A NORTH East entrepreneur is helping growing businesses boost their social media presence after setting up his own company.
Following a successful decade working in digital marketing, Ryan Burnyeat set up Reach Beyond Social in summer 2025 to give greater freedom to the organisations he works with.
The company provides social media management, strategy and content creation services to local businesses. It also runs social media channels for clients who need some extra support or don’t have the budget for a full-blown service.
The firm’s client base has grown steadily since it was founded and Ryan is looking forward to working with more companies that align with his values as the company continues to go from strength-to-strength.
“I had been in a full-time digital marketing role which gradually shifted towards social media around five years ago,” said Ryan.
“During that time, I grew a passion for all things social and started researching businesses in the local area. I was looking at what they were posting and how often they were showing up online, and I noticed that so many amazing businesses were underperforming, underselling themselves, or worse, not using it at all.
“This was the sign I needed for me to start my own company. I loved the idea of being able to work with some of these local businesses, to support their mission and shout it from their socials – that really ignited the fire in me to take the leap and set up my own company.”
With passion but no previous business experience, Ryan received support from the North East BIC and is thankful for the support he received.
“I began attending the ‘Flying Start’ workshops and I found them super helpful in grasping the basics of business,” said Ryan. “It opened my eyes to things I’d not realised I needed, or that I’d not given any thought to.
“I’ve really enjoyed spending time at the BIC and attending events they host and I’ve made a number of connections by putting myself out there and connecting with other attendees.
“I was also provided with my own business advisor in John Forth, who has been so helpful. It’s been priceless just having someone on hand to learn from who has so much experience.”
The North East BIC supports budding entrepreneurs to start and grow a business with its unique package of workspace, business support, events and community.
John Forth, Business Adviser at the North East BIC, said: “Ryan has developed a strong business, built around a genuine understanding of how social media can support small and growing businesses.
“He’s made excellent early progress, securing clients quickly, and I look forward to seeing how the company grows and evolves in the future.”
The start up support Ryan received from the BIC was originally available up to the end of March 2026 as part of the Enterprising Sunderland project, which received £523,541 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Programme to deliver support in Sunderland in 2025/26. The programme was managed in Sunderland by Sunderland City Council on behalf of the Sunderland Partnership.
Funding to continue Enterprising Sunderland, up to the end of December 2026, has now been secured. This continuation of the project forms part of Sunderland’s Business Support Programme, and is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority through its Integrated Settlement.
Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of Economy & Place at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s great to see more and more new businesses setting up in the city, benefitting from the support available and sharing their confidence in Sunderland as a place where they can be successful.”