Climb & Conquer Scales Rapidly with Strategic Investment from NEL Fund Managers

Climb & Conquer, the Tees Valley-based digital marketing and SEO agency founded by Shane Parkins in 2021, has reached a major new milestone in its growth trajectory following a strategic investment that has helped scale the business significantly. The agency’s evolution from a freelance SEO consultancy into a full-service performance marketing firm has been bolstered by backing from institutional investor NEL Fund Managers, whose capital and support have been integral to Climb & Conquer’s expansion and operational development.

Since receiving investment from NEL Fund Managers through funds managed under the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II), Climb & Conquer has more than doubled its turnover within a 12-month period to surpass £1 million in annual revenue. This growth has been accompanied by increased capacity across the business and the recruitment of more than 15 new team members nationwide, reflecting the agency’s broadening service offerings and expanding client roster.

The partnership with NEL Fund Managers has also enabled Climb & Conquer to invest in its infrastructure, upgrade its IT systems, and relocate to a purpose-built headquarters in Thornaby. These strategic changes are designed to support further recruitment and help the agency enhance its delivery capacity as it pursues continued growth in the UK and beyond.

Climb & Conquer’s core business focuses on high-performance SEO, paid search (PPC), and digital marketing services, offering bespoke strategies that drive measurable client results rather than relying solely on traditional metrics like impressions or brand visibility. As a performance-led agency, Climb & Conquer has worked with a range of clients across sectors, from ecommerce retailers to service brands, developing customised campaigns that deliver meaningful outcomes.

Shane Parkins, the founder and managing director, has emphasised that the support from NEL Fund Managers has been instrumental not just in financial terms but in helping to refine the company’s long-term strategy and business plan. Parkins has described the experience of working with NEL as positive, citing the investor’s hands-on approach in helping the leadership team understand key business metrics, sharpen strategic focus, and unlock growth opportunities that might otherwise have taken longer to realise.

Officials from NEL Fund Managers, including investment executives involved in the Climb & Conquer deal, have spoken about the agency’s commitment and vision, noting that the consistent triple-digit growth and strategic expansion underscore the strength of Climb & Conquer’s business model and leadership. The investor’s portfolio team continues to work closely with the agency to navigate challenges and support longer-term resilience and value creation.

Climb & Conquer’s upward momentum comes as the agency also secures high-profile client wins and industry recognition, including being named one of the Independent Agencies to Watch by Prolific North in 2024 and delivering performance work for global brands. Its positioning as a results-driven partner has helped attract clients in competitive markets, while its culture of continuous learning and career growth has attracted digital talent across the UK.

The NEL Fund Managers investment marks a key phase in Climb & Conquer’s journey, shifting the company from a locally rooted consultancy into a scaling agency with national impact. As it continues to build out its team, enhance its technological capabilities, and broaden its service portfolio, Climb & Conquer is poised to capitalise on increasing demand for performance-centric digital marketing expertise.

While the details of the funding structure—such as the specific capital amount—have not been publicly disclosed, the results of the investment are clear in the agency’s accelerated turnover and strategic growth initiatives. The continued partnership between Climb & Conquer and NEL Fund Managers highlights how targeted investment into ambitious regional businesses can fuel expansion, create jobs, and strengthen competitive positioning in the digital services market.

As Climb & Conquer moves forward, its focus remains on delivering measurable marketing outcomes for clients while scaling its internal capabilities and market reach, building on the foundation laid by its investor support and entrepreneurial leadership.