Sunderland digital agency Phonetic Digital has strengthened its leadership team with two shareholder appointments as it gears up for its next phase of growth.
The B Corp-certified agency has appointed Bethanie Durham as Digital Director and shareholder, while long-serving team member Matthew Bryson has been named Technical Director and shareholder in recognition of his contribution since the business was founded.
The appointments come as the agency continues to expand its services from its Sunderland base, supporting organisations with websites, digital marketing and training.
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Durham brings 13 years of agency experience to the role, having previously helped lead an agency to an award win. Her background spans digital marketing, client strategy and service delivery, with experience working with brands including HelloFresh, Ralph Lauren and The White Company.
She will lead Phonetic Digital’s marketing function, with a focus on strengthening the agency’s offer, developing its capabilities and creating new opportunities for clients across the North East.
Bryson has been part of the business since its launch and has played a key role in developing its technical services and website delivery. As Technical Director, he will continue to oversee technical strategy, website development, data and analytics for the agency’s growing client base.
The leadership changes follow the recent launch of The Training Room, a dedicated space designed to make digital learning more accessible through specialist workshops, tailored team training and free Digital Drop-ins for charities, social enterprises and community groups.
Steven Parker, Managing Director of Phonetic Digital, said: “Bethanie and Matthew both bring different strengths to the leadership team, and these appointments are an important step forward for the business. Beth joins us as our Digital Director and will take the lead on all things marketing at Phonetic. She brings a wealth of agency experience from two of the region’s largest, increases our delivery capability, and broadens our service offering too.
“Matthew is everything and more that anyone could wish for in a business partner. Dependable, hard-working, and most of all, the person who fixes everything. It’s exciting to be moving into the second half of 2026 with new staff, new services, and a new space with The Training Room.”
Durham added: “I’m delighted to be a part of a team and an agency who genuinely care about doing good business in the area. The number of initiatives I’ve learned about in my short time here so far is outstanding, everything from supporting a business building oyster reefs to limit shore corrosion, to sharing our expert knowledge with small local businesses to improve digital skills.
“There’s a lot of talent in this small team, and I am so excited by all of the potential here.”
With its strengthened leadership team in place and The Training Room now open, the agency said it is looking ahead to its next chapter with a continued focus on supporting organisations across Sunderland, the North East and beyond.
