Digital agency 21Digital has been based at its offices in Blackburn since 2018.
Now employing 16 staff, the company has enjoyed an average ‘double digit’ growth year-on-year since moving into the premises, and during that time has been a winner and finalist across a number of awards such as Northern Ecommerce Awards and the Red Rose Awards Digital Business.
The agency specialises in lead generation and ecommerce and recently celebrated an impressive 21 years in business. All three of the agency’s founders – Sam Fletcher, Michael Cain and Steven Taylor – started their first businesses at the age of 21.
So what happens at 21Digital’s offices?
Sam Fletcher, managing director at 21Digital, introduces us to the office…
“Team happiness and development is massively important to us. Rather than buy-in talent from big city agencies, we prefer to develop talent from within. Keeping young talent engaged means keeping their skills at the forefront of what represents the best-of-the-best, while enjoying a happy working environment.”
Where is the office?
21Digital Ltd, 8 Trident Park, Trident Way, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 3NU
How big is it?
“Our office is 1,500 square feet and has everything we need to collaborate and get things done. The main area, which is also our Mac suite, is where the whole team comes together to work on projects under one roof,” says Fletcher.
“We also have two meeting rooms for when we need to sit down with clients or have team discussions. For a bit of fun, the breakout room has a dartboard, which always adds a bit of friendly competition. Plus, the kitchen is where we all take a break and grab a brew, giving everyone a chance to recharge. It’s a space that really supports both work and a bit of downtime, helping us stay productive and connected.”
What happens there?
21Digital is a multi-award-winning agency specialising in lead generation and ecommerce, with a range of digital marketing services, including web design, web development, SEO, Google Ads, digital consultancy, social media marketing and email marketing.
The agency has its own successful apprentice programme, with many apprentices having become full time employees. In 2022 the agency launched its own Search Academy to provide an entry point for people looking for a start in the UK’s burgeoning digital marketing sector.
Sam Fletcher says: “Our Search Academy is a new take on our apprenticeship programme, but with a particular focus on search, both paid and organic. Search is one of our three main pillars here at 21Digital, and we’ve got a long history of delivering outstanding success for our clients, many of whom have enjoyed triple-digit percentile increases in online sales after working with us.
“The Search Academy is part of our mission to help the next generation of budding search specialists to learn the skills of the trade. No formal qualifications are required, and all candidates are selected by interview, where we are just looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals who are keen to build a career in digital marketing.
“To help all of our team’s personal development, on Fridays we allow all staff to develop skills in new and emerging techniques and technologies. We have also implemented a Profit Share Scheme to encourage and reward employee “buy in” to the bigger picture.
“Further employee benefits include extra holidays for long service employees and early finish on Fridays to help with staff retention and team feelgood factor. We also have the ‘Going The Extra Mile’ wheel – with prizes and gifts as a fun way to recognise staff who demonstrate doing that extra bit for clients and the agency.”
What sort of work goes on?
“Our team of creative, web and digital marketing experts, all in house in Lancashire, create stunning, mobile first, super-fast websites that drive visits, convert casual browsers into loyal retained customers, helping grow our clients’ brands online fast.
“Creativity and real tangible results are at the heart of everything we do. Over the past twenty one years we’ve developed a unique way of working, a ‘roadmap to success’ which is our secret formula. And, while we love creativity, we love results more. That’s why at the outset of any project, we establish clear tangible goals to help measure the success of our campaigns.
“This has led to us continually reflect and refine the way we do things. Our focus on results has helped us achieve 98% client retention and excellent new business performance. We currently have over 50 active monthly client accounts on digital retainers with us, while our creative web design and development team deliver on average 24 web projects per year.
“It’s that focus on success that really helps keep our full team engaged – everyone enjoys being on a winning team.”
Why is the workplace appropriate?
“Our location in Blackburn is a real strength for us. Compared to a big city like Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds, the daily commute to the office for most is minimal. And with extensive onsite parking, everyone is able to arrive at the office refreshed and ready – not exhausted and dreading the same journey home at the end of the day. So everyone’s energy can be focused purely on work – not getting to work,” explains Fletcher.
“We’re also very fortunate to be located by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which means the team can enjoy refreshing walks together during lunch breaks, or for brainstorming sessions in the fresh air.”
Who works there?
“Our team consists of sixteen professionals across various roles. We have three directors at the helm, along with one Head of Digital overseeing SEO. Our SEO team also includes one executive and one junior, while our PPC team consists of three specialists.
“Additionally, we have two skilled copywriters, one in-house graphic designer, one social media consultant, two developers (one full-stack and one front-end), and one search marketing apprentice. With a mix of experience levels, including an apprentice, we bring a dynamic and collaborative approach to every project, handling everything in-house.”
