Rapidly expanding media and advertising firm Smart Outdoor has relocated to a brand new 2,000 sq ft office at The Yard in Sunderland, a strategic move that aligns with its accelerated growth across the UK’s out-of-home (OOH) advertising and communications sector.
Previously based in Boldon, where the company will retain facilities for the development of Smart Vision Screens, Smart Media Group and its OOH advertising business, Smart Outdoor, is now occupying a new home at The Yard- placing the firm at the heart of Sunderland’s emerging business and innovation district. The firm’s new home is surrounded by Sunderland City Council’s £2bn Riverside Sunderland Development; which includes the new City Hall and offices maker & Faber, and neighbouring businesses including Just Eat, Several IG, Sunderland BID and Ocado.
Smart Media Group operates several businesses in the media space including Smart Outdoor, Smart Media, Smart Vision Screens, and Smart Communications, using cutting-edge technology to deliver dynamic, high-impact projects for clients across the globe. Frisk Radio has also recently been added to the group, the only regional radio station which reaches 50,000 listeners per week.
In a major commercial development, the firm has just signed a nationwide contract with Shell to install 688 digital screens across Shell garage forecourts in the UK, a move that cements Smart Outdoor’s reach into high-footfall, consumer-facing environments.
The company’s expansion has also driven job creation, with seven new hires in the past three months and a further three roles set to be filled shortly, ranging from creative to technical and commercial posts.
Smart Outdoor’s network of intelligent digital screens has grown significantly in recent months, with the company now operating 1,100 screens across the country, including premium locations and interactive zones.
Smart Outdoor has also launched the immersive 50 sqm 3D screen in Keel Square, Sunderland—one of the region’s most pioneering digital installations. Used for council projects, local campaigns, and brand partnerships like Nissan, this high-visibility site, along with others across the North East, offers unmatched reach for advertisers and the community.
Smart Media Group has secured exclusive European rights to Outbrite, an AI-powered advertising platform that lets businesses quickly and affordably create and launch campaigns across Smart Outdoor’s national screen network—with no design work needed. They’ve also launched Famecake, a public-facing platform where anyone can publish personal messages on big screens from just £10, making digital out-of-home ads accessible to all.
Speaking about the company’s new headquarters, Mark Catterall, founder and CEO of Smart Media Group, said: “The Yard represents a perfect home for Smart Outdoor’s next chapter. Being part of Sunderland’s dynamic new business hub places us among likeminded innovators, and integrating into the city’s business community helps us welcome international clients and showcase our work — especially on flagship platforms like the Keel Square 3D screen and surrounding high-impact locations. We’re proud to be part of Sunderland’s economic transformation.”
Mark Clancey, Chief Commercial Officer of Smart Outdoor, commented on the company’s strategic direction and success: “Our growth over the past 12 months has been incredible. From launching two disruptive platforms, Outbrite and Famecake, to landing national contracts and growing our screen estate, we’ve become a full-service digital media partner for brands of all sizes. Our commitment is to make impactful advertising accessible, efficient, and intelligent. Whether you’re a local start-up or a global enterprise, Smart Outdoor is equipped to deliver real results.
“As Sunderland continues to position itself as a national destination for digital innovation and economic growth, companies like Smart Outdoor are helping drive that transformation forward — blending creativity, technology, and community engagement into a powerful new media landscape.”
Thinking about outdoor media for your company? Get in touch today with Smart Outdoor and explore their expansive offering in the Northeast and beyond to elevate your message.
www.smartoutdoor.co.uk
