Sunderland-based agency Kenfolk has become the first brand and design studio in the city to register as an accredited Living Wage Employer, marking a significant step forward for regional creative sector workplaces.

Located at the North East BIC, Kenfolk has committed to ensuring that all staff receive a minimum hourly wage of £13.45. This is higher than the current government minimum for workers over 21, which stands at £12.71 per hour.

The move comes at a critical time for the local economy. The North East currently has the highest proportion of below real Living Wage jobs in the UK (18.8%), with over 191,000 workers earning less than the recommended rate. Despite this, Kenfolk has committed to pay the real Living Wage and provide a decent standard of living for all of its associates.

Ross Palmer, Creative Director of Kenfolk, said: “Putting our people first has always been the heart of what we do, so becoming a Living Wage Employer was a natural next step for Kenfolk. We’re incredibly proud to be the first brand and design studio in the North East to make this official commitment.

“The creative industries across the region are thriving, but that success needs to be shared with the people on the ground. We hope this inspires other local studios to look at how they can better support their teams. Ultimately, paying a real Living Wage helps businesses attract and keep the best creative talent in Sunderland, rather than losing them to London and Manchester.”

This milestone marks the next chapter in a period of expansion for the agency, which has grown significantly since launching in 2020. Kenfolk has recently relocated to a bigger studio within the North East BIC, as well as branching out into a full service agency with the addition of PR, comms, social media management, photography and videography, bolstering client offerings.