Designer turned digital marketer. 13+ years turning ideas into visuals that actually convert.
Watch: Why I started Northern — on building brands, having banter, and colouring in for the North East.
I started my career right here in Sunderland — a 15-year-old knocking on a print shop door asking for a job. That hands-on start taught me the craft of design from the ground up. After studying Web Design & Development at Northumbria University (graduating with a 2:1), I took my skills international.
I relocated to the Netherlands to work as Graphic, Web & UI Designer for citizenM Hotels — managing design across their entire global portfolio. From there I moved to London to manage design and marketing for The Law Debenture Corporation and Safecall.
Then I came home. Back to the North East, where I worked with Gentoo Group, Capture Expense, and STACK Leisure before going all-in on NORTHERN — 13+ years of building brands, driving growth, and proving that the North East can compete with anyone.
Managed the full digital marketing stack for STACK Leisure in Newcastle — from SEO and Google Ads to email marketing and website improvement. Delivered record-breaking email engagement and a dramatic boost to organic traffic.
Revamped PPC campaigns for this Newcastle-based SaaS company, slashing untargeted impressions and dramatically improving conversion metrics. Ad interaction rates soared while engagement time increased by nearly 120%.
Led the visual design and digital analytics improvement for Gentoo Group, one of the North East’s largest housing associations. Rebuilt the Gentoo Homes website from scratch and delivered measurable improvements across every metric.
Moved to London to manage design and marketing for Law Debenture Corporation and its sister company Safecall. Delivered a +284% increase in PPC traffic and +83% overall conversions at Law Debenture, while growing Safecall’s social following by over 1,000%.
Relocated to the Netherlands to lead design and art direction for citizenM’s global brand. Managed all print, web, and UI elements across multiple hotels worldwide, working with external creative and development teams.
Founded NORTHERN to give North East businesses the same quality of design and digital marketing that big brands get. Combining 13+ years of experience across hospitality, finance, property, food, retail, compliance, and SaaS into one cohesive agency offering.
Design isn’t just a job. It’s how Dave gives back — from national libraries to the Third Sector.
Published Sep 2017 · ISBN: 9780995714960
A 100-page book examining the human condition, mental health, and personal development. Designed by Dave, accepted into the national libraries of Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England. Sold in 12 countries.
The Suicide Fight · Jan 2017 – Present (9+ years)
Continues to volunteer as designer and website manager for this Third Sector research team, supporting ongoing work in human empowerment, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention education.
Founder & Developer · 2025 – Present
Dave built ichthyosis.me — a free, open resource for people living with ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin condition he was born with. The site provides personalised management coaching, condition information, and community support. Built entirely with AI-assisted development as a non-profit project.
Web Designer · Aug 2013 – Jun 2014
Volunteered as web designer for this health-focused charity during university, building their web presence and supporting their mission.
Real recommendations from LinkedIn — verified and unedited.
“Dave is an exceptional professional. His designs are not only visually engaging but also meet accessible standards and user needs. Dave’s creativity was important to the creation of Gentoo’s outstanding new website. He goes above and beyond to meet deadlines, displaying a high level of dedication and perseverance.”
“I’ve been incredibly impressed with David’s quality of work since 2014. He still amazes me with his creativity, the speed of delivery plus he always keeps his word. You couldn’t work with anyone else who could be as collaborative, as creative, as David.”
“Dave is a passionate and highly smart designer and a genuinely humble individual. He supported our Third Sector research and design. In 2017, Dave designed a 100-page book, now available throughout UK national libraries. He continues to offer services to our Third Sector efforts as a volunteer, which in itself describes Dave as an individual.”
“He is a very energetic person who never stops at good, but always goes for at least great. He works very efficiently and always keeps in mind all needs and wishes for all stakeholders. Nothing is too much, Dave’s creative mind is mind blowing.”
“Dave has an unmatched level of creativity and energy — a creative genius who does not stop until he takes the project from good to great. His commitment to brand standards is contagious. I am confident to say that Dave will be difficult to replace and he will be a true asset in any team.”
“Dave is detailed, creative and eager to learn and not afraid to take risk. Which is typical for great creatives. He is an inspiring person to be around. His work is a body of art that he will make efficient in any work environment.”
“Dave is an amazing guy to work with, he’s open-minded, has a great personality, plenty of dedication and a work ethos to match it.”
“Dave has really left a trademark in the company. He is very driven, he is fast and he is very good at his work. I’m always very impressed by the designs he comes up with. I can totally recommend Dave to anyone looking for a very driven, creative and social designer.”
“Love his high energy spirit and how he is always searching for long term solutions and ways to improve; himself, his designs, company processes. Young and eager and a great asset to any company.”
“Dave has a great appreciation of design, with excellent software skills to back this up. He’s easy to work with and a positive character.”
“David is a great person to work with. His thorough eye for detail and artistic flare shines through his work. David understands how to really work to a brief and how to take the clients on a journey with him. A great asset to any team.”
“David is an amazing graphics designer. If I need something creative, like a logo or a banner design for your website, he is the first person I call for all my work. He is that good! I highly recommend this guy for all your creative needs.”
These aren't just words on a wall. They're how we work, every single day.
We don't measure success in deliverables. We measure it in your growth. Every decision, every campaign, every pixel has to earn its place.
You see every number, every decision, every penny spent. No smoke and mirrors. No jargon walls. Just straight talking and honest work.
We move fast because your competition already is. Quick decisions. No dithering. You get results, not excuses.
Recognised for excellence
Book a free 30-minute strategy audit with Dave. We'll look at your marketing, find what's not working, and tell you exactly where to focus. No waffle. Just a canny plan you can act on.
Takes 30 seconds. No jargon, just results.
Ready for a colourful conversation about your next big idea? We'll bring the crayons, you bring the dreams — and maybe biscuits.
