Start your search to find your closest local or specialist agency
Talent that sticks. Recruitment that works. “Fast hires. Right hires. Recruitment that’s human, strategic, and built around you.” In a crowded market filled with agencies promising speed, savings, and endless CVs, we stand apart by focusing on what truly matters: quality, consistency, and a partnership that feels refreshingly human. We believe recruitment isn’t just about filling vacancies — it’s about strengthening your organisation with people
Unit 1&2, Blackfriars Ct, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4XB
+ 3 other offices
Whether you need a permanent UX designer, or a temporary web designer - we can help you build a team that meets your requirements. We have an extensive reach and the ability to source talented candidates both locally and nationally quickly and efficiently. Our expert creative recruiters will only put forward professionals with the most relevant skills and experience for your role, saving you time and money.
New England House, 10 Ridley Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8JW
+ 62 other offices
Sharpe Recruitment specialises in the IT, Digital, Marketing, UI/UX Design and Creative markets. Founded in 2009, they fill roles such as Javascript Developer, Software Product Manager and PR Executive. The agency is based in the North East and serves clients nationwide.
Floor 3, Maybrook House, 27 Grainger Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear, NE1 5JE
Catalyst Recruitment covers IT, Sales, Operations, Engineering, Logistics, Accounts, Finance, Legal, Marketing, Quality, R&D, Design, Customer Service, Procurement, HR and Administration. They offer roles from entry level to executive level on a permanent, temporary, contract or interim basis throughout the North East of England and the UK. The agency is based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
176 Portland Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear, NE2 1DJ
Concept Personnel specialises in recruitment for the Creative and Digital industry. Founded in 2002, the agency fills freelance or contract, temporary and permanent roles such as Front End Developer, Graphic & Media Assistant and Test Analyst. They have offices in Edinburgh, Gateshead and Milton Keynes, and serve clients in Newcastle, the wider North East, Scotland, and the South of the UK.
Toffee Factory, Ouseburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne And Wear, NE1 2DF
+ 2 other offices
Creative recruiters in Tyne and Wear work across design, copy, PR, digital, and production, so pay rates vary by niche and experience. Midweight graphic designers often sit around £28,000 to £35,000, with seniors moving to £40,000 to £50,000. UX and UI specialists tend to command day rates of £300 to £500 for contractors, while freelance social media managers might charge £150 to £250 per day, depending on scope and deliverables. Recruitment fees for permanent hires usually range from 15% to 25% of the basic salary, with executive search for creative directors or heads of marketing priced higher on a retained basis. Temp agency markups cover holiday pay and employer costs, and agencies can quote an all-in hourly charge for short bookings. Agree on a clear brief, notice periods, and rebate terms before you sign, and ask for transparent agency costs tied to milestones.
For studio and production roles, a portfolio carries weight, with Adobe Creative Cloud skills expected for design and motion. CIM or CIPR credentials support marketing and PR roles, and many employers value Google Analytics and Meta or LinkedIn ad certifications for paid media. UX roles often call for user research, Figma prototyping, and accessibility knowledge aligned with WCAG. DBS checks can arise for education or public sector projects that involve on-site filming or events with young people, so recruiters may pre-clear candidates for those bookings.
Newcastle upon Tyne anchors much of the creative jobs market, with agencies serving city centre studios in the Ouseburn and Hoults Yard areas, and client marketing teams around Quorum Business Park and the Stephenson Quarter. Sunderland has growing digital and content teams near the city centre and along the A1231, with film and media work linked to local education and civic contracts. Gateshead adds arts and events roles around the Baltic Quarter and venues on the Tyne. South Tyneside and North Tyneside bring in-house roles for tourism, manufacturing brands, and SMEs along the A19 and Coast Road, with easy Metro links supporting candidate commutes.
Creative recruitment agencies report steady demand for motion design, UX research, and marketing analytics, but fewer senior-level candidates are willing to relocate for on-site roles. Hybrid patterns help, yet some briefs still need studio presence for client sessions and fast-turn production, which narrows the candidate pool. Recruiters manage shortages by running targeted headhunts, tapping passive talent, and arranging contract cover while permanent searches progress. Employers who move quickly on portfolio reviews and set fair pay bands tend to secure stronger hires and improve retention.
Advertising, brand, and digital studios sit alongside in-house teams within leisure, healthcare, education, housing, and advanced manufacturing. Public sector frameworks create steady streams of design and comms projects, with peaks around campaigns, consultations, and events. E-commerce and SaaS firms add web content, CRO, and lifecycle marketing briefs, and culture venues often seek PR officers and content creators for seasonal programmes. Recruitment consultants map these clusters and match the right creative skills to each environment.
Graphic designer, artworker, creative artworker, digital designer, motion designer, videographer, photographer, copywriter, content editor, social media manager, PR officer, account manager, studio manager, traffic manager, UX researcher, UI designer, product designer, and marketing manager are among the most frequent requests. Employment firms run temp agencies for same-day studio cover, book fixed-term contract work for projects, and supply permanent staff for brand and campaign ownership.
Senior art director, head of design, performance marketing lead, and UX research lead can be tough, particularly when the brief calls for hands-on skills and team leadership in a single hire. Executive search helps here, with discreet outreach and staged interviews that balance portfolio depth with stakeholder skills. Agencies may propose interim contractors to keep projects alive while a permanent search runs.
Jobseekers break in through junior roles, internships, and freelance gigs, then progress to midweight posts by building a tight portfolio across print, web, and motion. Account executives move to account managers and senior account managers with client ownership, then to account directors. Designers grow into senior, lead, and manager roles, with pathways into creative direction or product design. Candidates should register with an agency, keep their showreels up to date, and be open to short contracts to add sector variety.
Tyne and Wear employers mix temporary, permanent, and contract work to cover campaigns and product cycles. Temps suit studio peaks, product drops, and event sprints. Six to twelve-month contracts support website rebuilds and brand refreshes. Permanent roles anchor brand guardianship and leadership. Recruiters can arrange hybrid weeks, flexible hours, and IR35-compliant statements for limited company contractors, which helps retention and access to a broader workforce.
The local job market is steady with periodic spikes around tourism seasons, university intakes, and major events on the Quayside. Creative recruitment agencies in Tyne and Wear see strong briefs for content marketing, video, and paid social tied to retail and hospitality calendars. Employers who share clear KPIs, tooling stacks, and budget bands up front can find employees faster and keep agency time focused on fit, delivery, and long-term retention.
What recruitment fees should I expect for a creative hire in Tyne and Wear?
Contingency fees typically range from 15% to 25% of basic salary, with retained executive search priced in stages for senior roles.
Can a recruiter supply same-day temp cover for a studio booking?
Yes, temp agencies can place pre-vetted artists or designers for same-day cover, subject to portfolio checks and availability.
What pay rates are common for freelance designers in the area?
Day rates often sit between £200 and £350 for midweight designers, with motion and UX specialists higher based on scope.
Do agencies cover IR35 for contractors on creative projects?
Agencies can guide status assessments and supply contracts that align with the client’s determination, protecting timelines and compliance.
How can employers speed up a permanent hire?
Share a tight brief, decision dates, and salary bands. Book portfolio reviews early and keep interview stages lean to reduce drop-offs.
Where do candidates find the most in-house roles locally?
Newcastle city centre and business parks along the A1 and A19 see frequent in-house postings, with Gateshead and Sunderland adding marketing and content teams.