Member Article

North East entrepreneurs launch new digital marketing company

A group of North East entrepreneurs have joined forces to launch new, digital marketing company, Digital Allies.

New MD Steven Parker has teamed up with Andrew Barratt, grandson of Sir Lawrie Barratt - the founder of housebuilding giant Barratt Home, and Chris March, who set up and subsequently sold publishing house Room 501.

The trio have set up Digital Allies, based in the evolve Business Centre, Rainton Bridge, offering advice on all aspects of digital marketing. The business works with clients on their digital strategy, procurement, talent management, training & coaching.

Steven Parker said: “Unique is an overused word, but Digital Allies is the only consultancy I’m aware of that offers a full advisory service across each digital marketing discipline, which is fully independent. We are also the only business in the North East offering digital procurement services specifically for the private sector.’’

Digital Allies has already secured work worth £100k on projects in the hospitality, public sector, higher education, insurance, and legal sectors. Moreover, the firm has six staff and aims to have 14 employees and a turnover of more than £600k within two years.

Barratt, who has worked in marketing, now owns a student property portfolio and luxury holiday lets company, said: “I was eager to invest in Digital Allies. Having worked in various marketing roles in regional and national organisations I immediately recognised the need for such a consultancy.

“Digital marketing is a rapidly evolving area and it is almost impossible for senior executives to keep abreast of the latest developments, or to know whether their advisers – internal or external – are truly expert and up-to-date. What they need is a trusted ally.’’

March, Digital Allies chairman, added: “We have great ambitions for Digital Allies. This is a national company but we are firmly based in the region and proud of our North East roots.’’