A sustainable digital agency has opened a headquarters in Sunderland as it targets growth.

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 is already well established and gaining a solid reputation in Sunderland, with clients including North East Screen, BDN, Sunderland BID, Kirtley Co. and Aztec Colour Print and plans to scale up over the next three years.

Cassie Moyse, director of Portfolio North and Bradley Hall, said: “I’ve worked with Steven and Matthew across several projects of varying scales for Portfolio North, Bradley Hall and several of our clients, and I am delighted they’ve launched Phonetic Digital and are expanding their offering.

“I’ve found that their approach, mindset and delivery is very different to the digital agencies which we have worked with in the past. Every project we’ve worked on or that they have supported us on has gone smoothly and delivered great results. Their communication is excellent throughout the process and they truly become an extension of your own team.

“They have the ability to understand your business and requirements to create solutions and improvements which will provide a positive impact. They are reliable, fair, honest and straight to the point – which is perfect for busy clients. I’d highly recommend Phonetic Digital and look forward to working with them in future while having a front row seat to their growth journey.”

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 Kirtley Co. over recent years, following a £2million investment into the site. The site was developed in the 1850s and became Sunderland’s first purpose-built row of shops which sought to bring commercial fashion to the area. It was once the home of Robert Mackie’s hat shop and was also the site of popular nightclub Chambers. The redevelopment of Mackie’s Corner has provided shops and office space for several businesses keen to benefit from the city’s rapid modernisation.

“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’s 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.”

Steven’s business focuses on sustainable marketing and website development, and they focus on working with companies with similar values and attitudes, ensuring that the work they produce is beneficial for the client and for the wider environment.

Phonetic was also recently accredited as a Disability Confident Committed Business, which supports employers to employ and keep disabled people in work. As a Disability Confident employer, Phonetic Digital remove barriers for disabled people wanting to get into the workplace and supports disabled people to their full potential.

For more information about Phonetic Digital please visit https://phoneticdigital.co.uk