Google Partner
The Drum

Meet the team

Neil Bates

SEO Team Lead

Neil is an experienced SEO Team Lead with 10 years in digital marketing. Before joining the agency, he was SEO Manager at Sports Direct, and has worked across a wide range of industries, from ecommerce to lead generation. He currently leads a team of four skilled SEO professionals, driving strategy and performance across a diverse client portfolio.

Based in Belper, Neil is a dedicated Derby County fan and a keen cricket enthusiast, having previously worked at Derbyshire County Cricket Club. Outside of work, you’ll often find him in the gym or catching up on the latest match.

Rings

From Our Creative Blog

More Blog Posts

SEO in the Age of AI, with Jojo Furnival

Posted on: September 19, 2025

Podcasts30 mins est

What does the future of SEO look like when AI agents start running the show? In this episode of Room 301, Rob Twells sits down with Jojo Furnival, Marketing Manager at Sitebulb, to talk about whether we’re now optimising for humans… or bots

Rob Twells

Beyond Position #1: How To Win More SERP Real Estate

Posted on: September 12, 2025

SEO20 mins est

Discover how to win more SERP real estate in 2025 with advanced SEO tactics. Go beyond position #1 by optimising for rich snippets, AI overviews, local packs and more.

Alice Bucknall

Everything You Need to Know About Google’s E-E-A-T: The Complete 2025 Guide

Posted on: August 8, 2025

SEO10 mins est

How do you convince Google your website is offering high-quality, helpful content? That your business gives customers an excellent experience - one worth sharing? Find out!

Susan Giles

How Podcasting Became the Most Trusted Channel in Marketing with Pat Butkus

Posted on: July 18, 2025

Podcasts30 mins est

Rob Twells speaks with Acast’s Pat Butkus about why podcasting is the most trusted, underused channel in marketing and how brands can tap into its full potential.

Rob Twells

What Home & Garden Customers Expect From a Website in 2025

Posted on: July 11, 2025

UX Design20 mins est

Home & garden customers expect more & more from the websites they use. Here’s how you can keep up with the competition & make sure you’re going above and beyond.

Pete Bingham

Introducing MoveTrigger: Targeting Home Movers, Properly

Posted on: July 2, 2025

Company News15 mins est

Reach customers when they’re actively moving house - not months before, not after they’ve already made their big purchases. Right in the moment.

Rob Twells

More Blog Posts

Feeling
inspired?

portal

Sign up to The Digital Maze Newsletter