A Gateshead brand creative agency that works with some of the world’s largest character licensing brands has created new jobs on the back of a huge jump in workloads.
Jason Knights launched Blue Kangaroo Design to work specifically with entertainment character licensing and the firm now works with toy industry clients all over the world.
The company has taken on five new graduates after sealing deals with existing clients, while also expanding its teams in the digital and retail sectors due to soaring demand for its services.
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Mr Knights, who is also a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion for the Department of Industry and Trade, has seen his business export around 80% of their services around the world, but he still retains a passion for the area that adopted him after he left the Army almost 30 years ago.
He said: “I’m fiercely proud of the North East and the incredible skills we have here which is why we have invested heavily in employing locally based people to help take Blue Kangaroo on to the next stage of our journey.”
The company specialises in brand strategy, design, digital and retail and has generated growth particularly in the United States where it works with brands including Lucas Film, The Walt Disney Company, NBC Universal Studios, Mattel, Tomy and Warner Bros.
Expansion into Europe has also recently occurred and new opportunities are constantly being developed by the firm.
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The five new members of the team are junior designers Rachael Blackburn, Adam Dawson, and Elisa Edmondson, while Dylan Knights and Ben Chick take on the roles of creative coordinators.
Mr Knights said: “Our recruitment process was very thorough, and I’m satisfied that we have the very best young people with the right skills, mindset and drive to take us to where we need to be.
“In our business we must deliver excellence every time as there are no second chances when you are managing a client base like ours.
“We’ve grown incredibly in the last 15 years and a lot of that is to do with the skills that the team have and the way that we work with our partner clients.
“I’m confident that our new team members will carry on the great tradition we have of delivering excellence and that for the next 15 years and beyond our clients will continue to use the Gateshead based brand creative agency with a worldwide customer footprint,” he said.
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