The DM Lab

06/08/2026

As finalists in the 'Technology Entrepreneur of the Year' category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, we’re showcasing some of the work that helped us get there.

Next up: The Wye Clinic

The Wye Clinic is one of the UK’s leading independent eye clinics, supporting patients from initial enquiry through to consultation and treatment.

As the clinic continued to grow, so did the volume of patient enquiries entering its bespoke CRM platform.

The existing system was already supporting daily operations, but several manual processes had become increasingly time-consuming, including CSV imports, duplicate patient records, HubSpot contact syncing and imported data review.

Rather than replacing the CRM, we focused on making the existing platform significantly more intelligent.

We enhanced the clinic’s React, Express and PostgreSQL application with smarter data handling, improved duplicate detection, a better admin review experience and secure one-way synchronisation from HubSpot.

This included intelligent patient matching across multiple data points such as email address, surname, postcode, date of birth and telephone number, helping reduce duplicate records and improve data quality.

We also redesigned the data review process with intelligent searching, advanced filtering, sortable records, pagination and instant record merging, making everyday administration faster and clearer.

By connecting HubSpot directly with the CRM, the clinic can now synchronise enquiries securely while maintaining control over patient records.

The result is a smarter, more scalable CRM platform supporting faster patient onboarding, improved data accuracy, fewer duplicate records, reduced manual administration and greater operational efficiency.

For us, this project demonstrates an important point:

Digital transformation does not always mean replacing existing systems.

Sometimes, the greatest value comes from making the systems you already have significantly smarter.

03/08/2026

We always Google ourselves to see how we’re doing, and we recently came across some independent benchmarking data about The DM Lab on Wheree.com, and the results genuinely made us stop and reflect.

📊 Quality: 9.1/10
📊 Reliability: 9.0/10
📊 Expertise & Qualifications: 9.0/10
📊 Customer Feedback & Support: 9.2/10
📊 Service Attitude: 9.5/10

The score that stood out most? Not quality. Not expertise.
Service Attitude - 9.5/10.

That means a lot to us. Anyone can claim to be technically good at SEO, PPC or web development. But scores like Service Attitude (9.5) and Customer Feedback & Support (9.2) suggest something much deeper.

They suggest our clients feel:

✔ listened to
✔ supported
✔ valued
✔ looked after

And if we’re honest, that matters just as much as the technical work.

We’ve always believed great digital marketing is about more than rankings, clicks or flashy dashboards. It’s about relationships, trust, communication and showing up consistently.

Another interesting score was Price - 8/10.

Some might see that as our lowest score. We don’t. To us, it says clients recognise the value we deliver while understanding we’re not trying to be the cheapest agency in the room. We aim to compete on:

🧠 Expertise
🤝 Service
🔒 Trust
📈 Results

After 16 years in business, 100+ five-star Google reviews, and recognition from credible third-party platforms, awards and those that judge them, one thing remains unchanged, when The DM Lab says we’ll do something, we do it!

That reputation means everything. Thank you to every client who has trusted us on this journey.

31/07/2026

As finalists in the Technology Entrepreneur of the Year category at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, we wanted to share some of the work that helped us get there.

First up, Find Me a Ref (www.findmearef.co.uk)

Grassroots sport relies heavily on volunteer officials, yet many leagues still manage referee appointments through WhatsApp groups, spreadsheets, emails and phone calls.

That creates unnecessary admin, limited visibility and added pressure for the people keeping grassroots sport moving.

Find Me a Ref was created to change that.

We helped design and develop a scalable SaaS platform that brings association management, club administration, fixture allocation, referee appointments, safeguarding, verification and payments into one connected system.

This was far more than a website build.

One of the most important parts of the project was safeguarding. With many young officials starting from around the age of 14, the platform includes guardian consent workflows, structured verification processes, secure identity management and full audit trails.

Payments were also integrated through Stripe Connect, helping reduce admin and support secure, streamlined payments for referees.

For us, this project demonstrates what good technology should do:

- Simplify complex processes.
- Improve experiences.
- Support real people.
- Create long-term value.

Find Me a Ref is a brilliant example of how digital innovation can support grassroots sport and give organisations the tools they need to grow.

27/07/2026

Some post lands on your desk and you open it, smile, and move on. Some make you stop and reflect. This week, we received Chris’ card from BIMA (the British Interactive Media Association) 100 following his inclusion in the Class of 2026, and one line in particular really stood out:

'Your work has made a real impact.'

Simple words… But powerful ones. In business, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers:

Revenue.
Leads.
Traffic.
Awards.
Growth.

And while all of those things matter, they’re not the whole story. Real impact looks different. It’s the client who tells you their business is thriving because of the work you’ve done together. It’s the apprentice who joins with potential and grows into a confident professional. It’s the team you build, the opportunities you create and the community you help strengthen.

At The DM Lab, we’ve always believed success should be measured by more than commercial performance alone. Yes, we’re proud of the campaigns, the growth, the innovation and the recognition. However, the thing that matters most is knowing that what we do genuinely helps people.

To be recognised by BIMA among just 99 other individuals helping shape the future of Britain’s digital industry was already an incredible honour. To receive this card, and that message, made it feel even more real.

A reminder that behind every strategy, every website, every campaign and every late night… there is impact. And that’s what makes the journey worthwhile.

20/07/2026

We are proud to announce that we have been awarded our Good Business Charter accreditation for the second consecutive year!

This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to responsible business practices, and we couldn’t be prouder to share this milestone.

The GBC sets a high bar - accredited organisations must commit to all ten components, which include paying the real Living Wage and supporting employee voice, to ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and paying fair tax.

Here’s to another year of integrity, impact and progress.

If you believe in doing business the right way, we encourage you to explore GBC accreditation and join this growing movement.

Learn more: www.goodbusinesscharter.com

13/07/2026

Got something cool in the post today!

There’s always something special about seeing your business in print and it was cool to receive our copy of the Elite Business magazine, featuring us in the list of the UK’s top-performing SMEs at number 45, complete with a rather nice Rising Star badge too!

In a world dominated by screens, dashboards and digital data, there’s something incredibly rewarding about holding a physical reminder of how far you’ve come.

From starting out in a converted garage 16 years ago to being recognised among some of the UK’s most exciting small businesses… Moments like this make you stop and reflect. Not just on the awards or recognition, but on the journey.

The clients who trusted us, the team who helped build this, the challenges we’ve overcome and the growth we’ve achieved together.

We’re proud of what we’ve built at The DM Lab, but more than anything, we’re grateful. Grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. Here’s to continuing to grow, evolve and push boundaries.

Still rising. Still learning!

08/07/2026

We're really proud to share that The DM Lab has been shortlisted as a finalist in the SME Business Awards 2026 in the Business of the Year (Less than 50 Employees) category!

This isn't an award for a single campaign, project or individual. It's recognition of the business we've built. The judges were looking for organisations that demonstrate bold thinking, sustainable growth, sound leadership and commercial success. To be recognised alongside some of the UK's most outstanding small businesses is a real honour.

Sixteen years ago, The DM Lab started with a simple belief: that marketing should be transparent, measurable and genuinely help businesses grow. Since then, we've grown from a converted garage into a multi-award-winning digital growth agency, working with incredible clients across the UK while staying true to our Herefordshire roots.

What makes this recognition even more special is that it's a reflection of our amazing team, our fantastic clients who trust us every day, and everyone who has supported us throughout the journey. Success isn't something you achieve alone!

So, to our clients, partners, suppliers, friends and supporters... Thankyou. Your belief in what we do has helped make moments like this possible. Whatever happens on awards night, we're incredibly proud to have reached the national finals and to be representing Herefordshire on such a prestigious stage!

https://eventsandpr.co.uk/sme-national-business-awards/finalists-2026/

The wait is over... our finalists have officially been announced! 🎉

We're delighted to reveal the finalists for the SME National Business Awards 2026, celebrating the exceptional achievements, innovation and resilience of SMEs from across the UK.

A huge congratulations to every business and individual who has made this year's shortlist 👏

The standard of entries was incredibly high, making the judges' decisions tougher than ever.

Want to see who's made it through?

👉 Visit www.sme-national-business-awards/finalists-2026/
to view the full list of finalists.



A big thank you to our sponsors:
Platinum Sponsor


Gold Sponsordigital.agency






Category Sponsor
The Business Show

Silver Sponsorhorizons

Charity Sponsor

07/07/2026

We're super pleased to share that The DM Lab has been named a finalist in The MBCC Awards for Outstanding Business of the Year!

First and foremost…

Thankyou!

To reach the finals, it was decided by public vote, so to everyone who took a few moments out of their day to support us, share our posts or encourage others to vote, thank you. We genuinely don't take it for granted.

What's particularly special about this recognition is that it isn't just about the work we deliver for our clients. It's about the business we've tried to build. Over the last 16 years, we've always believed that success should mean more than turnover, awards or growth.
Some of the work we're proudest of never makes the headlines…

It's the opportunities we’ve created.

The businesses we've quietly supported through challenging times.

The hours invested into community projects.

The grassroots clubs and regeneration initiatives we’ve help grow.

The introductions made, the advice freely given and the relationships built over many years.

None of that comes with a price list, a press release or any local media coverage. It's simply how we believe business should be. To be recognised as an Outstanding Business of the Year tells us that people notice those things, even when they're happening behind the scenes.

Whether you've been a client, partner, supplier, friend, supporter or simply taken the time to vote, you've played a part in this journey.
So, from all of us at The DM Lab…

Thankyou!

We'll keep doing what we've always done: helping businesses grow, supporting our community and trying to leave things a little better than we found them.

Bring on finals night! 🤞

27/06/2026

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Today we’re celebrating our founder, Chris. Chris is someone who leads with integrity, resilience and a relentless determination to keep moving forward, no matter the challenge.

Through the highs, the setbacks and everything in between, he has consistently shown strength of character, loyalty to those around him and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

He’s built more than a business, he’s built trust, relationships and opportunities for countless people along the way. We’re incredibly grateful for his leadership, humour and unwavering commitment.

Have a great day, Chris, it’s thoroughly deserved! 🥳

25/06/2026

Thankyou for the kind words, and we’re incredibly excited to be part of the journey with GB Group!

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is discovering brilliant businesses right here on our doorstep that are making a real impact nationally, and GB Group is a fantastic example of that.

We’re huge believers in local businesses supporting one another, building strong partnerships and creating opportunities for transformative, sustainable growth together. Despite operating on a national scale, GB Group has remained true to its values, people-first culture and community roots, something that resonates strongly with us at The DM Lab.

We’re proud to be partnering with a business with such clear ambition and look forward to helping strengthen your digital presence to support the next exciting chapter of growth!

Thankyouonce again for the opportunity and trust!

GB Group are pleased to announce our new collaboration with The DM Lab as we continue our remarkable period of growth across the UK.

Specialists in Property and Asset Management Services, we at GB Group have experienced significant expansion in recent months, welcoming 65 new members of staff across all operating areas since January, growing our workforce to more than 180 employees.

Working with The DM Lab on developing our new website, comes at an exciting time for us, as we continue to strengthen our position within the sector whilst maintaining our commitment to delivering an exceptional service to homeowners, landlords and businesses nationwide.

Our continued success has been driven by our customer-focused approach, strong values and commitment to investing in both people and communities.

This collaboration brings together two organisations with deep roots in Herefordshire and a shared belief in supporting local businesses whilst creating opportunities for sustainable growth.

Chris Tipping, Founder of The DM Lab, said:

"The DM Lab has been working locally for over 16 years and it still amazes me the types of businesses that are directly under our nose doing brilliant things. GB Group's ethos aligns with us perfectly and we can't wait to help take them to the next level".

GB Group's growth trajectory has seen the company expand sustainably whilst maintaining the values that have helped establish its reputation within the industry. The partnership with The DM Lab will support the next stage of that journey by strengthening its online presence.

Chris Greenall, Business Support Director for the GB Group, added:

"As we continue to expand our team and services, it's important that we work with partners who share our values and understand our ambitions and we are looking forward to working with The DM Lab on developing our new website".

The partnership represents an exciting opportunity for both organisations, combining GB Group's impressive growth and industry expertise with The DM Lab's proven experience supporting ambitious businesses through strategic marketing and website development.

With over 180 employees, a growing national footprint and a clear vision for the future, GB Group is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory whilst remaining true to its local roots and community-focused values.

Pictured - Chris Tipping, Founder of The DM Lab, Matthew Edwards, Managing Director of GB Group and Chris Greenall, Business Support Director of GB Group outside the headquarters of GB Group, Skylon View, Rotherwas, Hereford