Blackpool Growth Business Academy elevates success for Complete Online with support

TS-PROFILE-480x360.jpg.jpg

The Blackpool Growth Business Academy is making a significant impact on Blackpool’s business community, helping companies like Complete Online adapt and thrive in an ever-changing economy.

Based on Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, Complete Online has spent 15 years helping businesses build their online presence. In recent years the company has become an ever-present finalist at the BIBA awards, and in 2024 was named Digital & Marketing Business of the Year.

Tom Smith, CEO and founder said: "We developed our last growth plan a couple of years ago.

He added: “Since then, the economy has changed.

"Some sectors we’ve been active in have been particularly exposed to the cost-of-living crisis.

"So we’ve been looking at shifting strategic focus towards sectors less exposed to the economic situation because that reduces churn and ensures more of the factors that affect us are within our control.”

John Woodruffe, transformation specialist at The Blackpool Growth Business Academy, is renowned for his exceptional ability to scale businesses.

John has helped companies grow from £12 million to £20 million and tripling turnovers from £2 million to £6 million.

His deep understanding of leadership, strategy, and operational processes has made him an invaluable asset to many businesses.

John conducted a thorough analysis of the company’s operations, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Leveraging his expertise, he collaborated with Tom to realign their strategic focus, targeting sectors more resilient to economic challenges.

With John’s guidance, Complete Online have developed a robust framework for reducing client churn and creating stability.

Through the support of The Academy, Tom has received comprehensive resources designed to drive business growth. This included access to specialised masterclasses on leadership, strategic planning, and even delivering impactful keynote speeches.

Only two months on from working with John, Complete Online have already started to see the difference the new marketing plan is making.

Tom said: “Working with John gave us a clearer view of the markets to enter he helped shape our marketing plan – how to connect with people in the sectors we wanted to engage. Then, of course, we were able to implement that plan using the expertise we have in house.”

The Blackpool Growth Business Academy’s tailored approach continues to drive success for businesses in Blackpool, ensuring long-term resilience and growth. For help in growing and scaling your business talk to Blackpool Growth Business Academy.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Blackpool Unlimited

Latest news

1

Strong results in first year as EOT for Conlon Construction Conlon board includes Andrew Makinson, Lee Parry, Nadine Ng, Darren Lee, and chairman Guy Parker

Strong results in first year as EOT for Conlon Construction

30 Apr 2026

2

Lancashire manufacturers backed to adopt AI with new Made Smarter toolkit ELE Advanced Technologies

Lancashire manufacturers backed to adopt AI with new Made Smarter toolkit

30 Apr 2026

3

Experts stress the urgency of starting AI journey Speakers at the Cybersecurity summit

Experts stress the urgency of starting AI journey

30 Apr 2026

4

Plans approved for Lancashire's tallest residential block Altura Preston

Plans approved for Lancashire's tallest residential block

29 Apr 2026

5

Wilson Mason Architects achieves Investors in People Gold accreditation Eleanor Wood

Wilson Mason Architects achieves Investors in People Gold accreditation

29 Apr 2026

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV128 May/June Magazine Networking Event
Canva - Mag Launch
Networking
19 May 2026

LBV128 May/June Magazine Networking Event

Colne Market Hall, Lancashire, BB8 0HS

08:30 - 10:30

Funding Summit
Funding Logo Canva Mid
Summit
17 Jun 2026 - 17 Jun 2026

Funding Summit

Village Hotel Blackpool

08:30 - 11:00

Blackburn Beer and Gin Festival 2026
Blackburn Beer and Gin Festival 2026
LBV Hub Social
01 May 2026

Blackburn Beer and Gin Festival 2026

BB1 8NB

17:00 - 23:00

Society1 Open Coworking Day
LBV Hub Networking
06 May 2026 - 06 May 2026

Society1 Open Coworking Day

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 16:00

The AI Lab: E-commerce
LBV Hub Seminars
08 May 2026 - 08 May 2026

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Emergency First Aid at Work
LBV Hub Seminars
08 May 2026 - 08 May 2026

Emergency First Aid at Work

FGH Training, 3rd Floor, Storey House, White Cross Business Park, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ

09:00 - 16:00

Fire Warden Training
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
11 May 2026 - 11 May 2026

Fire Warden Training

Bell Lancaster, Cleveley House Farm, Miller Brow, , Forton, PR3 1DR

09:00 - 15:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
14 May 2026 - 14 May 2026

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Longridge House, Preston, PR3 2TB

11:30 - 14:15

Research and Knowledge Exchange Festival 2026
Spark 2026 newsletter v3-5 (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
18 May 2026 - 22 May 2026

Research and Knowledge Exchange Festival 2026

University of Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

10:00 - 20:00

Culture, Community & Commerce in the City # 1 - Northern Dough Co x WASH Studio
8.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 May 2026 - 20 May 2026

Culture, Community & Commerce in the City # 1 - Northern Dough Co x WASH Studio

SOciety1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:30

How to handle an underperforming employee
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
20 May 2026 - 20 May 2026

How to handle an underperforming employee

The Longlands Hotel, Carnforth, LA6 1JH

08:00 - 10:00

Stop Underselling, price for profit, not just survival
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 May 2026 - 21 May 2026

Stop Underselling, price for profit, not just survival

Lancaster & Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TZ

08:00 - 10:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin