Gardiner Richardson Milestone Prompts Key Hires

Newcastle-based strategic brand communications agency Gardiner Richardson is celebrating its 25th anniversary with its team swelled by key recent hires. 

The business, set up in 1998 by Lucy Gardiner and Darren Richardson, has been based in two historic Newcastle buildings. Starting out in the Sailors’ Bethel on the Quayside before moving in 2001 to nearby Generator Studios. 

The key new appointments include former ITV News Tyne Tees journalist, Rachel Sweeney joining as Film and Content Director. Rachel’s career includes roles with Good Morning Britain and Steph’s Packed Lunch. 

Rachel is joined by Jen Hallam, a Teessider returning to the region. Jen was previously Associate Director at major Manchester creative communications agency Tangerine, she joins Gardiner Richardson as Business Development Director. 

Five hires boost expertise

In total, five recent hires have boosted the business’s expertise across client services, design and content creation. They also include Kirsty McNaught, formerly of Tyne Rivers Trust and Darlington Borough Council as Senior PR Manager, and Content Manager Matthew Thomas formerly with Allies Group and Editor of NE1 Get into Newcastle.  

Steve Jackson also re-joined the PR team as Content Manager in 2022. Steve left Gardiner Richardson in 2002, spending much of the past two decades working in Vietnam in senior communications roles with international charities. 

The team includes brand strategists, designers, videographers, copy writers and PR and social consultants. The agency works with clients both in the region and across the globe as well as across multiple sectors, including in public health, regional development, sustainability, built environment and technology.  

Next big step

Agency co-founder Lucy Gardiner said: “Jen is a ‘next big step’ hire. She returns to the region having worked extensively in Manchester which continues to be the North’s largest hub for communications agencies and media. Her experience leading global communications campaigns and in agency leadership will be invaluable as we are at a key time in our growth. 

“Likewise, Rachel’s appointment takes our in-house content service to a new level. Having a senior broadcast journalist in our team brings a real strategic boost to both our client work and internal training and development. 

“Now we’re 25, we’ve been reflecting on what got us here and how it will shape where we go next. We’ve always focused on bringing people together through ideas, stories, brands and businesses and we know this mindset will put us in a strong position to take on whatever the next 25 years bring. We’re set for some big opportunities locally in our region in the sustainability and technology sectors, as well as continuing our growth nationally and internationally. 

For more information email Gardiner Richardson.