Getting to know... Andy Robson

In a new feature for Bdaily looking at the person behind the business profile, Andy Robson, founder and director of Newcastle-based independent digital marketing agency SQUIDGY, highlights the experiences that led him to his present role, reveals how he balances work with time away from the office and explains what the North East means to him.

We know you as the founder and director at SQUIDGY, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m someone who thrives on solving problems. 

Whether it’s tackling an SEO puzzle or running a business, I love getting stuck in, figuring things out and applying solutions. 

I’ve always been passionate about technology and learning how things work, which drives both my professional and personal life.

Did you always want to work in digital marketing?

Not exactly! 

My career path has been anything but linear. 

I started out building websites as a hobby and fell into digital marketing when clients began asking how to rank on Google. 

That curiosity sparked my journey into SEO, which quickly became my passion.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best part is the constant evolution of the digital marketing industry – there’s always something new to learn or try. 

The worst? As an agency director, there are a lot of tasks that are necessary to keep the wheels turning in a business.

Sometimes that can mean less time in the trenches of actual digital marketing – something I work hard to balance to stay ahead.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Turning SQUIDGY from a freelance gig into an agency four years ago wasn’t just a major shift for me professionally, but personally too. 

Seeing the agency grow and thrive, while staying true to our core values and doing it all without borrowing a single penny, is something I’m incredibly proud of.

How do you relax outside of work?

When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my family. 

But, as a small business owner, switching off is incredibly difficult. 

My wife and I make sure to spend time together every night, with our phones switched off, just catching up. 

As we both run businesses, it’s easy to let work take over, so we make quality time a priority.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

From a digital perspective, the North East is more like a village. 

Everyone knows everyone, but beyond that, it has a fantastic mix of creativity, innovation and community spirit. 

It’s a region with a rich history and plenty of opportunities, but it’s the people who make it truly special – hardworking, supportive and, most importantly, down to earth.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know...

I trained to be an IT teacher, worked as a financial advisor and even dabbled in business advising before finding my way into digital marketing.

• If you would like to take part in this feature - or Bdaily's other profile platforms - please email editor Steven Hugill at steven@bdaily.co.uk

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