As the deadline to enter the Prolific North Marketing Awards 2023 is fast approaching, we’ve had a chat with some of our judges to find out why awards matter.
With the final deadline for entries on 4th August, the Prolific North Marketing Awards celebrates marketing talent and creative excellence across the region.
Our judges share what they love about our awards, why they decided to become a judge and thoughts on the importance of awards.
Why did you decide to become a part of Prolific North’s independent judging panel for these awards?
Gareth Turner, founder of Big Black Door Consulting and former head of marketing at Weetabix, said: “It’s a great opportunity to be inspired and learn from some of the best campaigns in the region.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet other respected senior marketers in the North. I’ve judged these awards a couple of times now, and I especially love seeing the entries from smaller brands on smaller budgets. They’re the ones that show the most creativity.”
For Kimberley Hardcastle, Assistant professor in marketing at Northumbria University, it helps her to engage with what’s happening in the industry.
“In my capacity as program leader for one of the largest marketing degree programs in the North of England at Northumbria University, Newcastle, I’m delighted to act as a judge at the esteemed Prolific North marketing awards 2023.
“Being a judge enriches teaching, inspires students and opens doors to numerous opportunities that can benefit them academically and professionally. My active engagement in the industry further bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, providing a more comprehensive and valuable learning experience for students. This goes a long way towards retaining top marketing talent in the North East, something I’m very passionate about.”
Whether it’s raising a company’s profile, helping with clients or pitches, there’s plenty of reasons to enter industry awards.
For Turner, he said: “It’s a chance to recognise and reward the team that has delivered the results. Too often we go straight from one campaign to the next without taking the time to reflect on a job well done.
“Awards also give some credibility to case studies. The Prolific North awards have a robust panel discussion where the winners are selected. If you win, you can rest assured that you’ve earned it.”
Dr Hardcastle agrees: “Historically, the North of England has often been overlooked for marketing creativity, but this perception is changing and there is a growing recognition of the North’s marketing excellence. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives and awards focused on regional talent are helping to showcase the remarkable creativity and innovation emerging from the North of England.
“I believe the Prolific North marketing awards are super important for businesses, the awards serve as a powerful platform for businesses to showcase their strengths, gain industry recognition and elevate brand perception in the market, thereby attracting new opportunities and enhancing a business’s overall success’.”
With plenty of team, company and campaign categories to choose from, make sure you get your entries in before the final deadline on 4th August. Good luck!
A big thanks to our category sponsors and partners this year:
