The Northern Digital Awards have been celebrating all things digital in the North of England for over 10 years.
Ethical, transparent and respected, the awards are judged by esteemed industry experts who follow a robust two-step judging process that includes pre-scoring to establish a shortlist and judge discussion to determine winners and in some cases silver awards.
None of our award judges can take part in the competition and any conflicts of interest must be declared.
The Northern Digital Awards have been accredited ‘Outstanding’ by the Independent Awards Standards Council – Awards Trust Mark.
Alex Natthaphon Kanjarnavoranun | Consultant in SEO, Digital marketing, and Digital transformation | Foundmatic UK
Alex Natthaphon is a highly experienced SEO expert, digital marketing specialist, and management role in marketing. TechNation UK has endorsed him as the highest-tier Exceptional Leader of UK Global Talent Visa in the Digital Technology category. He has achieved multiple successful career paths in different industries, including Finance, E-commerce, Travel, Education, Automotive, and more. Alex was VP of Digital Campaign Planning & Execution Manager at SCB bank, focusing on digital banking automation and transformation. He is a founder of ABACTODAY, an ed-tech and e-learning platform for students. He was head of SEO and digital marketing at multiple Unicorn startups in Southeast Asia. He has led and provided digital marketing consultants internationally; for instance in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, US, and UK. Not only online marketing, but he was also AVP Head of Omni-channel Marketing which focused on digital transformation at one of the biggest department stores in Thailand and UK.
Andrew Diggle | Head of Digital Content | Formula 1
Andrew is a deeply experienced global media leader, expert in directing large-scale sports and entertainment digital platforms, international fan engagement and commercialisation. Currently he oversees global digital content for Formula 1, one of the fastest growing sports across digital platforms in the world. Previously Andrew oversaw Content, Programming and Production at Manchester United, and directed all of its media platforms through unprecedented digital transformation, growth and extension in a ground-breaking commercial and digital environment. Prior to Sport, Andrew was central in B2B and B2C start-ups in funding and innovation support, and digital publishing in the scientific, medical and reference areas.
Claire Hoang | VP of Social Media | ITV Studios
Claire Hoang is currently Head of Social Marketing at ITV Studios and has over 17 years of experience working in the world of social media. She's worked for a range of different companies including the BBC and Fremantle. As well as her day to day job, she also loves supporting new talent into the industry by mentoring with Creative Access. She was also one of the first Breakthrough Leaders in TV when the scheme was announced in 2021.
Daniel Saunders | Retail eCommerce Manager | Stanley Black and Decker
I've worked in Digital for 18 years. Within Digital marketing I work closely with the directors and heads of service to identify new business opportunities and Strategies. Having an in-depth understanding of different markets and competitors in the area to maintain a competitive advantage which is used to work alongside key stakeholders in managing the translation of the business strategy into clear plans. Proactively researching markets, competitors within different regions and establishing ways to develop a competitive advantage within our strategies. Within Stanley Black and Decker, I am a catalyst for change, I plan and execute UK market E-commerce and digital marketing activities to increase sales, grow online channels, and grow new and existing online customers managing substantial 6 figures budgets over many different groups. As an international keynote speaker in the Digital sphere, I inspire and lead a large team of specialists, drive the delivery of brilliant digital products and services, mentoring at levels from executives to C suite. I utilize analytics and insight tools to evaluate end-to-end customer experience across multiple customer touch points. Working with trade marketing teams to analyse product categories and make appropriate product mix recommendations and effectively contributes to SEO, PPC, UX and CRO. I have built, nurtured and lead a diverse, multidisciplinary team to deliver digital transformation across the Stanley Black and Decker group. Defining the required digital capabilities across our people, their processes, and the technology we use. With Stanley Black and Decker being a multinational corporation, I make myself a visible leader by holding regular lectures and Q and A sessions with entry executives all the way up to C suite teams.
Dateme Tamuno | Head of Digital Marketing | SemanticGeek
Dateme is a digital marketer with experience running organic and paid search campaigns for companies across several verticals. Currently, he is the head of digital marketing for a student accommodation agency in London. A regular speaker at BrightonSEO and often challenging search marketers to create a deeper understanding of the user intent that transcends the informational, navigational, commercial, and transactional classifications. He has completed ten marathons and has a goal of running 50 before he turns 50.
David Edmundson-Bird | Principal Lecturer in Digital Marketing & Enterprise Associate Director: Digital Innovation | Manchester Metropolitan University
David is Principal Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he leads a team of specialist digital marketing academics and runs a number of digital communications programmes. He is co-author of 7th edition of Digital Business & E-commerce Management with Dave Chaffey and Tanya Hemphill. David is Chair of Global Judging Standards for Don’t Panic. His role is to ensure objectivity, transparency and consistency across the judging panels for all Don’t Panic assets, and to provide a quality assurance process in the judging process. He set up Manchester Met’s first part-time MSc in Digital Marketing in 2007, their first full-time MSc Digital Marketing Communications in 2016 and Manchester Met’s Global E-Learning MSc in Digital Marketing. David founded Manchester Met’s Agency Life programme in 2012 to enable students to experience live work skills in the workplace very early in their course. He has enjoyed several spells in academia as well as senior management roles in the digital sector, helped to set up Manchester’s second web design agency back in 1995, He sits on the Board FutureEverything and is a trustee of The Education Trust.
Davina Lines | Managing Director | Mixing Digital
Davina Lines is Managing Director of Mixing Digital and the Ecommerce Club. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a big black book of digital contacts to ensure Mixing Digital’s event management services are of the highest standard. Davina co-founded Netimperative in 1999 and became Managing Director in 2002, stewarding the brand into new product launches and creating one of the most successful events programmes in the digital marketing industry. In the mid 90s Davina cut her digital teeth on New Media Age (now Econsultancy), forming part of the founding team and was responsible for the commercial development of the magazine and its early events from launch in May 1995 to 1999. In recent years Davina launched an ecommerce peer-to-peer community, the Ecommerce Club, which runs regular events in London and Manchester on topics relevant to the retail community.
Gareth Turner | Founder | Big Black Door
Gareth Turner, is the former Head of Marketing at Weetabix, where he oversaw the long-term brand strategy for the nation’s favourite cereal. He has over 23 years’ experience working within food and drink and has also had the pleasure of leading the marketing for household name brands like John Smith’s, Bulmers, Lurpak, and Arla in local and global roles. Since leaving Weetabix, Gareth has worked with household name brand teams like Coop, Birdseye (Nomad Foods) and Kingsmill (Allied Bakeries) to mentor their marketing leaders. He has also worked with scale-up, challenger brands like Mighty Drinks and Spoon Cereals to bring structure to and improve their marketing, and is a Non-Executive Director for Route, a media agency based in Newcastle.
Gerry White | VP of Growth | Mirador Local
Gerry White has been in the industry for 20+ years, with a background in development he transitioned to technical marketing leading on SEO, analytics and digital growth strategies for companies, agencies, the government and corporations such as the BBC. In the past few years Gerry has spoken at conferences around the globe including Paris, Germany, USA and of course the UK. Gerry was the Technical SEO Lead for Just Eat a FTSE 100 company in 12 markets as well as consulting for other e-commerce brands. Gerry was the SEO Director for Rise at Seven from 2020 to 2021 when they grew from 15 to 115 people before returning client side as the head of SEO at Oda an international supermarket.
Grant Simmons | Senior SEO Strategist | Healthcare Success
Grant is a Senior SEO Strategist with over 30 years in marketing with an emphasis on digital channels and focus on collaborative SEO consulting, analytics, content, and performance-based successes for Fortune 500 enterprises, local, multi-location, national, and international companies and organizations. Grant’s experience spans real estate, healthcare, addiction, e-commerce, senior care, technology, travel, and employment verticals, often sharing his experience and insights in vertical-industry podcasts, webinars, and publications, and as a speaker at SEO & marketing conferences worldwide, including; Pubcon, LRTCon, Chiang Mai SEO, Brighton SEO. SMX, and more.
Jaime Hill | Ecommerce Director | ex Oak Furnitureland, Hurtigruten & Monsoon Accessorize
Jaime has over two decades of experience as a Marketing & Ecommerce professional with a successful track record leading teams and developing strategy to transform organisations’ digital capability and channels to market. She has had success in roles at brands including Avis, Barclays, Dairy Crest and Oak Furnitureland, and across a wide range of B2B and B2C vertical markets. Most recently, Jaime was Interim Head of Ecommerce & Trading at Monsoon. A graduate of the Institute of Digital Marketing and qualified Executive Business Coach, Jaime's professional passion is for making life easier for the customer at every touch point.
Jason Yip | Head of Marketing Web, CRM and Analytics. | Newcastle University
Jason has over 20 years of Digital marketing experience, working in both the public and private sector for organisations such as One NorthEast, NewcatleGatehead Initiative, both universities in Newcastle upon Tyne; Northumbria University and now Newcastle University as the Head of Marketing Web, CRM and Analytics. He has led on and been nationally recognised for delivering diverse and creative Digital marketing projects, including the World’s ‘Coolest’ Tourism website as voted by the Sunday Times, Geordieland, an innovative use of a real-time social media map of Newcastle, NU World a virtual experience platform for Northumbria University and was recognised by The Economist as a ‘Change Ambassador’ for driving innovation in Marketing Technology.
Jennifer Szczepaniak Sloane | Marketing Manager | Lynton
With over a decade in Marketing, Jennifer is an expert in marketing processes and requirements for delivering success. Jennifer started her career within the science industry and has since gained experienced in a range of verticals, progressing from a Product and Marketing executive, through to Head of Marketing. After completing her MBA at Leeds University, Jennifer applied her knowledge, combined with previous experience to help grow her company. Jennifer is always looking to learn more from within and outside of her industry and champions innovation at any opportunity.
Jo O'Reilly | Freelance digital PR consultant |
Jo O’Reilly is a Freelance digital PR consultant based in Chester. She has been working in Digital PR for 6 years and before going freelance had worked both in-house and agency side. Before pivoting to Digital PR she worked as a journalist. She is fascinated with all things digital pr, especially reactive pr and newsjacking.
John Schumacher | Managing Director | Future Factory North
John Schumacher spearheads the Northern arm of lead gen agency Future Factory, which is now part of the Ingenuity Group. Being at the business for 10 years now, John has worked for agencies of all shapes and sizes and has encountered every possible challenge that agencies face in terms of growing their pipeline.
Karen Webber is a marketing coach and strategist. As the owner of Goodness Marketing, Karen helps small businesses with big hearts do marketing that feels good, does good and gets good results.
Lukasz Zelezny | SEO Consultant |
Lukasz Zelezny, UK Search Awards judge, Top10 UK Social Media influencer and former director of organic performance at uSwitch / Zoopla. Currently is working as an independent SEO Consultant helping in organic traffic acquisition, technical SEO and content marketing. Lukasz started his career in 2005 and has since been responsible for the organic performance of a number of companies including HomeAway, Thomson Reuters, The Digital Property Group, Fleetway Travel, uSwitch, Zoopla. Each year Lukasz is speaking at many SEO and social media conferences. He was a speaker at ClickZ Shanghai China, ClickZ Jakarta Indonesia, SiMGA Malta, SES London as well as Marketing Festival in Brno, Brighton SEO in Brighton and UnGagged in London. Every year he is actively participating in 10 to 20 events as an SEO/Social Media keynote speaker. Additionally, he organizes workshops and meetups where he is sharing tips around SEO, Social Media and Analytics. To get in touch with Lukasz simply search “Lukasz Zelezny” or visit https://Zelezny.uk
Michelle Gledhill | Senior Lecturer Advertising and Marketing Communications | Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
Dr Michelle Gledhill is a specialist in in advertising, branding and media. My former position (2010 to 2022) as Programme Leader for MSc Creative Advertising Strategy combined my expertise in strategic thinking when working on live briefs with brands such as Manchester City, the Happy Linen Company and Rockstar Spirits, with my passion for developing and nurturing student talent in the Manchester and across the UK. This has led to a new role where I am the Marketing Retail and Tourism Employability Lead. She will be working with agencies and businesses to enhance the career prospects of MRT students. Her fascination for branding led her to complete a unique doctoral thesis on how brands are processed whilst playing videogames. She is a highly experienced marketer, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), CIM Senior Examiner and HE Examiner.
Nadya Koleva | CEO | Eventagrate
Nadya is a senior executive with an outstanding track record in Marketing, Events, Operations, Interactive Technology and Business Development, working with companies such as NEOM, HBO Max, Cartier, Nokia, Atlantis, Nissan, Qatar Airways etc. A proven leader of high-performing teams, who aim to create seamless journeys both online and offline, connecting the dots of what it truly means to be “digital”. Most recently Nadya was the head of Planning, Operations and Data science of NEOM’s Marketing team and has just transitioned to her new role as a CEO of a digitally driven real estate company in Dubai.
Neil Hardy | Digital Director | MID COUNTIES COOP
Neil has been involved in the digital industry since 1994 when he launched his first website for travel brand Page & Moy. He has worked for several blue-chip companies including TUI, The Co-op, Icelolly, Midcounties Co-op and more recently Shearing’s Holidays. With a strong commercial background, digital results and ROI are key focus points in any award judging. Follow Neil on Twitter @hardyneil
Neville Hobson | Social Strategist, Communicator, Podcaster |
Neville Hobson is a UK-based communication professional, consultant, and podcaster with extensive experience in digital marketing and social media strategies. Over three decades in corporate communication, he has been a prominent figure in how emerging technologies, and social media, shape business, communication, and marketing practices. Neville co-founded the popular business podcast For Immediate Release (FIR) in 2005, offering insights and opinions on public relations, social media, and digital communication to a global audience. Known for his expertise in external and internal communication and the evolving role of AI, Neville has helped organisations use podcasting to enhance their communication and engagement strategies. An early adopter and advocate of digital communication, Neville has been blogging since 2002 and sharing insights at industry and other public events. He is a frequent speaker at client events where he discusses the intersection of technology, communication, and business, and future trends. As a long-serving judge for multiple communication awards contests, he brings a seasoned perspective to evaluating digital communication excellence.
Oleksandra Khilova | SEO Specialist and Marketing Manager | Collaborator.pro
Oleksandra Khilova is SEO Specialist and Marketing Manager at Collaborator.pro. Oleksandra has over 8 years of experience in SEO and Digital PR. Oleksandra regularly attends webinars, conferences, and SEO-related events. She focuses on SEO, Link Building, Marketing, Branding, and Reputation Management.
Pankaj Pilaniwala | Product Owner | Google
Pankaj Pilaniwala is an insightful Product leader who has extensive experience in creating impactful products that can grow businesses and change lives. He's led and built products in Edtech, Fintech, and other customer-facing technologies - including running a startup that gamified learning experience. He understands how to create data-driven products that give customers what they need. He brings together expertise in tech, and people management skills when it comes to creating an aesthetically pleasing tech ecosystem. His product acumen makes him an inspirational leader. He is an expert in his field. He is a true innovator who constantly explores new technologies to create new solutions to provide customers with the best possible experiences and has a proven track record of delivering delightful product experiences.
Prashant Verma is a senior software product development leader, leading the development of innovative and ground-breaking software products. He has an MBA from Haas School of Business, U.C. Berkeley, Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Tech, and Bachelor of Engineering from National Institute of Technology, India. With a career spanning 20 years, he has worked in some of the leading companies around the globe such as Genesys, Telstra, Hutchison 3G, Symantec, TIBCO, and Penumbra, Inc. He is a Fellow of British Computer Society, Senior Member of IEEE, Member ACM, and has judged several international awards such as Edison Awards, Stevie Awards, Brandon Hall Awards, SIIA Codie Awards, Globee Awards, etc. He has developed more than 23 successful software products that are used by almost all Fortune 500 companies across the globe.
Rebecca Hill | Streaming and Social Lead | Channel 4
Rebecca has been at Channel 4 for 16 years starting in the London office shortly after the channel launched its on demand service. She has played an integral part in Channel 4’s commercial success in the digital advertising landscape and has developed strong relationships across network and independent agencies. Rebecca moved to the Manchester office 6 years ago to expand digital sales representation outside of London ensuring customers in the Nations & Regions are well-informed about Channel 4’s digital products and propositions.
Rejoice Ojiaku | SEO Manager | Nelson Bostock UNLIMITED
Rejoice Ojiaku is an SEO Specialist & Content Strategist, as well as the Co-Founder of B-DigitalUK – a platform for showcasing and empowering black talent in the UK digital marketing scene. Her expertise lies in SEO, Diversity and inclusion, all bolstered by strong personal branding both online and offline.
Richard Gregory | Founder | AgencyNXD
Richard is co-founder of AgencyNXD as well as an advisor and NXD to multiple tech firms and agencies, including Adzooma, Fluid Digitial and Ruler Analytics. Heralding from “Silicon Ramsbottom” he is an ardent supporter of the digital and tech industry in the North of England. Previously, Richard was the managing director of digital agency Latitude, director of Tech North and co-founder of SAScon.
Sarah Orrill | Head of Digital Media | TalkTalk
Sarah is a highly commercial and strategically minded marketer with extensive experience across a range of sectors, including Retail, Online gambling, and Telco. In her role as Head of Digital Media, at TalkTalk, she leads the team responsible for driving profitable new customer acquisition through Affiliates, Paid Search and Organic Search.
Steve Kuncewicz | Head Of Creative, Digital & Marketing | Glaisyers ETL
Steve is a Partner and Head of Creative, Digital and Marketing at Glaisyers ETL in Manchester. He specialises in intellectual property, media social media and privacy law and is listed as a "recommended lawyer" in the Legal 500, and was a oo-founder pf the Bulletproof Agency Network. He is a regular media spokesperson, and has given interviews to the local and national press through BBC Breakfast, Sky News, ITV, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC London. Steve is also the Manchester Publicity Association’s Honorary Solicitor.
Tom Salmon | Management Consultant |
Tom Salmon is a management consultant specialising in agency innovation, strategy, positioning and growth. Prior to running his own consultancy, Tom was managing director of the award-winning digital agency Epiphany, a £12m turnover business employing 190 people in London, Leeds and Sydney. He now also works with voluntary and community organisations to develop strategy, communications and impact.
Veronika Höller | Global SEO Lead | CompuGroup
Veronika is a Global SEO Lead and has worked in SEO and PPC marketing for over 14 years. She started as a copywriter and PPC Manager in a little Ads Agency. She has continuously developed herself further into the direction of SEO. Over the years, she has worked as a digital marketing manager in agencies and international companies, including CompuGroup where she is now. International SEO and PPC Strategies are Top of her priority list. She views SEO as a whole puzzle and not just individual sub-areas, hence why she trained herself in all areas – content, technology, PPC, SMM and UX. Today she spreads her knowledge as a speaker on the stages of international digital marketing conferences such as BrightonSEO, SMX advanced, International Search Summit etc. For her all digital marketing channels have to be united to get the best of your website.
Yevgeniy Samoilenko | Head of Research and Development | Technology Leadership Center | Advisor | Freedom Holding Corp.
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2024 The Strongest Yet For 4X Northern Digital Awards Winner Cedarwood DigitalRead More
"The awards ceremony reminds us how strong digital performance is in the north of the UK and it’s great to have this recognised at an event. As an agency, it’s great to come together with agencies and businesses from the north to recognise some of the fantastic work completed over the last 12 months and celebrate in true northern style!" Cedarwood Digital
"The Northern Digital Awards is a highly anticipated event that celebrates the outstanding achievements of digital marketing agencies across the North of England. Simul Digital’s nominations across multiple categories highlight our expertise and dedication to excellence. We are proud to have been shortlisted for the following awards: Best PPC Campaign, Best Ecommerce Website, and Best Small Digital Agency of the Year." Simul Digital
"We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a finalist across all six of the categories we entered. outbloom was created as an accessible solution for brands looking for innovative solutions and experienced partners for their performance marketing. This is the first time we have entered the Northern Digital Awards since founding outbloom, so to be shortlisted against our peers, many of which we know personally is a true testament to our values and success over the past 18 months. We couldn’t be more proud to be shortlisted, and are looking forward to awards night (we all know Northerner’s know how to party!)" outbloom
“We couldn’t be prouder to be shortlisted for the third year on the trot, and especially when we have secured a place on the shortlist in four award categories! We take these awards very seriously and always find it rewarding to be recognised independently for the hard work that we as a team, together with our partners put in day in day out. Whilst the wider market conditions have been challenging over the last twelve months, we have managed to deliver another record breaking year and we can never underestimate the contribution of our partners to our continued success. We’re looking forward to attending the Northern Digital Awards together with our Northern based partners and hopefully toasting a victory!”Paul Thompson Face the Future
“It’s amazing to be shortlisted for the Northern Digital Awards for the third year in a row. As a proud Yorkshireman and Northern company, we’re delighted to be shortlisted alongside the best campaigns and digital business’ in the North. Being recognised shows the power of teamwork, with Face the Future’s performance continuing to positively trend against the market, which is seeing negative growth. We’re looking forward to attending the Northern Digital Awards with the team from Face the Future and Green Ginger Digital. Good luck to everyone that has been shortlisted!” First Digital
