Winner: Oliver Hodgson, Platinum Live

Sponsored by 32 West

It is hard to believe that Oliver Hodgson is just 20 years old. 

Five years ago, Oliver dropped out of school but has rebuilt spectacularly since starting his own PR and events company, Platinum Live, in 2020. 

Platinum Live has grown to be a global creative communications agency, winning several industry awards and now well exceeding six-figure annual revenue. It is an agency known for implementing conversation-starting and thought-provoking campaigns. Oliver has worked with some of the most well-known firms and familiar faces in the UK, including Mitie, Porsche and Kendal Calling and regularly features on the likes of Sky News, GB News and ITV. 

Oliver has also led the media strategy for Gary McKee, aka Marathon Man, from Cleator Moor, during his challenge to run 365 consecutive marathons in 2022. In the end, Gary’s incredible efforts and mindset combined with Oliver’s headline-setting strategy raised a staggering £1.4 million for two cancer charities. 

He also leads the strategy for Whitehaven Alive, an annual food, drink, and music festival at Whitehaven Harbour. The event took place in September with over 6,500 people attending to watch performances from artists including Tinie Tempah, Sophie Ellis Bextor and the Vaccines. 

Oliver said: “The last three years have been an absolute whirlwind.  To be on this stage in front of so many inspiring businesses is incredible. Cumbria is the place I call home and it’s pretty emotional really because I think we have so much to actually shout about and I’m so proud to be from here. This is an incredible honour and now I just want to grow the team and continue collaborating. We have an exceptional marketing and PR sector here in Cumbria which I think we should be really proud of.” 

Caroline Barber, client relationship director at category sponsor 32West, said: "The calibre of entries in this category was extremely high. “However, Oliver Hodgson's passion and drive for his work shone through and it was clear to see the difference he has been able to make and achieve in his sector, demonstrated through clear metrics, over the past year. Our congratulations go to Oliver on this award and we wish him every success for the future."

Runners up:

Emma Sherlock, Stan Sherlock Associates

Mark Metcalf, West Port