Google, Microsoft and some of the most influential names in the digital industry descended on Middlesbrough this week.

Teesside is now the fastest growing digital hub outside of London and Manchester and this was cemented further with the arrival of the world’s biggest online marketing experts for the inaugural Mabo Client Conference.

Mabo, which is based in Albert Road North, in Middlesbrough’s thriving digital zone, invited its clients from across the UK to the Riverside Stadium to hear the latest from the world’s experts.

Scarlett Reeves, Mabo’s conference organiser, said: “It was a fantastic day. Our clients came from all over the UK to be with us for the day. It was great to be able to help them talk directly to the likes of Bing and Google. And great to showcase to them what innovations we have at Mabo.”

Other speakers and the inaugural event included UK Fast, Reviews.io and Ruler Analytics. They spoke on a range of topics including the most popular types of video, how vital it is to have good hosting and the importance of reviews when influencing customers.

Mabo was set up six years ago by PPC expert Lee Mableson, since then the company has grown to 45 staff and recently took a second office in the Jomast-owned 16-26 Albert North digital growth hub, which is also home to Safesfire, Clicksco and Publicity Seekers amongst others.

James Lees, Marketing Director of Mabo, said: “The collaborative feel we have in Teesside is like no other place, I believe. We have a great network and regularly get together. Even as competitors we all come together, we want to see each other grow and that gives us a great community feel to be part of.

“There are so many up-and-coming companies in Teesside doing huge things on a regular basis and more and more are being attracted to the area because of it.

“We are still behind Manchester and London in terms of size but we see what they are doing and we look to emulate the best bits.

“I can name you some agencies now which you may not have heard of but if I list brands such as McDonalds, The Times and HSBC, they’re all investing heavily in businesses in Teesside and why wouldn’t they!”

Mabo were celebrating further this week when 24-year-old Matthew Soakell was named Young Search Professional of the Year at the European Search Awards in Hungary.

Matthew, Senior PPC Trainer at Mabo, took home the silverware when he was crowned top of his game at the Vidago Concert Hall in Budapest.