June 2026
The North East Business and Innovation Centre

Next chapter of growth at the North East BIC for Sunderland creative agency

Sunderland brand and design studio Kenfolk has relocated to a larger space at the North East BIC, marking the next chapter in a period of significant growth for the agency. 

The milestone marks a turning point for the Sunderland business, which has scaled since its launch in 2020. The move highlights the agency’s recent evolution, transforming into a full-service creative agency having bolstered its core design offering with a host of new in-house services including PR and communications, social media management, photography and videography. 

Alongside this, Kenfolk is also celebrating an ethical milestone by becoming the first brand and design studio in Sunderland to register as an accredited Living Wage Employer. 

Ross Palmer, Creative Director at Kenfolk, said: “It’s great to have moved into a bigger space at the BIC, as we have expanded into a full service agency we needed a space that allows us to welcome our clients and take clients on a complete journey, from initial branding to video storytelling and impactful PR and social media campaigns.

“We’re also really proud to be Sunderland’s first Living Wage accredited design studio, cementing our commitment to putting our people first and helping keep the best creative talent in Sunderland, rather than losing them to London and Manchester.”

The expansion reinforces the BIC’s reputation as a thriving hub for growing creative enterprises, providing the flexible infrastructure needed for regional businesses to scale.

Steph Drinkald, Assistant Centre Manager at the BIC, said: “It’s been brilliant to see Kenfolk grow, especially over the last 18 months as a BIC tenant and we’re excited to support the team in their next chapter. They are a brilliant example of the vibrant, innovative businesses thriving right here at the BIC and their commitment to being a Living Wage employer sets a great example for businesses across the region. We can’t wait to see them continue to flourish in their new space.”


Find out more about the work Kenfolk do: https://kenfolk.co.uk/ 

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