ONE of the UK’s fastest growing independent digital outdoor advertising agencies has moved to a new North East HQ.
Smart Outdoor, experts in out-of-home advertising, has moved to a new 2,300 sq ft office at The Yard at Riverside Sunderland in the city centre.
Founded in 2019, the firm has grown its network of live screens to more than 1,100 covering over 190 towns and cities, from Edinburgh to London.
The firm will employ 50 people out of its Sunderland office, cementing the city as the company’s home.
Mark Catterall, founder and chief executive of Smart Outdoor, said: “We’re an ambitious, growing company and moving to this modern, new office will help us continue on our journey.
“It will be more than a workplace, it will be a hub where our team can collaborate, create, innovate and deliver for our clients.
“We’re also a company that has long been based in Sunderland, with the North East historically being our heartland, and this move is testament to how great this area is to do business.”
Last year Smart Outdoor began a new partnership with Shell, bringing 91 digital forecourt locations into its network. The deal was a major step in expanding the company’s footprint further south, giving its advertisers access to high-frequency, roadside environments across the UK.
Mark said: “We had a great 2025 and the partnership with Shell was a big part of that, it’s a first-of-its-kind agreement, allowing us to roll out hundreds of screens at dozens of selected forecourts nationwide.
“We’re a company that is always looking ahead whether it’s our office space, partnerships or tech, we’re continuously looking to innovate how we help brands connect with audiences.”
Smart Outdoor has been supported since setting up in the city by the Business Investment Team at Sunderland City Council, who assisted the company with their property search.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for Housing, Regeneration and Business at Sunderland City Council, said: “Smart Outdoor are a real Sunderland success story, a company that is having a huge impact on its sector nationally, all from its base in the city.
“It is great that the firm has reiterated its confidence in and commitment to the city by investing in this new city centre head office and I’m sure it will be a great platform to allow them to continue to grow and be successful.”
The Yard provides high quality office space in the heart of Riverside Sunderland, one of the UK’s most ambitious urban regeneration projects and was developed by The Hanro Group.
Gagan Jagpal, Head of Portfolio at The Hanro Group, said: “We’re delighted that Smart Outdoor has chosen The Yard as the location to realise its ambitious growth plans, joining the other professional services businesses already based in the building.”