Member Article

Digital comms startup launched in Newcastle on back of social media boom

24-year old Lewis Bruford has launched Monumental Communications, a social media marketing startup based in Newcastle.

The business works by assuming full ownership of clients’ social media, through content creation and management. With this, the firm also provides offers PR, creatives and blogs.

Starting the venture with his business partner, Lewis says he’s always had a passion for running his own business.

Lewis said: “With 84% of online adults using Facebook as their main online application, more and more companies are realising the potential of social media to reach their clients and customers.

“Social media marketing is just exploding, from Facebook to snapchat, companies are realising they have to be where their market is, and increasingly that is on social media.”

“I knew that I could offer clients a cheaper and more effective model than hiring an in-house social media manager or PR firm.”

Entrepreneurial Spark

Young entrepreneur Lewis has also been selected to join the Entrepreneurial Spark for the North East’s brightest young business stars.

Lewis said “We were thrilled to have been selected to participate in the Entrepreneurial Spark scheme. This is a great opportunity for our business, and it’s a great time for us, as we’re getting busier all the time.”

The Entrepreneurial Spark Hatchery recently opened on Newcastle’s Quayside and is part of a global scheme to mentor and encourage businesses and is part of a collaboration with RBS and Nat West banks.

Those accepted onto the programme will have access to specially trained bank staff and experienced, aspirational business mentors, as well as sharing the space with other entrepreneurs.

Monumental and more than 50 other startups from the region will benefit from an on-site mentor, who will work with and challenge them every day to grow their business.

Gordon Merrylees, Head of Entrepreneurship, Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest said “After two years of RBS working successfully together in Scotland, we agreed in September that we would roll-out the accelerator programme across the whole of the UK.

“This marks a step-change in the way RBS and NatWest support entrepreneurs and is a huge investment for us.

“When we see what impact Entrepreneurial Spark has had on young Scottish businesses, including impressive survival rates, we know it will be worth it.”

Lewis added: “The North East has a great opportunity to back young business like ours. It is a great way to help grow our regional economy.”

And Lewis says his firm is already in a position to expand its team.

He said: “The growth we have experienced has been phenomenal and we are now recruiting to meet demand in our rapidly expanding estate agency division.”