April 1st 2024 isn’t just about pranks and gags. In fact, this year, for the multi-award-winning Sussex-based, full-service marketing agency Creative Pod is at the threshold of a momentous occasion - celebrating 18 years of unparalleled success in the marketing industry.

This milestone marks the significant passage of time and underscores the Sussex-based agency’s unwavering commitment to creativity, excellence, and client satisfaction.

Founded in 2006 by a visionary entrepreneur Matt Turner, Creative Pod embarked on a journey fuelled by passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of creativity. From its humble beginnings in Matt’s flat in Crawley, the agency has evolved into a formidable force, earning accolades and acclaim along the way.

Reflecting on the journey, Matt says: “Looking back, it’s been a rollercoaster of trials and triumphs, and each one has helped shape Creative Pod into the well-known brand it is today. I’ve gone from my beginnings as a tea boy in Redhill to heading up Creative Pod.

“I’m pleased that my perseverance and determination for creative ideas and unwavering belief that ‘marketing doesn’t need to be boring’ and that you ‘don’t have to work with dickheads’ has paid off. At some points, it felt like I was the alien in the situation, but
now more than ever, people appreciate the value of a creative idea and a friendly outlook.” 

The evolution of Creative Pod has been marked by a series of strategic acquisitions and expansion initiatives, each contributing to the agency’s growing portfolio of services and expertise. From acquiring Gatwick Press and The Printshop in 2011 to the more recent additions of 427 Marketing and Huga Digital Marketing in 2020, and 2UpFront in 2023, the agency’s commitment to innovation
and diversification remains unwavering.

Amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic in 2020, Creative Pod demonstrated resilience and adaptability, emerging stronger and more agile than ever before.

Matt Turner continues: “It was a time where we banded together, and we didn’t lay off any staff. in fact, we buckled down, recruited from further and wider and we won more clients because of it. Yes it was scary, yes we had our moments, but it was one of the best things that ever happened to us.”

Matt’s appointment as Export Champion for the Cabinet Office in 2023 and Creative Pod’s recognition as a Google Partner Agency reaffirmed its industry leadership and commitment to delivering exceptional client results.

Throughout the years, Creative Pod has been honoured with numerous awards and accolades, including being named Creative Agency of the Year in 2022 and securing the contract for the Rugby World Cup cruise. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and expertise of the talented team, led by Marketing Director Sarah Lyons, who was named Employee of the Year in 2023 at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.

As Creative Pod commemorates this significant milestone, the agency unveils a new anniversary logo, symbolising its fun ‘coming of age’ side. The year-long celebration kicks off with a grand event on Brighton Palace Pier on April 25th, where the agency will honour the journey that has brought it to this moment whilst looking ahead to the future and celebrating with the team and client base.

Sarah Lyons says: “As Creative Pod marks its 18th birthday, I’m immensely proud of our journey together. Each of my seven years with Creative Pod has seen so much growth that it feels like I’ve worked at a different company. I’m proud and grateful for the opportunity to lead such an exceptional team. Like many small businesses, our journey has not always been smooth, but it has been full of innovation, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of creativity. Here’s to 18 years of pushing boundaries, helping our clients redefine creativity, and shaping the future of marketing.

As the agency reflects on the past 18 years, Creative Pod extends its heartfelt gratitude to their clients, partners, and team members for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, they have achieved remarkable success, and the agency is confident that the
best is yet to come.

Here’s to 18 years of creativity, breaking barriers, and leaving our mark throughout the Southeast!