Sunderland PRs and advertisers merge

Two young Sunderland businesses have merged having identified an opportunity to pool their skills.

PR Agency M.A.D Communications has joined with advertising outfit Cowell + George to form one-stop creative agency that will target regional businesses.

Headed by Sandy Cowell and Josey George, who between them have over 20 years experience in the industry, Cowell + George is a boutique style advertising agency born in May 2012.

Josey George, 39, co-founder and creative director, Sunderland said: “We’re really excited at the prospect of this creative alliance. I’m sure this new partnership will pave the way for a great relationship between our companies and, in turn, give our clients access to a complete communication service driven by an out of the box approach.

“Good work is important to us. Identifying opportunities for maximising the exposure of brands and services has become second nature.”

Marie Donnelly and Amy Armstrong established creative PR agency, M.A.D Communications in June 2013 after winning the “One to Watch” award at the University of Sunderland’s prestigious Blueprint Awards.

25-year-old Marie Donnelly said: “2013 was a great year for us but 2014 is shaping up to be even better. We have grown so much as a company over the past 6 months and we are both excited about our new partnership with Cowell + George.

“It seems like a natural progressive step for two like-minded businesses. We are looking forward to working together.”

Having identified a gap in the market for a creative PR company that specialises in communicating a youthful vibe, the pairing was a result of a lecture room idea that quickly evolved into a thriving business that now works with a wide variety of clients.

27-year-old Amy Armstrong said: “Going forward, the relationship will not only allow us to grow as a business but it will also enable both businesses to prosper and realise their full potential.

“We quickly realised that we shared the same ethos and values as Cowell + George – the perfect recipe for a great partnership.”