What started in a grandfather’s garage making vinyl stickers for cars has evolved into one of Cheshire’s most successful and respected digital marketing agencies. High school friends Sam Spridgeon and John Wylde have built an award-winning business from the ground up through hard work, innovation and a relentless commitment to helping businesses grow.
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Today, their agency Spectra Media employs a team of 10 specialists, works with hundreds of clients and is on track to achieve a turnover of £250,000 per annum, despite very humble beginnings. The pair launched their business in 2014, initially creating vinyl decals and stickers for cars. While the venture showed promise, it was a chance opportunity that would completely change the direction of the company.
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Tech-savvy John visited his local barber one day and discovered they needed a new website. The duo offered to build one for just £100. They didn’t stop there. Alongside the website, they implemented Google Ads campaigns and digital marketing strategies that transformed the business. Within three years, the barber’s website had generated an impressive £48,000 in sales. The results spoke for themselves.
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Soon afterwards, boxing promoter Andy Sampson became their first major client, commissioning them for branding, website design, digital marketing and lead generation. The success of that project gave the young entrepreneurs the confidence and credibility to take the business to the next level. “It was the turning point,” explains Sam. “That first major client put us on the map and got us our first office.”
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Over the following years, the agency continued to grow steadily, building a reputation for delivering tangible results for businesses across a wide range of sectors. However, the biggest breakthrough came in 2023 when they secured a major contract with LCM in Ellesmere Port. The contract proved transformative, allowing both founders to leave their jobs and commit to the agency full-time for the first time.
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Since then, growth has accelerated dramatically. Sam explains: “Spectra Media offers an extensive suite of digital marketing services including website design, SEO, PPC, Google Ads, social media marketing, lead generation, custom software systems, process automation, AI implementation, app development and business streamlining solutions. We’re effectively a one stop shop for business that want growth.”
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Their client portfolio now spans hundreds of businesses, ranging from start-ups and SMEs to larger organisations looking to modernise and scale their operations. Their success has also been recognised through numerous prestigious awards and nominations, further cementing their reputation as one of the North West’s leading agencies.
Spectra Media was named Business Marketing Agency of the Year in 2023 and received the Chamber of Commerce Innovation in Business Award. Meanwhile, Sam’s entrepreneurial achievements earned him a nomination for Downtown in Business’ Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Despite their commercial success and awards, giving back to the community remains a core part of the company’s ethos.
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The agency has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charitable causes and community initiatives, including supporting the hugely successful Soap Box Race in aid of The Hospice of the Good Shepherd. They also provide free marketing services to a range of charities, helping organisations maximise their impact and reach more people in need.
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Looking ahead, Sam and John are passionate about developing the next generation of digital talent. They are currently establishing an academy aimed at training students in digital marketing, providing practical skills and real-world experience to help bridge the gap between education and employment. For the founders, the academy represents an opportunity to give aspiring marketers the same kind of opportunities they worked hard to create for themselves.
John summarises: “It’s been an amazing journey and one that’s grown beyond our wildest dreams. What started as a small scale operation in Sam’s grandad’s garage has become an award winning agency with incredible numbers! We’re really excited about the future with even bigger growth plans and the new academy. We’re truly grateful to all of our clients who have been part of the journey.”
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From designing car stickers in a garage to leading a thriving multi-award-winning agency, Sam Spridgeon and John Wylde’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through friendship, determination and an unwavering belief in your vision. With continued growth, expanding services and a commitment to supporting both businesses and communities, their remarkable journey is only just getting started.
Spectra Media / Queens House, Queens Road, Chester, CH1 3BQ / 01244 255 600
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE CHAT WITH SPECTRA CALL 01244 255 600 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE
