Web agency moves to Sunderland software hub
A web design agency that counts Gillette and Real Madrid among its clients is set for further growth after relocating to Sunderland.
PrimitiveSense, which specialises in building and maintaining eCommerce websites, has relocated from Newcastle to Sunderland Software Centre to cater for its growing team and the rising demand for its services from businesses across the globe.
Founded by 32-year-old tech entrepreneur Glen Wheeler two and a half years ago, the company’s niche lies in producing Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento e-commerce websites for businesses of all shapes and sizes, from start-ups to global conglomerates.
Employing a team of four dedicated developers, the agency is looking to scale up its operations over the next 12 months with the recruiting of two new members of staff and the undertaking of a complete brand overhaul.
Glen, who lives in Hartlepool, said: “I launched PrimitiveSense after tiring of working in-house for agencies, it just wasn’t for me. Originally, I started off freelancing for a couple of clients from home, but I soon found the workload increasing and setting up PrimitiveSense just seemed like the natural next step.”
At the heart of the company’s success is the flexibility and trust Glen has instilled in his staff. Glen said: “It’s important to recognise that when employing people it’s not just about what you want as a company, it’s greatly to do with what your staff want. I understand people have busy lives and need the time to spend with family, relax and regroup on a regular basis and if that means staff working from home or remotely then I am all for it, with modern day technology this is not a problem.”
“As a business, we take great pride in our flexible working policy. Not only does it mean our guys have a greater work/life balance but we’ve also seen productivity increase massively as a result.
“In fact, I found out I was going to be a father just before I launched the company and my son, who is now 18 months old, was born on Christmas Eve, so I can understand fully the benefits of flexible working!
“I also think it has played a major role in helping us attract the best talent and will play a major part in the growth of the company going forward.”
The relocation of PrimitiveSense from its Newcastle office to Sunderland Software Centre was underpinned by the continued growth of the company and the need for a fully-serviced office which is accessible 24/7.
Glen added: “We looked at a number of locations before signing for space at Sunderland Software Centre. Not only does it have training and meeting rooms which we can utilise but it also has fantastic transport links and superfast internet, both of which are crucial to us. “Another major selling point was the fact that the centre is accessible 24/7.
As a company which deals with clients across the globe, we often find ourselves working unsociable hours and often have meetings pencilled in at all hours of the day.
“Sunderland is also becoming really popular among tech companies and it has a really buoyant digital community. There are often networking events and various meet-ups being held, there’s a real buzz about the city.”
Glen has also received support from Sunderland City Council’s business investment team and was quick to praise their support.
“The council has been fantastic in terms of the support they’ve offered us. “Not only did they help us with our move into the centre but they also took the time to introduce us to other like-minded businesses in the centre and the wider city and the welcome we’ve received has been fantastic. We couldn’t ask any more of them.”
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support Glen and the fact that the company has chosen Sunderland as its new home reflects just how attractive a city it has become to fast-growing tech businesses.
“To have grown so rapidly in just two and a half years is a massive achievement and hopefully the move to Sunderland Software Centre will help the company scale new heights. We wish them all of the best as they continue going from strength-to-strength.”
For more information about Sunderland as a location for software and technology companies, visit www.makeitsunderland.com, call +44(0)191 561 1194, or email info@makeitsunderland.com. Or follow @MAKEitSund on Twitter for updates from the city.