Alastair

Founding partner

Having worked in the Digital Industry since 1999 and having been lucky enough to work with one man bands right through to global businesses I feel blessed with the ability to pass that knowledge on through speaking gigs across Europe.

I am very actively involved in helping my agency Optix Solutions with its growth strategy while also working with brands and individuals who want to level up their personal brands. Get in touch if you need a speaker or you're looking for digital advice.

I also run a peer group for Senior Marketeers called the Marketing Leader Community (MLC). In this group, we keep the members up to date with the latest trends, tools and news from the industry so they don’t have to do the horizon scanning themselves. You can find more about the group on the website – https://www.marketingleaders.community

Expertise

Strategic Marketing
Digital Strategy
Personal Branding
Generative AI in Marketing
Business Development

Career Highlights

2022: Asked by HSBC to deliver LinkedIn training to a global ERG team
2021: Asked to join Forbes business council and contribute articles on Digital Marketing - https://profiles.forbes.com/members/business/profile/Alastair-Banks-Co-Founder-Optix-Solutions/193079eb-b1a3-4465-b7ea-a97b4b612257
2020: Recognised by the InsideOut Leaderboard for being a Global Leader in smashing the Mental Health Stigma - https://inside-out.org/leaderboard/
2016: Asked to lecture on the Entrepreneurs Summer School - part of London Business School's MBA program
2015: Started to move towards digital strategy creation. Winning more well known names such as Darts Farm, Crealy and NHS (DPT). Up to 15 staff
2013: Won entrepreneur of the year at the local business awards in Exeter.

2010: Started to win work with significant regional organisations such as Ashfords, Met Office and Exeter University. Employing around 10 people.
2008: Moved into our first leased office in Exeter in New North Road. Moved into marketing services as well as web design. Employed around 5 people.
2001: Moved into our first 'proper' office in Exeter in Queen Street. Was indirectly told we wouldn't amount to much by the landlord. Took on our first member of staff.
2000: Graduated from Uni and setup a bedroom office with three desks, a fax machine and dialup modem. Friend of the family asked me what I was doing and to get a proper job.
1999 Optix Solutions: Started Optix Solutions Ltd, a web design company with three friends at Uni at the height of the .com bubble. We had an 8k loan from family to try and survive until we got some actual paying clients.