North East agency marks 16 years in business with record growth, team expansion & new service launch

North East creative agency, Cargo, is celebrating 16 years in business following a transformative year of growth, investment, and innovation that has set the stage for its next chapter.

Over the past year, Cargo has expanded its team, made a six-figure investment, and launched a new PR service to meet the rapidly changing needs of clients in an AI-evolving world. The self-funded investment has supported the team’s move into a new creative studio at Harbour House, providing space for more collaboration and future development.

Turnover has more than doubled in recent years, marking a period of rapid year-on-year growth for the agency, with the year ahead already promising further growth.

One of the agency’s biggest developments has been the introduction of an in-house Digital PR service, a natural evolution of its established digital marketing team. The move reflects Cargo’s response to the rise of AI and the changing ways audiences are discovering and engaging with brands, enabling the agency to offer a fully integrated approach that enhances visibility, credibility, and performance while helping clients build more trusted, impactful brands and campaigns.

Paul Hart, Managing Director and Founder of Cargo, said: “The industry is evolving fast, and we’ve always chosen to adapt rather than resist change. AI is transforming every part of the creative sector, and by learning to use it to our advantage, we’re strengthening what we do best, which is deliver creative solutions that drive real results. Our new PR service allows us to bridge creativity, strategy and visibility to help clients cut through the noise and create impactful campaigns.”

Cargo’s growth has been fuelled by continuous investment in people as much as in services. Seven new hires joined the agency this last year, including its first dedicated Client Partner, a strategic move to enhance client relationships and ensure seamless communication as the agency takes on larger, more complex projects.

New developers have also strengthened Cargo’s team, enabling the business to scale its digital offering without compromising the quality that has become its hallmark. This investment in digital talent has not only helped the agency meet growing demand from new projects and client referrals but also led to the launch of a brand-new Cargo website, a bold showcase of the team’s creativity, strategic thinking and results-driven approach.

In what has been a challenging and demanding few years for the creative sector, Cargo’s continued commitment to invest in its people and values has remained strong.

Paul added: “Running your own business is never easy, but our success comes down to creative excellence, technical skill, and genuine partnership with our clients. We’ve built a strong, talented team around those values, and that focus has brought us to where we are today.”

Over the last 16 years, Cargo has partnered with hundreds of clients across the UK and globally. Their client roster continues to expand, with new additions including the Alan Shearer Foundation, Lucion Group, and NHC Procurement. Long-standing clients such as Northern Powergrid, Perspective Financial Group, and Ward Hadaway have all increased their output with Cargo, choosing to continue and grow their partnerships in response to strong results and consistently high-quality work. Cargo has also added to its international footprint, working with global clients No Grey Area, Echelon, and Elms Marketing.

Recent success highlights include securing their first six-figure retainer client, helping the Alan Shearer Foundation surpass £7 million raised following a rebrand led by Cargo, and expanding their client base to include organisations across Europe and the US.

As Cargo marks this milestone, its focus remains firmly on the future. With a growing team, expanded services and a commitment to innovation, the agency is ready for continued success and what the future might bring.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 16 years, but even more excited about what’s ahead,” Paul concluded. “Our ambition is simple. Keep evolving so our clients can too.”