Jonathan Swales

• Provided strategic direction as a board member, shaping the company's vision and growth initiatives, with full responsibility for marketing strategy and execution
• Led all marketing channels, including PPC, organic search, affiliate partnerships, social media, and email, driving customer acquisition and revenue growth
• Managed and mentored a team of marketing professionals, fostering their growth and ensuring alignment with business objectives
• Held P&L responsibility for the marketing function, optimising budgets to maximize ROI and ensure sustainable growth
• Directed major website development projects in collaboration with technical teams, delivering on time and within scope to enhance user experience and functionality
• Oversaw the management and merchandising of four e-commerce websites, optimizing product presentation and sales performance
• Implemented data-driven strategies to improve conversion rates, delivering measurable improvements to business KPIs

Key Achievements

• Grew the company's turnover from circa £4.5 million to £11 million in 2023
• 25% increase in conversion rates through conversion rate optimisation initiatives

• Provide ongoing strategic and tactical marketing support, contributing to campaigns that align with the organisation's ethical values and sustainability goals
• Collaborate with internal teams to enhance customer engagement through digital channels, content creation, and campaign optimisation
• Deliver insights and recommendations to improve marketing performance and achieve key objectives
• Dramatically reduced (by 400%) PPC cost per enquiry while increasing volume, and developed a robust lead tracking system.
• 150% uplift in organic traffic at the end of year one.

Provided consultancy and mentoring to the Managing Director of a film and media agency, focusing on business strategy, sales planning, and financial management (P&L and cash flow). Supported the MD in stabilising operations and driving business growth.

• Founded and grew the agency from the ground up to achieve £700,000 annual turnover, delivering sustainable growth through strategic leadership and operational excellence
• Managed all aspects of the business, including financial planning, strategic direction, supplier negotiations, recruitment, and team development
• Oversaw key accounts and high-value projects, ensuring delivery of exceptional results for clients in financial services, professional services, recruitment, and legal sectors
• Provided line management and mentoring, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth
• Negotiated the sale of the business in 2014, achieving a significant six-figure sum and securing a successful transition for the agency
• Partnered with leading brands, including TD Direct Investing/Interactive Investor, Redmayne Bentley, Ecology Building Society, and Lee & Priestley, delivering tailored solutions and measurable outcomes

• Joined one of the early innovators in the web agency space, where I played a key role in shaping digital marketing strategies during the early days of the internet
• Took on an expanding range of responsibilities, including account management, project management, web development, and creative direction, contributing to the agency's growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape
• Appointed Operations Director in 2000, taking a seat on the board and becoming a shareholder (9%)
• Led day-to-day operations and played a pivotal role in the company's strategic direction
• Left in 2007 to pursue my ambition of building my own agency, later acquiring Netstep in 2012 for a nominal sum after the business encountered difficulties, demonstrating my commitment to business recovery and growth.