How believe.digital Became an Award-Winning Digital Marketing Agency

When Rob Colbourn founded believe.digital in Bristol, he wanted to build a company that valued people as much as performance. 

He noticed that too many digital marketing agencies focused solely on metrics and long-term retainers, often locking clients into rigid contracts without prioritising their experience or results. So, he decided to change that. 

The vision was a company where success would feel shared, clients would stay because of results, not contracts, and every partnership would have a positive impact on the world.

Fast forward to 2025, and we’re delighted to announce that Rob has been named CEO and Director of the Year at the UK Business Awards. This recognition is not just for business growth, but for a leadership style built on trust, innovation, and empathy.

Business Growth That Gives Back

One of the initiatives that makes believe.digital unique is the 100‑tree pledge. For every new client our agency welcomes, 100 trees are planted. So far, the team has planted 3,837 trees, and the count is still growing. It is Rob’s way of ensuring that growth for our agency and its clients also means growth for the planet.

His approach to clients is equally rooted in trust. believe.digital operates on monthly rolling contracts, giving businesses the freedom to leave if they wish. Rob’s philosophy is clear:

“We do not believe in locking clients in. We believe in earning their loyalty with results.”

By removing the pressure of long-term contracts, clients know they are staying for the value and performance the team delivers, not because they are tied to paperwork.

Creating a Workplace Where People Thrive

Rob’s leadership shines brightest in the way he looks after his team. He believes that great marketing comes from happy, motivated people.

At believe.digital, work-life balance is a real priority. Our digital marketing agency offers hybrid working and flexible hours, with no strict start or finish times. Employees are trusted to manage their schedules in a way that keeps them productive and balanced. The standard work week is a shorter 30 hours, giving the team more space for life outside of work while still delivering great results.

Plus, to make wellbeing an active part of the culture, Rob introduced duvet days. Each team member can take four days a year whenever they need a mental break. If someone wakes up feeling off, they can rest without needing to justify it.

Alongside flexibility, our agency thrives on growth and collaboration. Rob personally encourages mentorship sessions where senior staff guide juniors and juniors share fresh perspectives. This two-way exchange of knowledge builds confidence and creativity across the team.

A Diverse Team Working in Harmony

believe.digital’s team is as diverse as it is talented, with members speaking 8 languages combined. This blend of cultures and backgrounds fuels fresh ideas and unique perspectives, allowing us to create campaigns that connect with clients across industries and borders.

Rob has built a workplace where diversity naturally leads to harmony, and every voice is heard. The team enjoys a genuine sense of unity and collaboration. This inclusive environment not only inspires creativity but also gives clients confidence that their campaigns are crafted by a cohesive, in-house team that understands their goals.

AI Innovation & Exploration

Innovation is at the heart of believe.digital. Rob invests in AI tools and advanced technologies, but he also gives every team member dedicated hours to explore and experiment.

Our digital marketing agency’s culture encourages people to:

• Test new AI solutions
• Develop creative strategies for clients
• Stay ahead of industry trends

This freedom fuels cutting-edge campaigns and ensures that clients always benefit from fresh, innovative ideas.

Why This Award Reflects a Different Kind of Leadership

Winning CEO and Director of the Year represents more than a personal achievement. It is proof that a people-first, trust-based approach works.

For clients, it means:

• No long-term lock-ins:  you stay because you want to, not because you have to
• A motivated and inspired team delivering creative campaigns
• Ethical and purpose-driven growth, with positive environmental impact

For the team, it means a workplace where they are valued as humans, not just employees, and where innovation and balance are at the core of daily life.

Looking Ahead

The journey of believe.digital is still unfolding, and Rob’s award is just a milestone along the way. The future will bring:

• More trees planted with every client win
• More creative solutions powered by AI exploration
• More clients are choosing to stay because of genuine results

Rob’s philosophy is simple. Do great work, support your people, respect your clients, and leave the world a little better than you found it.

Celebrating Leadership with Heart

The story of believe.digital proves that business can be built on trust, innovation, and human values. Congratulations to Rob Colbourn, our CEO and Director of the Year, for showing that true leadership is not about control. It is about belief in people, purpose, and results that speak for themselves.