Our background
We have deep roots in automotive: insurance, motor finance, parts and repair. It’s a sector we know inside out and as marketing specialists and industry specialists our depth is what sets us apart. Our clients don’t want layers of account managers, they want people that understand the category and the solutions.
Directors James and Nick have a long history of not just working in the automotive space, landing the first client back in 2019, but it goes well beyond the day job. Nick’s list of cars is embarrassingly long, while James has taken his love of old Land Rovers and completed off-road adventures through the Himalayas.
GENUINE. PIVOTAL. DRIVEN. INDUSTRIOUS. SUPPORTIVE.
GENUINE. PIVOTAL. DRIVEN. INDUSTRIOUS. SUPPORTIVE.
Director
James
Having set up Black Lab in 2017, James works alongside the team to nurture existing clients and develop relationships with new ones. A key job of any director is being head tea boy, keeping the team hydrated whilst managing day to day running of Black Lab — spearheading new business. Old Land Rovers as well as following rugby and food (resulting in a constant need to exercise) keep James focussed when out of the office.
Director / Head of PPC
Nick
With twenty years PPC experience, Nick knows his way around the ad platforms. Working across all our PPC accounts, Nick helps steer them in the right direction. As a co-director at Black Lab, he’s fundamental in the running of the agency. Nick’s other love (after family obviously!) is cars and Formula 1; it’s also safe to say the Autotrader app on his phone receives some serious attention.
Head of SEO
Martin
Martin Jeffrey is Head of SEO at Black Lab, where he helps brands make sense of their data and turn it into real impact. With deep expertise in search strategy, digital performance, and paid media, he’s worked with major brands to navigate an ever-changing digital landscape. Passionate about the intersection of marketing, AI, and consumer behaviour, Martin brings insights, straight-talking advice, and—occasionally—a football analogy or two.
Client Services Lead
Sam
As client services lead, Sam not only helps manage relationships with our clients but also plans our internal workflow. Orchestrating the day-to-day goings-on of the business, Sam is the all-seeing eye; her love of organisation and documentation makes her the perfect person for the role. A fan of craft ale and running - ska music and mountain biking helps Sam step away from the charts and spreadsheets when not at work.
Senior Performance Marketing
Ady
Ady brings experience of working on global PPC and paid social campaigns for well-known brands with large budgets but has also served his time working directly with business owners. He's a keen walker, skateboarder, roller-skater and paddleboarder and is trying to coerce his children into the same hobbies! Hopefully with fewer injuries!
He's also very useful for restaurant and bar recommendations.
PPC Manager
Craig
As an experienced PPC professional Craig has developed an eye for patterns and effectively managing paid PPC campaigns. Having worked on small budgets right through to those at hundreds of thousands per month, Craig has delivered results time and again for clients. His love of gaming and Formula 1 help Craig with downtime when not at work.
Growth Marketing Manager
Alexa
As our Marketing and Demand Generation Manager, Alexa combines creativity with a hands-on approach to deliver campaigns that make an impact. Building relationships, bringing people together and getting things done are all part of what she enjoys most. When she's not at work, you'll find her exploring the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District - usually with her dog Betty in tow - keeping active with running, yoga and reformer Pilates, or perfecting bakes for her micro bakery.
Technical SEO Manager
Monty
As our technical SEO, Monty combines his web development skills with an analytical mind. Optimising websites to maximise performance is his bread and butter. When not at work, Monty enjoys working on his car or dabbling in some online gaming.
Senior SEO Manager
Sean
As Senior SEO Manager, Sean stays firmly at the forefront of the ever-evolving SEO landscape, blending sharp analytical thinking with a genuine curiosity for how search keeps changing. When he's not glued to rankings reports, he's likely glued to the football or out exploring the Yorkshire Dales instead.
Head of napping & happiness
Basil
The happy hound, Basil, paces the office, looking for the next cuddle. As chief happiness officer, he keeps the team ready for action. When not monitoring the office, he can be found sleeping on the job, dreaming of sticks and tennis balls.
