Digital agency opens new HQ and plans to double workforce

Mike Hughes
·2-min read
Founder Steven Parker <i>(Image: Creo Comms)</i>
Founder Steven Parker (Image: Creo Comms)

A sustainable digital agency has opened its new headquarters in Sunderland.

Phonetic Digital, which provides website design and development, digital marketing and training services, has chosen Mackie’s Corner in Sunderland city centre as the location for its new office.

The company has opened its first office with the support of Sunderland City Council.

Currently employing two members of staff, the agency plans to grow its headcount to double figures over the next three years.

Founder Steven Parker said: “I’m from Sunderland and wanted the business to be based here. The support we’ve had from businesses based in the city has been brilliant.

“For me it is about wanting to create a sustainable business, and that’s sustainable in the sense of our people, our environment, and our finances.

“We were always going to set up in Sunderland and we will always be based in the city. We want to create more and better jobs and have a positive impact in the city.”

Phonetic Digital clients include North East Screen, BDN, Sunderland BID, KirtleyCo, and Aztec Colour Print, and it has plans to scale up over the next three years.

The team were keen to be based in the city centre and Mackie’s Corner provided the perfect opportunity.

The Grade II listed building on High Street West has been lovingly restored by property developer KirtleyCo over recent years, following a £2million investment into the site.

“I love what has been done here at Mackie’s Corner,” said Steven.

“It’s a building I remember coming to every weekend over 20 years’ ago, so to see it brought back to life in the way it has is great and that also aligns with our values around sustainability.

“It’s got a brilliant central location. It means there are lots of clients we can walk to or jump on the metro to meet with. I love being based in the city centre, there is so much happening in Sunderland right now which as a native Mackem is terrific to see.

“We also received a grant from Sunderland City Council, which was to help with office set-up costs and all the office furniture is recycled or has been sourced from a local company in Sunderland.”

Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, said: “I’m delighted that Phonetic Digital chose Sunderland for its first office. It’s a company with ambitious plans to bring skilled jobs to the city and I look forward to seeing the company grow over the coming years.”

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