About Caroline Hagan
Over 25 years supporting SMEs and VCSE organisations.
I care about you as a client and about doing right by you, your customers and your business. I know how hard it can be to start and grow a business because I’ve done it before!
It’s important to me that I’m affordable, that means that when you decide to spend your money with me, I know how big a deal it is.
It can be a leap of faith, I know you are probably anxious about it, I know you are placing trust in us, and I know how precious that is.
There are no smoke and mirrors, I don’t baffle you with jargon, I pride myself on being clear and concise.
That’s why I believe in collaboration; when you choose to work with Caroline Hagan Consultancy, we become a team, we combine our expertise to make big changes.
I bring experience from my time as a Enterprise Nation advisor, Google Women Techmaker, STEM Ambassador and more recently I’ve enjoyed delivering business support with social enterprises and small business owners through North East Mayoral Strategic Authority funded programmes.
Certifications
- Durham University
- University of Sunderland
- BA (Hons), Design, Multimedia and Graphics
- Careers and Employability Service Certificate
- Open University
- Web Applications Development
- Newcastle College
- National Diploma in Graphic Design
- BTEC CAD for Construction
- NCFE
- Advanced Certificate Art and Design (Multimedia)
- Certificate Art and Design Studies
- Level 2 Certificate in Developing Enterprise Skills
- Level 2 Award in Digital Promotion for Business
- Level 3 Key Skills in Communication
- Google
- Mobile Sites certification
- Foundations of Project Management
- Project Initiation: Starting A Successful Project
- Foundations of Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
- Advanced Analytics
- GA4 Google Analytics
- Certified Digital Marketing Associate
- Digital Marketing Garage completion
- Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
- American Marketing Association
- Microsoft
- Generative AI for Marketing with Microsoft 365 Copilot Professional Certificate
- All Tech Is Human
- Meta
- Certified Digital Marketing Associate
- Hubspot
- Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) Fundamentals
- Sales Enablement
- Certificate in Digital Marketing
- Semrush
- Become an AI-Powered Marketer
- How to Outrank your Competition in Local Search
- Content-led SEO
- Backlink Management Course
- Keyword Research Course
- Navigating On-Page and Technical SEO
- MOZ
- W3Cx
- Introduction to Web Accessibility
a new chapter…
Tech for Good and Community
Since closing my digital agency in 2023 I’ve transitioned into the third-sector, opening Get Kraken CIC and bringing the networking events I started at Blueocto, under the social enterprise.
During the pandemic, I couldn’t grasp how some individuals couldn’t get online, or access vital information or resources, especially children who were not able to attend school.
After conducting months of research I confirmed there is a Digital Divide and it is prevalent in the North East. Get Kraken CIC is on a mission to change this – we might not solve all problems but if we can help move the needle within the community, then we can make some great impact.
Most people probably recognised me more from delivering Kraken Networking, which is very much the tip of the iceberg of what I do as a volunteer. Having delivered over 50 in-person events and 50 hours of online webinars on digital topics and local funding opportunities.
More recently, you’ll find me facilitating MarTech North East to bring Marketers, Business Owners and Technical folks together for networking and an expert panel, to share insights and industry trends.
In the Press
- MarTech North East: Marketers unite to bridge the tech divide
- Key appointment fuels growth for Blueocto
- Blueocto web agency seeks growth after sealing five-figure investment
- Blueocto named among UK’s Top Ecommerce agencies
- Sunderland web design agency hits Shopify’s Top 20
- Women-led web design business is shortlisted for regional award
- Female-led tech company thrives during pandemic
- North East agency grows its team after a run of new clients
- Blueocto relocates to the North East BIC
in the beginning…
Passion for my craft
Trained in traditional Graphic Design and Advertising, studying Design, Multimedia & Graphics degree at the University of Sunderland, I always had a passion for ideas and design.
I self-taught myself code and loved building computers – a self-confessed geek! – I started my career journey as a Web Designer in 2008.
Since then I’ve honed my skills as a Web Developer, training with Google in London and one of very first women labelled a Google-accredited Mobile Sites Web Developer.
In over 15 years of working with clients, either in an agency setting or in my own business, Blueocto I ran for over 9 years, I’ve gleaned a ton of knowledge and skills – not just in Development, but Digital Marketing, SEO, Analytics and Business.
I loved working with clients across the UK, North America and Australia, building bespoke website, web apps, eCommerce and technical support for a range of sectors and sizes.
Accreditations
My core values
Goal-focussed to reach your long-term ambitions.
Standards
High code standards and focus on quality come from the passion for my work. I take the time to get things right, so you can trust that you’re in safe hands.
Tech-Friendly
I love to share our knowledge and expertise, breaking down the jargon by providing useful articles on the Blog.
Inclusive
An advocate for web accessibility and inclusion in all its forms, and especially in web design and development.
Community
It’s important for me to give back into our local community; I’m passionate about Tech for Good, using my skills to support charities, CICs and local, homegrown, hard-working small businesses – that’s what drives me!