is valuable, but real growth happens when you put your knowledge into practice.
