(26 Feb 2020, 7:52 pm)Michael wrote Branding started in 2006, when GNE completely changed the Sunderland routes, but before that happened i'm sure the Centrelink, The Loop , X20/X50 was one of the first set of brands, followed by Route 19, and then Black Cats, Doxford Clipper, Magic Roundabout, FAB 56, Red Arrows.
Loop: https://www.flickr.com/photos/83823112@N03/34218564006/
I believe "The Highwayman" was a very early brand as well, which came to fruition in mid-2004.