Sunderland strategic communications agency Marriott Communications is celebrating its fifth anniversary this week, with plans for international expansion top of its year six to-do list.
Founded five years ago with a clear belief that public relations could be more intelligent, more ethical and more human, Marriott Communications has grown from a challenger consultancy into a globally active agency delivering high-impact communications across the UK, Europe and the United States. Our agency has successfully scaled through periods of economic uncertainty – including the COVID-19 lockdown – growing to support more than 40 clients across diverse sectors including finance, entertainment, third sector, creative industries, legal services and advocacy.
Over the past five years, the agency’s campaigns have reached tens of millions of people through digital and traditional media, with early creative work alone reaching more than four million people by 2022. Between 2023 and 2024, the agency’s digital marketing and communications campaigns reached over 27 million people, and by 2025 its data claims it had reached over 120 million people globally.
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Alongside commercial growth, social impact has remained central at Marriott. The agency has donated more than 900 hours of pro bono agency services, supporting over 25 charities across the UK. This includes work with organisations addressing inequality, public health, disability rights and community resilience. Including acting as lead press manager for FAVOR UK during its lobbying of the Scottish Government on Scotland’s drug deaths crisis, and support to the United Nations and the CRPD Committee during the 2024 Geneva Convention.
The past five years have also seen Marriott Communications diversify its service provision, launching specialist communications packages for startups and third-sector organisations during the cost-of-living crisis, consulting with the Scottish Government on its Cost of Living marketing campaign, and supporting the brokerage of rare blue-chip artworks including Banksy and Richard Hambleton pieces.
In 2025, the agency launched the North East’s first dedicated PR Intelligence service, reflecting a broader shift towards insight-led, risk-aware and future-focused communications. This launch, alongside new editorial platforms, partnerships and award wins, marks a new chapter for our agency.
The agency is now working to expand its international presence, including the opening of offices in Dubai and Washington DC, alongside the launch of a new International Relations service designed to support organisations operating across complex political, regulatory and global media environments.
Samuel Marriott-Dowding, founder and CEO of Marriott Communications, said: “Five years ago, I took a chance on myself and started Marriott Communications, not knowing exactly where it would lead, only knowing that I believed in myself.
“This week marks five years of Marriott Communications, and it’s a moment of real pride, reflection and gratitude. For the people who believed in me and what my agency stands for, the challenges that shaped us, and the work that reminded me why this mattered in the first place.
“We will continue into this new year doing what we do best: being bold, brave, and fearless.”
