East Yorkshire strategic digital agency Sowden & Sowden has received a Lifetime “Thank You Award” from Future Humber, recognising 15 years of membership and contribution to the Humber business community.
The recognition arrives as the family-run business celebrates its 44th year and another birthday for founder Paul Sowden. Proving that even with good behaviour, there’s no sign of an early release.
The Lifetime Thank You Award is presented by Future Humber to a select group of long-standing bondholder members who have helped champion, support and strengthen the region’s business community.
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For Sowdens, the recognition reflects not just 15 years with Future Humber, but more than four decades of helping businesses grow, employing local talent and contributing to the Humber business community.
Leahann Barnes, head of partnerships & place at Future Humber, said: “There are few businesses that embody creativity, longevity and independent spirit quite like Sowden & Sowden.
“Over the last 15 years as members, they’ve consistently championed the region while delivering incredible work for clients across the UK and beyond. Their ability to evolve, embrace change and never lose their personality is something many businesses could learn from.
“We’re delighted to recognise this milestone and look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for Paul, Polly and the team.”
Founded in 1982, Sowden & Sowden has survived multiple recessions, civil unrest, the rise and demise of CD-ROMs, the birth of Apple, the arrival of the internet, social media and now AI.
Somewhere along the way, it also became one of Yorkshire’s most established independent strategic, creative digital agencies.
Today, the agency – which began life before mobile phones, email and oat milk were even a thing – works with organisations including Quickline, NEC Software Solutions, Ørsted, Hull York Medical School and City Health Care Partnership CIC.
Recent months have seen the arrival of head of client services Louise Scott and senior account manager Jon Patrick, strengthening the agency’s strategic, client services and digital capabilities as it continues to support ambitious organisations across broadband, healthcare, education, software and renewable energy.
Polly Sowden, co-owner, creative lead and director at Sowden & Sowden, said: “Forty-four years feels like an incredible achievement, particularly when you think about how much our industry and the world have changed,” she said. “We’ve never stood still and we’ve never really wanted to. Curiosity, creativity and bravery have always been two of our greatest strengths.
“Today we’re supporting organisations with everything from strategic positioning and integrated campaigns to digital growth and AI-enabled marketing, but at the heart of it all are still the same principles Dad started with all those years ago: understanding people and solving problems creatively. We’recellmates and accomplices in making sure that never changes.
“The Future Humber recognition means a huge amount because it isn’t just about us. It’s recognition for the people who have worked here, the clients who have trusted us, and the role the agency has played in the region over the last 44 years.”
Founder and 44-year lifer Paul Sowden, who also happens to be celebrating his own birthday this month, remained characteristically philosophical about the achievement: “We’ve had good years, bad years and years where I wondered whether being in solitary confinement would be less stressful,” he said.
“The world keeps changing and so we keep adapting. Business is just people, really. Always has been. Anybody who tells you differently has probably written too many management books.”
“The Future Humber Bondholder recognition is special because we’ve spent 44 years building a business right here, employing local people and working with organisations across the region. 15 years being part of an organisation built to support businesses like ours is worth celebrating.
He added: “I still haven’t decided what I want to do when I grow up, and it’s clear that time off for good behaviour is a lie, so it seems a bit premature to stop now.”
