Up North Media

Up North Media is a public relations and communications agency based in Sunderland, England, United Kingdom. Founded in 2019, the agency was built by former journalists who bring a deep understanding of media dynamics to their work. While the team serves a range of clients, they have developed a particular focus on the third sector—charities, community groups, and non-profits—especially those operating in the North East of England. This commitment is reflected in their partnership with Rainbow Foundation, a Sunderland-based LGBTQ charity, and their sponsorship of the Inclusive Arts & Media category at the 2019 LGBTQ North East Awards. Up North Media was also nominated for the National Diversity Awards in 2019, underscoring their dedication to working with organisations that prioritise social impact.

Specialist Expertise in the Third Sector and Community Engagement

Up North Media’s background in journalism gives them a practical edge when it comes to media relations and copywriting. The team knows how to craft stories that resonate with local and national media outlets, which is especially valuable for third sector clients who often need to amplify their message on limited budgets. Their work with Rainbow Foundation and other community-focused organisations suggests a genuine interest in helping charities and non-profits build their public profiles. The agency’s location in Sunderland also means they are closely connected to the North East’s cultural and social landscape, allowing them to offer tailored advice to clients in this region. For third sector organisations looking to increase awareness, engage volunteers, or secure funding, Up North Media provides a grounded, media-savvy approach.

Services and Capabilities

Drawing on their core strengths in public relations, marketing, and social media, Up North Media offers a range of services designed to help clients tell their stories effectively. While the agency does not list every service publicly, their expertise and background suggest they are well-equipped to handle the following:

• Media relations and press office support
• Copywriting and copy editing for websites, press releases, and marketing materials
• Social media management and content creation
• Digital skills training for in-house teams
• Strategic communications planning
• Crisis communication and reputation management
• Event promotion and sponsorship liaison

The agency’s focus on training is particularly notable. By offering digital skills and media training, Up North Media helps clients become more self-sufficient in their communications efforts. This is a practical service for small charities or SMEs that may not have dedicated PR staff. Their team’s journalistic background also means they can provide sharp copywriting and editing services, ensuring that every piece of content is clear, accurate, and newsworthy.

Client Base and Working Style

Up North Media works with a diverse range of clients, from SMEs to local, national, and international brands. Their portfolio includes clients in the leisure and hospitality sector, arts and entertainment, education, and events—alongside musicians, comedians, and other creative professionals. This variety suggests the agency is adaptable and comfortable tailoring its approach to different industries. Despite this breadth, the agency’s strongest identity lies in its support for third sector organisations. Their nomination for the National Diversity Awards and their ongoing work with Rainbow Foundation highlight a genuine commitment to causes that matter to the North East community. Up North Media describes itself as passionate about communities, particularly in the North East, and this local focus is a key part of their value proposition.

Up North Media is a good fit for charities, non-profits, and social enterprises in the United Kingdom that need practical, media-savvy communications support—especially those based in the North East. The agency is also suitable for SMEs and creative professionals who want a straightforward, no-frills approach to public relations and social media. Their training services make them particularly useful for organisations looking to build their own internal communications capacity. While they work with a broad range of clients, their strongest work appears to be with mission-driven organisations that need to tell compelling stories on a modest budget.