As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time for me to reflect on what has been an incredible year for Climb & Conquer.
This year has been a whirlwind of milestones, challenges, and growth, not just for the business but also for me. I’m immensely proud of what our team has achieved, and of the trajectory we’re on as we approach 2025.
The Highlights
Firstly, earlier this year, we launched our new brand, the one you see here now. We moved from a freelancer-led consultancy to a fully fledged (and fully remote!) agency. As with any new launch or rebrand, I was nervous about how this might be received, but it couldn’t have gone better.
What’s more, we’ve been making huge strides on our own SEO (you’ve got to be your own best case study, let’s face it!) and reclaiming the top rankings we’d established as Shane Parkins SEO.
One of the biggest moments for us this year was being named one of Prolific North’s “Independent Agencies to Watch” for 2024. It was a real honour to see our agency recognised alongside some of the most innovative and ambitious agencies in the North. It felt like validation of all the hard work we’ve put in since starting this journey.
Another highlight was being shortlisted for three Northern Digital Awards: Best Digital Marketing Campaign—Retail, Best Small Digital Agency of the Year, and Best Integrated Campaign. While we’re still waiting for the results (fingers crossed!), just making it this far is a testament to the incredible work of our team. We were also given a nod at the North East Marketing Awards in the Best Small Agency category, but there wasn’t a win for us this year.
Building our Culture
One of the most fulfilling aspects of 2024 has been watching our team and culture establish and grow. When I started Climb & Conquer, I wanted to build the kind of agency I’d want to work for—somewhere that prioritises people and results equally.
We have a fantastic team of 16 passionate, talented and determined digital professionals – some of them getting their ‘big break’ into the industry in their first-ever digital role – and it’s a privilege to be training and mentoring these individuals to be the best they can be. Their attention to detail and dedication to best practice in their disciplines, whether that be SEO, PPC, Strategy or Email Marketing, is truly impressive and is driving the outstanding results we’re delivering for clients daily.
Building a remote-first agency has its challenges, but it’s surprising how well we’ve established “us” through digital means. There are in-person events and things, too, and we’re already planning a huge team strategy event for Q1 next year where the team can have more of a say in our future, as well as some fun along the way with team-building exercises, good food and good company.
This year, we achieved Living Wage Accreditation, a huge step in our commitment to valuing and fairly compensating every member of our team.
We also continued to invest in employee wellbeing and development. From funding co-working spaces and personal development opportunities to organising virtual and in-person socials, we’ve worked hard to ensure our remote-first model fosters connection and collaboration.
Our CSR initiatives also strengthened in 2024. We established our partnership with Carma, planting trees for clients, employees, and event attendees. I also completed a 200-kilometre charity trek for Mind, which was one of the most rewarding personal challenges I’ve ever undertaken.
We also had the privilege of being headline sponsors for the TEDxTeessideWomen event in Middlesbrough, which was a resounding success and a hugely inspirational event for all.
Lessons Learned
With every success comes a set of lessons, and 2024 was no different. One of my biggest takeaways has been the importance of balancing growth with focus. As we’ve scaled, the temptation to chase every opportunity has been strong, but staying aligned with our core values and goals has proven crucial.
Another key learning has been around scaling our processes. Growing a team and managing multiple high-impact campaigns has underscored the need for robust systems that support us. Ops will be a big focus as we continue to grow, as I firmly believe the foundation for our success needs to be rock-solid processes that clients and our team can trust and rely on.
We’ve made great strides this year, but there’s always room for improvement as we gear up for 2025.
Looking Ahead
As we look to 2025, I couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.
With Climb & Conquer continuing to grow in both team size and client impact, the future seems incredibly bright.
We aim to hit £900,000 turnover in our current financial year, and £ 1.5 million in turnover by the end of F/Y 2026, which is really stepping things up a gear and aiming to exceed 200% growth. While the numbers are certainly exciting and motivating, what truly matters to me is maintaining the culture, creativity, and client-first focus that got us here.
To everyone who’s been part of our journey this year, from our amazing clients and talented team to our supportive community and trusted advisors, thank you so much. None of this would be possible without you, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Here’s to a fantastic 2025 and beyond!
All the best to you all.
P.S. If you’re looking for a role in digital marketing in 2025 and are interested in joining the Climb & Conquer team, check out our Remote SEO and Remote PPC job adverts for more information. We’re always keen to hear from ambitious, knowledgeable people.
