How Iain's company Forrest Digital can see the wood for the trees

Iain Forrest is describing one view of his company’s provision.

It’s a pretty simple theory.

His business, Forrest Digital, does the technical aspects of a project and, where possible, the customer retains in-house the more feasible jobs.

It’s a philosophy that works well for the Stockton-based online marketing firm.

Founded in 2003, Forrest Digital provides clients with advice and support for campaigns aimed at securing business growth, be that across new customers, sales or turnover.

A physics graduate of the University of St Andrews, Mr Forrest first properly dipped his toe into the waters of the marketing world when he secured a job at ICI Wilton in the 1980s.

However, he admits that while his tenure at the well-known operator was a good grounding, it was only when he went alone that he learned more about himself and the profession.

After taking voluntary redundancy from ICI in 2002, Mr Forrest bought into a franchise based in Miami and Forrest Digital began to emerge.

Progress was steady and, after a period, Mr Forrest decided to end that agreement, which he says was the right move to make.

He said: “I left ICI at the point where the internet was becoming a more important part in people’s lives.

“You could say it was in a vanguard period and I thought I’d like to learn more about it.

“I don’t regret the franchise, in fact I learned a tremendous amount and I built the business steadily from my home office.”

Such solid progress has continued and now provides the bedrock for an expansion, with Mr Forrest looking to take on new staff to bolster operations at the business, which has two full-time workers and a retained list of developers and designers.

“I’ve got plans in the next six to nine months to bring in maybe two additional digital marketing executives”, he said.

“We want people with the right attitude, but I’d also tell them not to rule themselves out if they haven’t done anything in digital. I’m not looking to build a large company, I’d much rather have a good company.

“We help with businesses’ growth, supporting them to find more customers, sell more products and increase turnover, all those kinds of business measures. That is the reason why the vast majority of customers choose us.”

Those clients include Weschenfelder, the Middlesbrough business behind sausage-making equipment, which has set its sights on Germany, with the help of Forrest Digital.

Bosses say Mr Forrest’s company has strengthened Weschenfelder’s online approach and helped it sell into more than 15 countries.

However, Mr Forrest reveals another reason he believes his company’s popularity continues to grow – the art of providing what clients need and allowing them to retain control of issues they can manage.

He said: “The element of knowledge transfer is very important. The idea is that we will do what we can and do the really difficult stuff (and they do the things they can do).

“Companies can outsource work to a digital agency and not really know what is going on.

“However, we try to avoid that as much as possible.”

Five minutes with... Iain Forrest

Favourite North-East building and why? The Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough. Fantastic engineering and a unique icon.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Stacking shelves in my local shop when I was 16. I didn’t get paid much, but I kept and framed my first £1 note.

What is the worst job you’ve had? I’ve never done anything very bad, but I did spend a summer in an oast house (Google it) in Kent. I was responsible for filling it with hops as they were harvested and then emptying it once the hops had been dried, usually at very early o’clock. It was very physical, but the worst part was sleeping next to an oil-fired furnace which, if you didn’t know, is quite hot and noisy, and in a space that was no bigger than a cupboard.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? You’ll be malnourished if you come around expecting me to cook. There are some lovely restaurants our way.

What would your superpower be? Cooking.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: There would need to be someone to cook, obviously, and Rick Stein seems like a guy who would make a good fist of pulling something together with the fishy contents of our fridge. My daughter would love to have Brian Cox along, but even he would need to defer to Marie Curie. Obviously I can’t forget the wife.

Most expensive thing you’ve bought – other than car or house – and how much? My bicycle. Much more than you would think possible for a bike.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? If you looked at my Twitter history, you’d probably find @EverythingMFC top of the list.

Favourite book? Business-related, that would be 80/20 Sales & Marketing, by Perry Marshall.

When did you last cry? When I heard my daughter’s stellar A-level results.

What is your greatest achievement? My family.

What’s the best piece of advice in business you’ve ever been given? It’s not a sale until the money is in the bank.

Favourite animal and why? Dogs are fun, and never seem to be in a bad mood for very long.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Alessandro Palazzi.

What was the last band you saw live? Toto and Christopher Cross at Arènes de Nimes, France. Awesome retro-ness.

Describe your perfect night in: Relaxing in the garden on a dry, warm and still evening.

In another life I would be... Better at riding a bicycle.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Tom Hanks, obviously.

What irritates you? The problems we can all see, but which no one seems able to put right.

What’s your secret talent? I have no secrets.