This week we profile the shortlisted companies and individuals in this year's in-Cumbria Business Awards, in association with NRL.

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at Dalston Hall, Carlisle, on November 29, hosted by broadcaster Zara Janjua.

Best Marketing Professional, Sponsored by 32 West

Sue Colling, Lloyd Ltd

Marketing Manager at Lloyd Ltd in Carlisle, Sue has been instrumental in significantly enhancing the company's brand presence and driving business growth over the past year.

With over 20 years of experience, Sue has demonstrated exceptional skill and innovation, positioning Lloyd Ltd as a leader in its industry.

Sue's strategic approach involved designing and executing integrated marketing campaigns that utilised digital, social media, and traditional channels, resulting in a 40 per cent increase in brand visibility.

She organised successful events, such as product launches and trade shows, which attracted numerous potential customers and generated substantial media coverage. Her keen market insights, gained through thorough market research and competitor analysis, helped identify new opportunities, such as a high-potential market segment for advanced agricultural machinery.

Sue spearheaded the launch of a new line of technologically advanced tractors, implementing a creative marketing strategy that included targeted digital advertising, influencer partnerships, and interactive product demonstrations. Her brand storytelling efforts, which highlighted the company’s heritage and innovation, were effectively communicated through various content marketing channels, including videos, blogs, and social media posts.

Her meticulous execution of these strategies led to a 25 per cent increase in sales of the new tractor line within six months, a 50 per cent rise in website traffic, and a substantial growth in social media engagement. Her initiatives also improved customer loyalty, with a 15 per cent increase in repeat business. Sue's achievements underscore her status as an outstanding marketing professional, making her a deserving candidate for the Best Marketing Professional award.Nicci Rigby, MissionCX

Nicci has repositioned and rebranded MissionCX and ProjectCX, effectively simplifying complex technical offerings. Her expertise is evident in her successful leadership of marketing campaigns in a challenging nuclear environment.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nicci’s voluntary role as Marketing and Communications Lead for the Nuclear Association Cumbria highlights her dedication to regional skills development and community engagement. Her efforts have been crucial in ensuring a strong future for the local nuclear and defence sectors.

Nicci's work includes an award-winning work experience programme that earned the Golden Apple Award in 2023. In 2024, she launched a limited edition brand concept integrating the Golden Apple and MissionCX themes with skills mascots, aimed at increasing youth engagement in these sectors. This initiative saw record-breaking participation and facilitated new collaborations between Sellafield and BAE, culminating in a major careers fair. Future plans include a significant project for 2025 involving the international space station.

Her project management skills were evident in her orchestrating of these events, from branding to stakeholder coordination. With over 20 years of experience and a strong background in psychology and communications, Nicci's warm nature and marketing expertise make her an outstanding nominee.

Hannah Lewis, Realise HR

Hannah Lewis, Marketing Manager at Realise HR, has been pivotal in elevating the company's brand and market presence regionally, nationally, and internationally.

In 2022, the business, led by Martin Norris and Claire McLean, recognised the need for a dedicated marketing specialist to enhance their market strategy and growth. Hannah, a self-taught marketing professional with extensive experience across various industries, joined Realise HR and made an immediate impact by developing their first comprehensive marketing strategy.

Hannah's expertise spans SEO, content marketing, lead generation, social media, and web management. Her commercial acumen enables her to assess return on investment for marketing opportunities effectively. She is known for her ability to anticipate market trends, create structured marketing plans and deliver results with integrity and passion. Hannah's approach has fostered significant growth, including a 50 per cent increase in inbound enquiries, a tripling of website visitors, and over three million social media impressions.

Notable achievements include launching a successful TikTok platform, rebranding the company's SME retainer packages, which led to a 60 per cent increase in customers and developing targeted digital marketing campaigns with a 20-fold return on investment. As a result of her contributions, Realise HR was recognised as British HR Consultancy of the Year.