Full service agency Cornerstone Design and Marketing is capping off the most successful 12 months in its 17-year history by becoming a partner with Prolific North in 2025.
The Oldham-based agency is on course for revenue growth of more than 40% in the financial year just ended, fuelled by a growing roster of new clients, increased marketing activity by several of its long standing customers and a raft of new website builds.
The increased demand for its services has led to eight new hires in 2024, to maintain core focus, exceptional standards and high-quality outputs, taking the total workforce to 35.
Cornerstone is joining Prolific North’s select group of partner organisations that support the mission to celebrate, connect and inform the North’s creative and digital industries.
Cornerstone founder and MD, David Wadsworth, says: “Prolific North has put its stamp on the north, staying at the forefront of our industry with its finger on the pulse. The people there are passionate about what they do, and their values mirror ours, so this partnership makes perfect sense.
“It gives us a good platform to share our knowledge and expertise to enrich our industry as a whole, share some of our successes and help our peers celebrate theirs.”
Prolific North partners are drawn from the North West and Yorkshire covering a diverse range of specialisms.
They come together at a selection of round table forums and other high-profile events throughout the year.
Cornerstone has earned a strong reputation for its highly motivated team, ethical ethos and agile approach. It has forged strong links across the pharmaceutical, FMCG, health and leisure sectors in particular.
David Wadsworth: “We’ve undergone some rapid growth in the last three to four years, with turnover consistently increasing by at least 30% year on year, and it looks like we’re on course to beat that by some margin this year.
“A lot of the growth we’ve had is down to the success we’ve enjoyed with challenger brands. Growing nationally and beyond in a stagnant market reflects the quality of work we produce and the results our clients are getting.
“We’re always looking out for brands, large and small, that we can add significant strategic value to. We look to work with like-minded businesses, forge strong relationships and use our knowledge and experiences to further innovate in everything we do.”
Wadsworth started Cornerstone DM as a sole trader in the attic of his parents’ home in Oldham and is now based in Lees. It offers services in:
Advertising
Marketing strategy
Design
Digital
PR and copywriting
Print and signage
Web
He adds: “People often ask me why we’re still based in Oldham and not the city centre. I’m an Oldham lad born and bred, and I want to put something back in the borough. I like to think it encourages our down to earth, no bull***t approach. We get the job done with no fuss – we’re only interested in quality and surpassing client expectations!”