Overlay
Sector trends

The growth journey of Lynchpin: key steps behind business transformation

CEO Andrew Hood shares how the strategic use of technology and data has been a critical driver for success.

The early days: embracing data for smarter decisions

Lynchpin's journey began in the early 2000s, when digital marketing was still in its infancy and digital analytics was a new frontier. The company focused on helping businesses make better decisions by providing insights into customer behaviours. Their early software offerings centred around web analytics, enabling clients to understand how users interacted with their websites.

“Back then, it was about helping clients understand what was happening on their websites — what worked, what didn’t, and how they could optimise their digital marketing strategies,” Andrew says. 

Over time, the company has expanded its offerings, moving beyond basic website analytics to a more comprehensive data analytics service. “We started looking at broader questions, like how marketing spend was performing, how pricing affected customer engagement, and how businesses could forecast their growth,” Andrew explains.

This helped Lynchpin to partner with clients on long-term growth, helping them optimise their investments and ultimately build more effective, data-backed strategies.

The rise of digital marketing: measuring what matters

What set Lynchpin apart early on was their ability to leverage the power of data. Digital marketing, while often hyped, had a key strength — it was measurable. As new channels emerged and businesses scrambled to find the most effective strategies, measurement became a critical component of success.

“Back when we started, Google wasn’t yet the dominant force it is today. Marketers were experimenting with new channels, and the ability to track performance was essential to determining what worked and what didn’t,” Andrew says.

However, as Lynchpin grew, they quickly realised that digital measurement alone didn’t tell the full story. “True growth comes from understanding the deeper motivations and pain points of your customers,” Andrew says.

Innovating through technology: staying ahead of the curve

The rapid pace of technological change could be a challenge for any business, but Lynchpin has continually reinvested in innovation, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve. AI and machine learning, once emerging trends, have been integral to the company’s analytics strategy for over two decades.

“AI isn’t new to us; we’ve been using machine learning to optimise analytics for a long time,” says Andrew. However, the accelerating pace of technological change presents both opportunities and challenges. “The real challenge now is figuring out what will truly benefit our clients in the long run and how we can innovate responsibly.”

Lynchpin’s approach to innovation is rooted in a mix of experimentation and caution. “You have to try new things, even if they don’t always work out,” Andrew notes. The company also sets aside dedicated time for internal R&D, continuously testing new technologies that could drive further value.

Talent: navigating the data and analytics talent shortage

As the demand for data and analytics professionals grows, Lynchpin faces challenges in attracting top talent. However, they’ve built a reputation as an innovative, dynamic workplace where their 25 employees can work on interesting challenges across multiple sectors.

“We offer a great opportunity for people who want to work on cutting-edge projects, engage with a diverse set of clients, and grow their skills,” Andrew says. 

Future Fit: are customers ready for emerging technologies?

One of their key challenges is helping clients navigate the complex world of emerging technologies. Although businesses are eager to adopt new tools, they sometimes lack the foundational data infrastructure necessary for success.

“There’s an appetite for new technologies, but the real question is: How do we make sure clients are ready for these advancements? What can they do now to ensure they can capitalise on these technologies in the future?” 

Tech trends: AI, quantum computing, and sustainability

“What excites me is the shift from general AI models to more specialised models, trained on specific problems,” Andrew says. Additionally, the intersection of AI and quantum computing presents exciting possibilities for the future.

“But what I find most intriguing is the potential for AI to become more energy-efficient. We’re at a point where we’re using vast amounts of energy to solve relatively simple problems. If we can make AI more sustainable, it could transform the entire landscape.” 

Discover the latest insights and expertise on getting your business fit for the future

Subscribe to our newsletter

Be the first to know! Sign up to video podcasts and newsletters as they’re published.

This material is published by NatWest Group plc (“NatWest Group”), for information purposes only and should not be regarded as providing any specific advice. Recipients should make their own independent evaluation of this information and no action should be taken, solely relying on it. This material should not be reproduced or disclosed without our consent. It is not intended for distribution in any jurisdiction in which this would be prohibited. Whilst this information is believed to be reliable, it has not been independently verified by NatWest Group and NatWest Group makes no representation or warranty (express or implied) of any kind, as regards the accuracy or completeness of this information, nor does it accept any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising in any way from any use made of or reliance placed on, this information. Unless otherwise stated, any views, forecasts, or estimates are solely those of NatWest Group, as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Copyright © NatWest Group. All rights reserved.

scroll to top