Advertising agency Route was founded by Gateshead-born Darren Davidson and business partner Ben Dascombe. The business offers media buying services to in-house marketing teams and creative and communications agencies.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? In 1996 I got my very first role in the advertising industry working at ITV in London. I was an assistant, scheduling TV adverts for ITV Tyne Tees. I took a pay cut to get my foot in the door and earned £10,500 a year.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? Be nice to people. No matter if they’re junior or senior or whether they’re within or outside your business. Everyone knows everyone within the industry - and especially in the North East - so it always pays to build a good relationship with everyone you meet along the way. It’s often the case that you may end up working with or meeting them again.
