The firm has moved into The Yard at Riverside Sunderland where it has ample room to grow its team

A growing outdoor media business is set for expansion after setting up new North East headquarters. Smart Outdoor is one of the UK’s fastest growing digital outdoor advertising specialists, having secured significant investment in 2024.

The business has now relocated to a new 2,300 sq ft office at The Yard at Riverside Sunderland in the city centre, giving it ample room to grow its team.

The moves comes after Smart Media, which was established in 2019, sealed a seven-figure deal in July 2024 for a minority share in the group from M Core Ventures, part of M Core. At the time, the group had 27 members of staff and a digital estate comprising 450 screens across the UK in locations such as the Tyne Tunnel, Tyne Bridge, A19 and Murrayfield stadium.

The firm has since 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 proved to be a major step in increasing the firm’s footprint further south, giving advertisers access to high-frequency, roadside environments across the UK.

Mr Catterall 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.

Coun 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 office space in the heart of urban regeneration project Riverside Sunderland, which 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.”

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