PushON marks 20 years with rapid growth & AI focus

Manchester-based eCommerce and digital marketing agency PushON has marked its 20th anniversary with year-on-year revenue growth of 40% and a tripling in size over the past decade.

The business now employs 45 people and works with more than 35 enterprise clients in the UK and overseas. It operates across sectors, including retail, automotive, home furnishings, finance, and health and beauty.

PushON was founded in 2005 by Simon Wharton and Roy Wilding as a specialist search engine optimisation agency. The founders built the firm in Manchester as online retail activity began to increase across the UK.

The company expanded beyond SEO in its early years. It moved into website development, site maintenance and digital marketing services as brands sought broader support for online trading.

A contract with fashion retailer Bench Clothing marked a turning point for the agency. The project moved PushON into development on Adobe Commerce, previously known as Magento.

This shift established eCommerce build work as a core part of the business. It also led to larger briefs with more complex requirements from national brands.

PushON went on to secure work with clients including Virgin Credit Cards, Hyundai, Silver Cross, Brandon Hire Station and Ryman. It also developed the official website for Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Industry profile

Alongside its commercial work, the agency has developed a presence within the UK's digital sector. It has received multiple industry awards, including recognition at the European Ecommerce Awards.

The company has also been active in professional networks. It co-founded SASCon, a search, analytics and social conference that grew into a regular event for marketers and technology practitioners.

PushON is a member of Manchester Digital, the regional trade association, and participates in projects that focus on skills and business development in the local digital economy.

People and progression

The firm links its recent growth to internal progression pathways. It has promoted a number of employees from junior roles into senior leadership over the past decade.

In 2017, co-founder Simon Wharton stepped down as Managing Director. He handed the role to current Managing Director Sam Rutley, who joined the business as an SEO executive in 2008.

Associate Director Alex Hogan followed a similar path. He started at PushON as a pay-per-click executive around ten years ago and now holds a senior management position.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Wharton said the company's culture has remained consistent through this period of change.

"When Roy and I started PushON, we had the belief that we could do things differently and better, and that belief still drives the business today. Our culture has always been informal, open and collaborative. We give people opportunities, and they grab them. That approach has carried us through twenty years, and I'm proud that so many talented people have built long careers with us," said Simon Wharton, Co-founder, PushON.

Client work

The agency continues to target B2B and consumer brands that trade online at scale. It provides digital marketing and eCommerce development services.

A recent project with Manchester-based beauty brand P. Louise has become one of its flagship case studies. PushON worked with the company during a period in which the brand's revenue increased from £65 million to £100 million.

The work with P. Louise included technical and digital initiatives. The agency links the project with measurable commercial outcomes for the client.

AI and global plans

PushON is now preparing for its next phase of growth. The management team is focusing on international expansion and the adoption of emerging technologies within its service delivery.

Artificial intelligence will sit within this strategy. The firm plans to use AI tools within development and digital marketing workflows.

The company has formed a wider group structure called PushON Commerce. The group will act as a framework for growth in overseas markets.

Wilding said the business intends to keep its core focus while scaling through the new group.

"Our vision is clear. We're doubling down on what we do best while embracing AI to maximise productivity and outcomes for our clients. The UK is among the best in the world at digital commerce, and we intend to be at the forefront of that. We have ambitious plans to expand and grow through our wider group, PushON Commerce, which has been established to take our expertise onto a truly global stage," said Wilding.

The agency marked its twentieth year with an event at Track Brewery in Manchester attended by staff, clients and partners, and will now pursue further growth through PushON Commerce.