Leeds-based digital agency Numiko is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter of a century of independent operation in the city’s tech and creative sector.

Founded in 2000 by a group of graduates from the University of Bradford, the agency began life in a shared house before growing into a 44-person team based in central Leeds.

While several digital agencies have emerged in the region since the early 2000s, few have retained their independence over such a sustained period. Numiko says its focus on meaningful, socially impactful work has helped it remain resilient in a competitive industry.

“Great digital for good isn't just a tagline – it's been in our soul from day one," said co-founder and Managing Director David Eccles. "We've always chosen our clients as much as they've chosen us. We work with organisations doing something good and important."

Over the years, the agency has worked with a range of public sector, cultural and educational clients, including the British Museum, the University of Oxford, Channel 4 and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

This emphasis on mission-led work, according to Eccles, helps foster a strong internal culture. “Pouring your heart into selling trainers doesn't feel worth it,” he added, “but it does when it's The Children's Society.”

Numiko is known for its use of open-source web technologies, particularly Drupal, and has received recognition within the digital design and development community. The agency cites accolades such as Webby Awards nominations and work presented at international industry events.

But Eccles points to the workplace culture, rather than awards, as the team’s greatest achievement.

“We can look in on Slack channels we've not been involved in and they’re full of people collaborating on brilliant solutions,” he said. “Literally hundreds of problems a day get solved by our team in a really effective way.”

Innovation Director and fellow co-founder Jaron Ghani believes curiosity has been key to the agency’s longevity. “It's such a valuable trait,” he said. “It lets you question requirements, uncover the root issues, and solve them in the best way. We really think there are no stupid questions at Numiko."

Looking to the future, the team says it is focused on continuing to use technology to support clients working on complex social and cultural challenges.

“The team thrives on trying new stuff,” said Ghani. “Tinkering to get an idea out of your imagination and into a quick prototype is so fun and exciting.”

After 25 years, Numiko’s founding ethos appears largely unchanged: a commitment to working with organisations that make a difference – and to asking better questions along the way.