Ten years in and still going Canny

A North East creative agency is marking a milestone as it celebrates a decade in business.

Blyth-based Canny Creative has reached its ten-year anniversary, reflecting on a decade of steady growth since its launch from founder Tony Hardy’s spare room in 2015. 

The agency, now an eight-strong team, has delivered brand and digital projects for more than 250 clients worldwide, with a particular focus on B2B organisations in the tech, healthcare and recruitment sectors.

Much of its early momentum came from overseas, after the business attracted its first international client – a Japanese skincare brand – just weeks after incorporation. 

That global interest later led Canny to explore partnership opportunities with the Department for International Trade, hosting outreach events in the USA and Canada to support further expansion.

Tony said: “This is an incredible moment for Canny.

“Ten years feel like they’ve gone by so quickly, I’ve barely had a moment to look back on how far Canny has come and how much things have changed, but of course, they have. 

“A decade ago, Canny was just me, working out of my spare bedroom, designing brands and building websites in my slippers. 

“Now, Canny is a team of eight, working out of an office space on Blyth’s riverside and we’ve got clients literally all over the world.” 

As the agency looks ahead to its next chapter, plans are underway for an ambitious rebrand due to launch in early 2026, alongside the development of its first piece of software IP. 

The business has also set its sights on reaching £1 million turnover within the next five years as it continues to build its specialist digital offering.

Tony added: “If I had to pinpoint some of Canny’s real pivotal moments over the past 10 years, our international work would definitely be among them.

“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with so many amazing clients on some seriously cool projects, and we’ve built up a great team along the way.

“It’s been an insane ride and I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next decade has in store for the business.

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that I can’t say too much about just now.

“All I will say is, the future’s bright, the future’s purple…”

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