Member Article

Strong first year for Gateshead digital startup following GIG support

Paul&Sam, a design and communications company based, has doubled the size of its office space in the Gateshead International Business Centre.

Run by young, entrepreneurial double act, Paul Gillespie and Sam Kirkby, the startup has enjoyed a strong first year, growing business month on month, working with clients throughout the UK and United States including Amazon, Alvarez Guitars, Dance City and Innovelis.

As their first business anniversary approaches, the pair are about to launch a new website which will showcase their work and are in the process of doubling the size of their creative team.

They acknowledge that business support offered through Gateshead Council has helped them develop steadily in their first year.

The Council’s Graduates in Gateshead scheme (GIG) enabled Paul and Sam to enjoy significantly subsidised rent for the business space they occupy at Gateshead International Business Centre. The GIG scheme offers free rent for the first six months, followed by a gradual increase over a three-year period.

Paul said: “As Sam is a graduate of Northumbria University we were put in touch with the Graduate in Gateshead scheme which has been a great help to us. The chance to work in such a professional centre and in a great location with reduced rent has helped the business in its success.

“We started off in a single unit and now our business has expanded and we’ve moved into a double unit. We’re really pleased with the way it has developed over the first year and we’re planning to keep on growing. We’re currently in the process of taking on an apprentice.”

Paul, the digital director and developer, and Sam, the creative director, are about to launch the new website which showcases the full range of creative digital services on offer, including website design, branding and marketing materials. The current client base includes from new start-ups to existing businesses worldwide seeking to launch or refresh their web and marketing presence.

Gateshead International Business Centre has the latest ICT facilities including fibre broadband, it’s an ideal space for start-up and young creative, digital and tech businesses. The managed workspace includes 51 air-conditioned offices, meeting rooms and kitchen facilities.

Caroline Preston, Centre Manager at Gateshead International Business Centre said:“Paul and Sam have worked really hard to have achieved such success in their first year in business and we are delighted they are to expand their business and grow their workforce with us here at GIBC.

“Our Graduate in Gateshead deal is designed to back hard working young people who are full of ideas but need a helping hand to get their business off the ground. By offering subsidised rent in our purpose built accommodation, we can give them a helping hand at the start of their business venture.”