10 Years of Route: What we have learned along the way
As Route marks its tenth anniversary, the team reflects on a decade of detail-driven, strategic campaigns, a collaborative and human culture, and how marketing has changed – from broadcast-dominated thinking to audience-first planning. The lesson that stands out: not doing more, but doing the right things well.
We’ve Been Shortlisted
Route has been shortlisted across five campaign categories at the Northern Digital Awards, for work delivered with three clients: Darlington Building Society, Dance City and Environment Bank. The categories span finance, third sector, property and construction, B2C and low budget campaigns.
Prolific North Awards 2025
Route picked up two awards at the Prolific North Marketing Awards for digital planning and activation work with Darlington Building Society. Huge thanks to the brilliant team and clients who make it all happen, and a big shoutout to Dance City and The Big Black Door for joining the celebrations.
How We Work With Clients – The Route Agency Way
Every client is different. Kane Elgey, Route’s SEO Account Manager, explains the agency’s client-first approach: building a clear understanding of each client’s objectives from the first face-to-face meeting, tailoring strategies as partnerships grow, and reporting transparently on the results that create real business value – not vanity metrics.
Route Agency Achieves ISO 9001 and 27001 Certification: Elevating Our Service Standards
Route has achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certification through Citation – internationally recognised standards for quality management and information security. The dual certification means consistent, high-quality service delivery, robust data protection and a competitive edge for clients bidding for contracts that require certified partners.
Storytelling with Theo Daffurn
For World Storytelling Day, Theo Daffurn, Head of Paid Social Media, shares his Route story – a journey that began over eight years ago via esports, the lessons learned about speed and accuracy, and his advice for anyone starting out: be curious and never stop learning.
Northern Digital Awards 2025
Route picked up two awards for work with First Bus at the Northern Digital Awards 2025: winner of Best Digital Marketing Campaign – Travel/Leisure, and silver for Best Use of Data and Insights. The judges praised the campaign’s contextual messaging, creative use of audience insights and the results it delivered.
The value of teamwork at Route
Martyn King, Route’s Client Services Director, shares how the team keeps morale strong alongside hybrid working – regular check-ins, team bonding and transparent communication – and why continuous learning, tailored training and knowledge sharing keep the Route team skilled, motivated and adaptable.
Route Christmas Party 2024
Route’s annual Christmas party 2024: the team enjoyed a festive meal at Babucho followed by a few drinks at the Bridge Tavern – a lovely chance to unwind and catch up after a busy year, and to wish all of Route’s clients and partners a very merry Christmas.
We won! Best Integrated Paid Media Campaign
Route took home Best Integrated Paid Media Campaign at the UK Paid Media Awards, recognising work with long-standing client First Bus on driver recruitment, alongside creative partners Woven Films and The MHD Partnership. The judges praised the campaign’s versatility, thorough research and comprehensive integration.