Sponsored by Middlesbrough Digital
Job Creation VelociTees
SMALL BUSINESS ( 51-250 STAFF )
FINALIST
RADICAL FORGE , Middlesbrough
Phoenix 2 Retail ’ s brand director Perry Barrett ( left ) with Middlesbrough Digital ’ s Dan Watson .
Having started out developing game prototypes , since 2017 Radical Forge has released its first game , Bright Paw , codeveloped multiple titles with titans of the games industry and is now developing a video game publishing wing .
Despite many firms pressing “ pause ” during Covid , the Middlesbrough-based firm didn ’ t have systems that needed altering , so it was able to adapt to remote work and the subsequent hybrid model as it expanded .
Having grown from seven to 28 people in less than six months , it has recently been growing co-development jobs with its existing partners , working with new partners and obtaining funding to produce its own original game .
WINNER
PHOENIX 2 RETAIL , Hartlepool
A vape marketing and distribution agency says it was a “ privilege ” to win this prestigious award , presented to reward its job creation record .
Phoenix 2 Retail had grown from nine employees to 33 in the year it was judged on , representing a rise of 267 per cent .
Phoenix 2 Retail is a UK route-to-market and category advisor to leading FMCG customers across the vaping and harm-reduction product sectors .
It was launched just over two years ago and its rapid growth continues , with its team now standing at 68 employees . The posts created so far have included warehouse , ecommerce , training , HR , account management and director roles .
Brand director Perry Barrett said : “ Phoenix 2 Retail as a business is proud to invest in our people and also our region . It was a privilege to be nominated and win these awards .
FINALIST
SOCKMONKEY STUDIOS , Middlesbrough
A videogame development studio founded in 2013 , Middlesbrough firm SockMonkey Studios works with UK-based and global clients on everything from partial to full-scale game development .
With clients including such industry giants as SEGA , tinyBuild , Sumo and Moonbug Entertainment , it most recently released the CoComelon game on Nintendo Switch .
Over the last decade , SockMonkey has continued to improve its portfolio and standing in the industry by consistently providing highquality game development services .
This , in turn , has ensured a steady flow of projects which have increased in quality , scope and budget , as well as heavy investment and growth in sales techniques and business development .
SPONSOR MESSAGE
Dan Watson , manager of Middlesbrough Digital , said : “ We were delighted to sponsor the Job Creation ( Small Business ) category at the inaugural VelociTees Awards . We had an amazingly strong category , with all three businesses scaling at a significant rate in their respective fields . Phoenix 2 Retail ’ s 267 per cent growth , in what was only their second year in business , is absolutely phenomenal . We wish them all the best in their future growth .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 41