The finalists of the inaugural Northern Ireland Social Media Awards have been announced after over 300 entries were received and judged by an independent panel of experts.
Entries spanned over a broad range of industries including finance, tourism, education, government, retail, healthcare and fitness.
Included in the shortlists for the first ever awards are the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Department of Finance, Danske Bank, Lisburn & Castlereagh Council, Hastings Hotels, Visit Causeway Coast & Glens, Tayto, Larchfield Estate, Moy Park, Kingsbridge Private Hospital, the Irish Football Association and Suitor Bros.
The NI Social Media Awards aim to shine a light on the local businesses, organisations and individuals excelling in social media marketing.
There are 27 award categories including Best Social Media Campaign in Public Sector, Best Use of Social Media in Retail, Most Innovative Use of Social Media and Social Media Marketer of the Year.
The awards have been created by two of Northern Ireland’s leading award-winning digital marketers and industry mentors, Niamh Taylor of Digital 24 and Caroline O’Neill, owner of DIGG For Success and DIGG Childrenswear.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Mark Wright, BBC Apprentice Winner and director of the UK’s fastest growing digital marketing agency, Climb Online, said: “We had an incredibly hard task of shortlisting from over 300 entries. It’s encouraging to see how businesses and organisations of all sizes in Northern Ireland are using their social media platforms to grow and generate income. The results being achieved are very impressive but what is even more applaudable is the depth of knowledge being shown by so many of the entrants.”
Fellow judge, Louise Rumball, founder of London based social media and influencer marketing agency, Chapter Three added: “The effort people put into their applications should be commended. From the hundreds of entries received, it’s clear that local businesses, organisations and individuals understand the power of social media and the positive effect it can have with many using it to inspire and educate people across Northern Ireland. On behalf of the judges, congratulations to all the finalists and we look forward to celebrating the local stars of social media marketing excellence at next month’s event.”
Joining Mark and Louise on the judging panel are former Dragon on the RTE Series of Dragons' Den and Joint Managing Director of the Cara Group, Ramona Nicholas; Stephen Baxter-Crawford, social media manager for Queen’s University Belfast; global digital marketing trainer and consultant, Emma Gribben; Valerie Roe of Valerie Roe PR in Dublin who drives the growth of well-known brands with compelling digital PR campaigns and California based Gary Hughes, CEO of lifestyle company Deuce Brand.
Individual category sponsors include Bellamianta, Tayto, Boost Drinks, Íon Distillery and BNL Productions.
For the full list of finalists or to purchase tickets for the NI Social Media Awards gala event on Thursday 26th September in the Europa Hotel go to www.nisocialmediaawards.com
Source: Written from press release. Pictured are founders of the awards, Caroline O’Neill and Niamh Taylor.
