Frederico Cardoso, 37, originally from Porto, has co-founded Lamproom Digital alongside Sunderland-based marketing specialist Amy Elise Mercer.
The pair have almost 20 years of combined experience in search engine optimisation (SEO), content strategy, digital PR and brand development.
The agency officially launched in March and has already secured clients in the food and drink, jewellery, retail and home interiors industries.
The business has grown through referrals and professional connections, without securing outside investment.
Frederico, known as Fred, moved to Swindon with his partner Lucia in 2016 after studying Business Relations in Porto and completing a Master’s degree in Marketing and Strategy in Braga.
He went on to work as SEO lead at Swindon-based furniture retailer Oak Furnitureland before moving into agency roles.
Fred said:
“Swindon has been my home for almost a decade, so reaching that milestone while building a business of my own feels particularly significant.
“When Lucia and I moved here in 2016, I was beginning a new chapter in both my life and career. The opportunities I’ve had since then have allowed me to develop my expertise, work with businesses across different sectors and ultimately turn the ambition of running an agency into reality.”
The idea for Lamproom Digital developed after Fred met Amy while they were working at North East marketing agency Silverbean.
Their new business aims to help companies improve their visibility online, including through search engines, social media and emerging artificial intelligence tools.
As SEO Strategy Director, Fred wants the agency to focus on delivering measurable business growth rather than simply increasing website traffic.
He said:
“We built Lamproom because we had seen a clear gap for an agency that genuinely acts as an extension of its clients’ teams.
“Too often, agencies work in silos or focus on metrics such as traffic without connecting them closely enough to revenue and wider business growth. We’re extremely ROI-oriented. Visibility matters, but clients should be able to clearly understand the commercial value they are receiving.
“Our ambition isn’t to be the biggest agency. It’s to become the agency clients trust the most.”
The agency’s name was inspired by the Davy safety lamp, historically used in mining, and reflects the industrial heritage of Sunderland.
Fred also recognised similarities between Sunderland and his hometown of Porto, particularly their working-class histories and strong community values.
He said:
“Growing up in Porto and now building a business with roots in Sunderland, I was struck by how similar the two cities are.
“Both were built on industry, resilience and communities that value hard work.
“Those values have shaped Lamproom, but Swindon has played an equally important part in my own story. It is where I’ve built my career, made a home and now taken the step into entrepreneurship.”
Amy Mercer, Creative Strategy Director and Co-Founder, said their shared values had influenced the direction of the business.
She said:
“Fred and I grew up in different countries, but we quickly realised our backgrounds and values had far more in common than they did differences.
“We want Lamproom to be intelligent but approachable, ambitious but grounded, and genuinely invested in every client’s success.
“Fred’s journey from Portugal to Swindon and now into business ownership reflects the determination and international outlook we want the agency to embody.”
Having secured its first clients, Lamproom Digital is now looking to establish long-term partnerships with businesses seeking to strengthen their online presence.
Fred added:
“Search is changing quickly, but honest advice, strong partnerships and a clear focus on commercial results will always matter.”
