Pioneering East Yorkshire marketing agency Sowden & Sowden has clocked up 40 years in business.
Having spent time at major agencies in Leeds and London, Paul Sowden returned to Hull in the early Eighties, launching his design consultancy 'Sowdens' in 1982. He remains at the helm with daughter Polly, proving its longevity, adaptability to a digital world, and ability to weather many storms - from recessions and lockdowns to a fire at its old premises that nearly brought it to the brink.
The Hull office on Beverley Road has now been replaced by last summer’s refurbishment of a 19th century former coach house in Hessle, which provided the location to celebrate the milestone. It came at a time when the agency is welcoming new business from local and international clients, as well as expanding its digital marketing operation.
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Paul said: “It’s a hugely exciting time as we celebrate four decades in business and our long history and experience is one of our USPs. We’ve come a long way since the early 1980s and I think our longevity comes down to the fact that, while we have always evolved, we’ve never dodged the basics of our industry. Working hard and thinking up creative solutions that really inspire our clients – that’s why they keep coming back to us.”
Clients include the likes of VUBA, one of this year’s For Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs high-growth companies, and the UK division of Japanese tech brand NEC.
Polly, who joined as a media buyer in 1997, working across all aspects since the age of 16,became joint owner in 2009. She said: “The 40th celebration was a special occasion: bringing clients old and new together and being able to showcase our incredible new offices.
“While it’s a time to reflect on what we’ve achieved since 1982, we’re also looking ahead. Whatever happens, our people will remain a key part of the Sowdens story: we encourage our staff to be passionate about their work and we know that none of this would be possible without a strong team behind us. If we can keep our unique culture alive, we’ll be set for the next 40 years.”
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