Tom Chandler is founder of Newcastle-headquartered performance marketing agency, The Digital Lighthouse. Established in early 2024, it is already winning clients across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ and overseas in finance, manufacturing and retail. Mr Chandler has just been listed as one of marketing’s Top 30 Under 30 in his field by industry bible Performance Marketing World.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? My first job was as a tennis coach when I was 16 years old. Every Saturday, I ran sessions for young children and beginners, introducing them to the sport and helping them develop their skills. It was a great early experience in responsibility, patience, and communication. Keeping the attention of a bunch of seven year olds remains my toughest audience. I earned £20 per session, which felt like a fortune at the time!
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? One of the most valuable forms of support I received early on was from Leigh Gammons, CEO at digital marketing specialists Tangent. He’s not only been an incredible mentor but also a great friend. He played a key role in helping me shape my initial business plan and navigate the complexities of what has been a crucial first year. Having someone with experience to guide me through that stage has been truly invaluable.
As for advice, one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is the power of adaptability and composure. No matter how much you plan, unexpected challenges will always arise, and the ability to stay calm and focused, adapt, and make strategic adjustments is often what separates success from failure.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? Over the last 12 to 18 months, particularly while setting up and running The Digital Lighthouse, I’ve seen a major shift in how businesses approach performance marketing. The biggest challenge isn’t just optimising campaigns—it’s ensuring the data behind them is accurate and reliable.
Data has become the most valuable currency in a digital world. With evolving regulations around first-party data collection, updates to consents, and stricter EU data laws, many businesses and agencies alike are struggling to keep pace with effective and meaningful data tracking and collection. The reality is, you can’t be an expert in managing performance marketing channels without high-quality data. Lose control of that and your decision-making is being built on shaky foundations.
I see the businesses that prioritise tracking and data integrity as having the biggest advantage—not just in running more effective campaigns, but in saving huge amounts of time and resources. Too much time is wasted fixing broken reports and troubleshooting tracking issues instead of focusing on strategy and growth. Those who get this right will be in the strongest position to scale fast.
What would your dream job be? I have to pinch myself that running my own business, growing a team, offering great clients advice that I know will help them grow is my nine to five. I’d love to be more involved in helping regional businesses across different industries grow and thrive. Based on my own experiences, I know how crucial the right support can be in the early stages. Being able to provide that guidance and see them flourish as a result would be incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Take pride in the finer details and enjoy obsessing over them. Geek out! The best results often come from precision and thoroughness. Paying attention to the small things—whether it’s refining a data set, tweaking a campaign, or improving a strategy—can make all the difference.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? One of the biggest advantages of doing business in the North East is the genuine sense of community. There’s a strong network of people who actively support and encourage others to succeed. It’s a place where good work is recognised, and collaboration is encouraged, creating a fantastic environment for growth.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? I believe businesses have a crucial role to play in society. Beyond providing jobs and services, businesses hold a wealth of expertise that could greatly benefit others—particularly in education. Whether it’s through mentorship, training programmes, or community initiatives, businesses have the potential to make a lasting positive impact.
I have been, and remain, deeply involved with the city’s universities. There’s so much exciting talent and enthusiasm. We need to harness and keep that in the region. Business can only do that by making better connections with our educational facilities.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? Well, ‘really good’ would be stretching it, but I’ve recently developed an interest in snowboarding. It’s something I’m working on improving, and I love the challenge that comes with it. It’s a completely new sport for me, which is probably why I enjoy it so much.
Who would play you in a film about your life? A bit of a strange answer, but…my brother! Since we’ve been working together for the last year, David has constantly been doing impressions of me in the office. I’m begrudgingly surprised by how accurately he portrays how I sound and act. Equally, I can’t bear the thought of my brother being a famous Hollywood actor.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? First up, Sam Fender. He’s my favourite musician, and having him there would guarantee a great atmosphere (and hopefully some live music!). Secondly, Sir Alex Ferguson. I’m a Manchester United fan (sorry!), and I’ve been going to games with my Dad, who’s a season ticket holder, for as long as I can remember. Having the chance to hear about Sir Alex’s leadership philosophies, mindset, and behind-the-scenes stories from his time managing the club would be incredible. Finally, Anne Boden. As the founder of Starling Bank, she tipped the banking industry on its head with the introduction of Starling Bank. I’d love to hear her insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, and challenging long-established sectors. When setting up my business, I chose Starling, and it’s been a far better experience than traditional high street banks.
