Creative agency has designs on growth

Independent branding agency Mondays Design has opened a new head office in Sunderland city centre, delivering projects for organisations across the UK.

Mondays Design has relocated to Sunderland Software Centre as it seeks to continue growing and join the city's vibrant creative community.

Since launching in August 2024, founder Mickey Devine has worked with organisations across the UK including Kingston University, British Council, Centre for Ageing Better, and the University of Sunderland. Mondays has also supported regional charities and institutions such as Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, Action Foundation, The Cultural Spring, and is currently working with Young Women's Project in Gateshead.

The agency has also been named as a finalist in the Brand Creation of the Year category at this year's North East Marketing Awards.

Mickey said: "Launching Mondays has given me the freedom to partner with like-minded people across the UK on projects that really align with our values.

"At Mondays, we believe branding should do more than look good — it should spark change. From social change movements to community initiatives, we're proud to support those shaping a fairer, more vibrant world."

A University of Sunderland graduate and local resident for the past six years, Mickey was inspired to open a studio in the city amid its ongoing transformation.

After meeting representatives from Sunderland City Council's business investment team, he was shown around Sunderland Software Centre and knew immediately that it was the perfect new home for the business.

"Sunderland feels like a city on the rise, and I want Mondays to be part of that energy," he said. "Having a studio gives me the space to grow, collaborate, and root the business in the community.

"When I studied here in the early 2000s, the city had an amazing music scene. It was a cool place to be, even though you could see that the city had perhaps fallen behind other areas of the UK.

"Now, we still have that incredible music scene but we're attracting even more creatives, and the city is undergoing a transformation not seen in generations. The dream is to grow a team here in Sunderland and show that world-class creatives can come from this city.

"For a business like us, it's a really exciting time to be joining the city and the Software Centre is the perfect place to be, providing us with the flexibility to easily scale, while remaining plugged into the city centre."

Sunderland Software Centre is owned and managed by Sunderland City Council and was established to provide small and medium sized technology-based businesses with the flexible workspace and support required to grow.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for housing, business and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Mondays Design to Sunderland Software Centre.

"Over the past 12 years we've seen so many businesses set up and grow operations here, many of whom have gone on to create jobs elsewhere in the city as a result, and hopefully Mondays is another success story we can add to that list.

"The business has already delivered a series of impactful campaigns across the UK and as it continues to grow, hopefully we'll see it continue to create jobs and opportunities for the city's creatives. We wish them all the best for the future."

For more information on available commercial properties in Sunderland, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/commercial-properties