The Northern Digital Awards have been celebrating the North for 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.
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.
Brendan Keegan | Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing | MMU
Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School Brendan has taught digital marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School for eight years after a short career in agency land. With a background in communications and web development, his research interests centre around strategic digital marketing in the services industry. Recently awarded a PhD in Social Media Marketing Campaign Development, he utilised networks of digital agencies in the North West to develop a conceptual framework of campaign strategy development using new and emergent technologies.
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.
Dan Baker | |
Dan has worked in ecommerce for around 20 years. He has worked within companies in ecommerce functions, up to CMO level, has worked on projects for more than 100 ecommerce businesses as a consultant, and has co-owned a couple of ecommerce businesses with millions of visitors and hundreds of millions of turnover between them over the years. He enjoys the opportunity that ecommerce has brought and can bring to people all over the world.
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.
David Chadderton | Head of Digital | Homes for Students Ltd
Following a highly successful first career as an RAF Air Combat Instructor flying Tornado fighters around the world, Dave forged a second career in digital consultancy, working freelance and later for digital and lead generation agencies before finding his home 'in-house'. His data-driven approach to ROI-based digital marketing has helped Homes for Students become one of the biggest student accommodation companies in the UK, growing by over 98% in the last 2 years and generating over £200M revenue pa. His fully integrated approach to all digital channels has been applauded by industry leaders such as SEMRush and Ahrefs, and he's constantly pushing the 'norm', preferring to lead in the sector rather than follow. Away from work, Dave enjoys beach walks on the Wirral with his partner and two Jack Russells, Bella and Bobby (aka @sideeyebob). He does other stuff too, but the beach walks are the best.
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.
Denise Maskew | Head of Digital Ecommerce | Talk Talk
Geoff Kennedy | Digital Marketing & SEO Consultant |
Geoff Kennedy is a digital marketing & SEO Consultant with over 15 years of experience working with clients from around the globe. Throughout his career, Geoff has played a pivotal role in driving organic traffic and enhancing online visibility for numerous organisations, ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations. His expertise spans across multiple industries, including e-commerce, technology, finance, and travel. Geoff currently operates as an independent consultant, specialising in SEO audits and providing strategic marketing support.
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.
Joanna Bodley | Senior Lecturer In Digital Marketing & Marketing | Manchester Metropolitan University
With over ten years’ experience, Joanna Bodley has seen every side of the industry from creative to comms and large to small agencies, as well as in-house teams. She has developed, implemented and overseen social and digital strategies and provided guidance for a wide range of clients like The Co-operative Bank, Gumtree and Chewits. She has a keen understanding of the complexities involved in making digital, social media, content and advertising efforts a success. She harnesses this as a speaker and professional educator, having delivered training for numerous organisations, including Econsultancy. Jo is now a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and course director for their MSc Digital Marketing programme. She also runs her own consultancy, Jo & Co.
Julia-Carolin Zeng | SEO Consultant | Charlie on the Move Ltd
Julia started her career in SEO 5 years ago in the online gambling industry working for an affiliate company. She has since worked in different industries and is a freelance SEO consultant since 2019. She specialises in international SEO and works mostly with B2B SaaS companies in Europe and the US. Her educational background is in linguistics and cultural anthropology, and she can communicate in French, Spanish and Italian, in addition to her mother tongue German. Julia is usually based in London, but she loves travelling and the digital nomad lifestyle.
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.
Kaylee Peterson | Head of SEO | We Buy Any Home
Kaylee Peterson is the Head of SEO for We Buy Any Home, Sold.CO.UK, and Proffered. She has a background in digital marketing, PR, and operations both in-house and agency. She specializes in content SEO and customer relationship management and is passionate about user experience. American-born, Kaylee holds a B.S. in Public Relations from Kent State University, and an MBA from Richmond University in London.
Liam Howley | CMO | musicMagpie
As Chief Marketing Officer at musicMagpie, Liam is tasked with the development and direction of the business's strategic marketing plans to maximize brand growth, customer acquisition, conversion and retention through online and offline channels. This includes control and management of internal digital, marketing and design teams & external agencies, with responsibility for planning, analysing and optimising a multi-million pound marketing budget in the UK for musicMagpie.co.uk and in the US for Decluttr.com.
Luan Wise | Marketing Consultant | Luan Wise
Luan Wise is a chartered marketer and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM) with more than 20 years’ experience in agency, client-side and consultancy roles. She has worked with clients across B2C and B2B, providing both hands-on support and strategic consultancy. In addition, Luan writes and delivers social media marketing training programmes for in-house teams, plus organisations including LinkedIn, Facebook, Google, professional bodies, and university business schools.
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
MARTIN SFP BRYANT | Founder | PreSeed Now
Martin SFP Bryant is the founder of UK startup newsletter PreSeed Now and technology and media consultancy Big Revolution. He also edits the Geekout social media industry newsletter with Matt Navarra. Martin is a speaker, writer, and educator in the fields of technology and media. He was previously Editor-in-Chief of international technology publication The Next Web, and Community Editor at Tech North, where he shone a light on the stories of startups and entrepreneurs in the North of England.
Mike Deyes | Deputy Director of Marketing | University of Liverpool
Mike is the Associate Director of Marketing at the University of Liverpool and leads on digital channels. He has a background in PR, communications and fundraising in both charity and education sectors. Mike is a great supporter of industry awards having sat on Northern Digital, Public Sector and other judging panels.
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
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.
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.
Stephen Kenwright | Exited Founder | Rise at Seven
Stephen founded SEARCH-FIRST creative agency Rise at Seven in 2019, growing it to employ 110 people across 4 offices and reaching revenues of more than £7m, before exiting in 2022. He previously held senior roles at digital transformation consultancy Kin + Carta PLC and the UK's largest automotive retailer Pendragon PLC. He founded SearchLeeds, a conference that hosted more than 2,000 marketers at the first direct arena in its most recent iteration.
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 Hill | Head of Digital Marketing | Pretty Little Thing
Tom has over 10 years of experience in Digital Marketing, having worked at independent agencies, network agencies, and in-house. After starting his career agency-side, working on accounts such as Asda, Halfords, Sofology and Ronseal, he made the move in-house, firstly leading the Digital Marketing and Media teams at Sky Bet, before his recent move to Pretty Little Thing, where he is the Head of Digital Marketing. He has previously guest lectured at Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Trinity University, and has also acted as an advisor to multiple ad tech companies. Tom brings a wealth of experience across the entire spectrum of Digital Marketing channels.
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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"The entry process itself was easy and intuitive; the platform was simple to use, and it didn’t take long to submit our entries. In terms of impact on the business, it has been significant – of course, our entire team was delighted to be recognised, but being shortlisted has also been noticed by existing and prospective clients alike, who often comment to us on the many updates they read about on LinkedIn." Cantarus
“The Northern Digital Awards showcases some absolutely phenomenal northern talent and we’re proud to not only stand beside them as nominees but to come out victorious for not one, but two awards. Such an amazing start to the year and something First Internet is incredibly proud of.” First Internet
"Youwe UK are delighted to have been crowned winners at the Northern Digital Awards 2023 for the Best eCommerce Website. The awards ceremony really was a real reminder of how strong the digital sector is within the North of England." YouWe
“When the affiliate programme was launched in 2021, Threadbare wasn’t a recognised brand name. The shortlisting for the Northern Digital Awards is amazing recognition for the achievements already made, in such a short space of time.”Dave Trolle, Founder Customer First Digital
“As one of Yorkshire’s longest-standing creative digital marketing agencies, it’s an honour to be representing our county at this year’s Northern Digital Awards” Sowdens
"We've both had the pleasure of being nominated, winning, and celebrating these awards throughout our careers. Working together as partners, we\\\'re excited to celebrate the North together."Justin Clark and Lee Benecke SocialNorth
“As a Northern business, the team are incredibly proud to have collectively contributed to growth across the company. Entering the awards allows them to share and celebrate their successes together and share their story with the other business owners and entrepreneurs that have inspired them.” Face the Future
