York is emerging as a prime location for marketing agencies in Yorkshire, as revealed by research from Nomada Digital, a York SEO agency. The analysis of Google search data and Companies House records shows a significant increase in demand for local marketing services throughout the region. Yorkshire as a whole has seen notable growth, with an 88% increase in searches for “SEO agency” and a 100% rise in “Marketing agency” queries when comparing August 2023 to August 2024. During this period, York has stood out, recording the highest growth among its Yorkshire counterparts.
York Leads the pack as SEO and marketing demand surges
| Yorkshire Destination | Search “SEO agency [Destination]” % difference Aug 23 v Aug 24 | Search “Marketing agency [Destination]” % difference Aug 23 v Aug 24 |
| Yorkshire | +88% | +100% |
| York | +100% | +27% |
| Hull | +100% | 0% |
| Harrogate | +67% | +29% |
| Leeds | +51% | -19% |
| Sheffield | +24% | +50% |
| Wakefield | 0% | -80% |
| Bradford | -44% | +67% |
| Doncaster | -50% | -43% |
Searches for “SEO agency York” have doubled, soaring by 100% over the past year, rising from 70 searches in August 2023 to 140 searches in August 2024. Similarly, searches for “Marketing agency York” have climbed by 27% over the same period, highlighting a growing local appetite for digital marketing services. This surge positions York ahead of other key cities such as Sheffield, which saw only a 24% increase in SEO agency searches, and Hull, where marketing agency searches remained flat at 0% growth.
York’s booming marketing sector sets the pace for Yorkshire
York’s strong online presence is matched by substantial business growth. According to Companies House data, York has recorded the highest year-on-year growth rate for newly registered “active” advertising agencies in Yorkshire since 2021. The city saw an impressive 229% increase in new “active” agency registrations from 2022 to 2023, far outpacing other cities like Leeds (124%) and Sheffield (175%) during the same period.
So far in 2024, York has registered 20 new active advertising agencies, with a projected total of 27 by the end of the year—a 16% increase compared to 2023. By contrast, Leeds, traditionally seen as the region’s marketing powerhouse, is forecasted to experience a 4% decline in new active agency registrations this year, signaling a potential shift in Yorkshire’s marketing landscape.
York poised to become a marketing hub amid regional challenges
Despite the positive growth trends, Yorkshire’s marketing scene has not been without its setbacks. Since 2021, a total of 375 advertising agencies have either dissolved, closed, or gone into administration across the region. This includes significant numbers in major cities like Leeds (108) and Sheffield (97), indicating the challenges that agencies face amidst economic uncertainty.
“A strong local marketing sector is crucial for supporting Yorkshire’s broader business community,” said Danny Sullivan, Founder of Nomada Digital. “York’s growth as a marketing hub means more opportunities for businesses across the region to access top-tier marketing services, which in turn helps them grow and thrive. However, the high number of agency closures highlights the volatility in this sector and the need for careful economic planning.”
Budget concerns loom for Yorkshire agencies
With the upcoming budget causing concern for businesses, local marketing agencies are calling on policymakers to consider the role they play in supporting the broader business ecosystem. A favourable budget could ensure that York’s marketing sector, along with those in other Yorkshire cities, continues to grow and provides the support needed for local enterprises.
“York has the potential to become a real centre of marketing excellence, but it needs the right support to reach its full potential,” Sullivan added. “We hope the upcoming budget will help stabilise and support the sector, allowing agencies across the region to continue delivering value to Yorkshire businesses.”
As York continues to rise in prominence within the Yorkshire marketing landscape, it’s clear that the city is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s business community. With continued investment and support, York could well establish itself as the marketing hub of Yorkshire, offering a vibrant alternative to the traditionally dominant Leeds market.
