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 a judge discussion to determine winners and, in some cases, silver awards.
None of our award judges can participate in the competition, and any conflicts of interest must be declared.
The UK Social Media Awards have been accredited ‘Outstanding’ by the Independent Awards Standards Council – Awards Trust Mark.
To apply to become a judge, fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Daniel Saunders | Head of Performance Marketing | Evergreen Finance London Ltd
For nearly two decades, I've thrived in the dynamic world of digital marketing, fuelled by an unwavering passion for data-driven strategies. My expertise lies in leveraging data insights to unlock new business opportunities and propel success. My approach is anchored in a deep understanding of different markets and competitors. This data-centric foundation allows me to identify trends, anticipate challenges, and establish a competitive edge. I actively collaborate with directors and heads of service, translating business goals into actionable plans informed by data-driven insights.
Neville Hobson is a UK-based communication professional with more than three decades of experience at the intersection of organisational communication and emerging technologies. He focuses on how technology, behaviour, and ethics are reshaping the communication profession, with particular interest in AI and human-centred practices. He has served as a judge for digital PR, social media, and communication awards programmes for over 15 years, bringing a rigorous, practitioner-led perspective to evaluating entries. His judging experience spans multiple international awards, where he is known for his focus on clarity of objectives, measurement, and the strength of the narrative behind the work. Neville is an active contributor to the global communication community, including his long-standing involvement with the International Association of Business Communicators. He also co-hosts the long-running For Immediate Release podcast, exploring how technology and changing behaviours are redefining communication in business and society. Based in Somerset, he writes and speaks about responsible communication, ethical AI, and purposeful work.
Lou Nylander | Founder | Wildflowers of London
Lou has over 15 years of experience holding down influential positions, managing global marketing teams and shaping the course of some of the world's leading digital advertising companies, including PubMatic, MediaCom, AOL/ The Huffington Post and Zenith. Before launching her marketing consultancy, Lou was the Global Marketing Director at Unruly and managed the marketing operation during the 2020 acquisition from News Corp to Tremor International. Five years ago, Lou founded 'Wildflowers of London'- Women's Circle, a social enterprise and events business focused on empowering women in South East London, where she resides. She fosters an inclusive culture across everything she does champions women, drives change, and leads from the front with a positive and inspiring attitude.
Luan Wise | Independent Social Media Consultant |
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.
Josephine Soei | Head of Marketing & Communications | DEICHMANN
As Head of Marketing & Communications at Deichmann UK, part of Europe’s largest footwear retailer, Josephine is dedicated to driving market share and enhancing the brand profile in the UK. Leading a dynamic team, she focuses on creating impactful, integrated marketing campaigns that resonate with the audience. Through authentic storytelling and strategic partnerships with brand ambassadors and influencers, she is positioning Deichmann as the go-to destination for family footwear. She was recognised by the British Footwear Association as one of the Top 50 in the footwear industry in 2024.
Cara Jackson | Marketing Lead | Bored of Lunch
Cara Jackson is an experienced Social & Content Lead with a proven track record in organic social media, TikTok strategy, and influencer marketing. She currently heads up marketing at Bored of Lunch, one of the UK & Ireland’s most successful food blogs, where she leads on digital strategy, content creation, and community growth. A CIM-qualified marketer, Cara also delivers social media training across Northern Ireland, sharing her expertise with businesses and creators alike. With four years of agency experience, Cara has worked with a wide range of brands across the UK & Ireland, driving impactful digital campaigns. Alongside her professional career, she leveraged her expertise in influencer marketing to create her own successful blog, @nifoodreviews, which has100,000 followers to date.
Claire Hoang | VP Social Media | ITV Studios
Claire Hoang is currently Vice President of ITV Studios Social Media 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.
Bea Farnworth | Global Senior Social and Community Manager | Tangle Teezer
I’m currently the Global Senior Social and Community Manager at Tangle Teezer, I’ve previously worked at PANGAIA and Gymshark. I lead the brand's organic social strategy while collaborating closely on paid campaigns, TikTok Shop optimization, and influencer initiatives. With a strong focus on driving engagement, community growth, and driving brand awareness. I bring a holistic approach to social media—blending creativity with data-led decisions. I thrive on building meaningful connections between brands and audiences.
Alex Natthaphon Kanjarnavoranun | Consultant in SEO, Digital marketing, and Digital transformation | Foundmatic UK
Alex Natthaphon is a highly experienced SEO expert, digital marketing specialist, and management role in marketing. TechNation UK has endorsed him as the highest-tier Exceptional Leader of UK Global Talent Visa in the Digital Technology category. He has achieved multiple successful career paths in different industries, including Finance, E-commerce, Travel, Education, Automotive, and more. Alex was VP of Digital Campaign Planning & Execution Manager at SCB bank, focusing on digital banking automation and transformation. He is a founder of ABACTODAY, an ed-tech and e-learning platform for students. He was head of SEO and digital marketing at multiple Unicorn startups in Southeast Asia. He has led and provided digital marketing consultants internationally; for instance in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, US, and UK. Not only online marketing, but he was also AVP Head of Omni-channel Marketing which focused on digital transformation at one of the biggest department stores in Thailand and UK.
Amy Mantle | Social Media Manager | Slimming World
Amy has worked in social media and PR for more than 12 years and currently manages the in-house social team at the UK’s leading weight loss organisation, Slimming World. She leads the strategic vision for social media content and engagement, brand awareness, and community-building, playing a key role in delivering high-quality content, providing expert training to Slimming World Consultants, and fostering meaningful connections across social platforms. While Amy loves all things social media, her true passion lies in strategy, community engagement and reputation management – ensuring brands not only connect with their audiences but truly inspire them.
Paul Aitkenhead | Head of Brand,PR & Comms | Gamma
Sofia Tyson | Senior Content Manager | Juro
I'm currently the Senior Content Manager at Juro, a SaaS company that empowers modern businesses to agree and manage contracts faster, powering 2m+ contracts for businesses like Trustpilot, Deliveroo, Remote, TheRealReal, and QuantumScape. I'm responsible for creating and executing our organic search strategy, which consistently drives revenue for the business. You'll also find me working on other content marketing formats, like case studies, sales enablement content, and content distribution opportunities.
Brendan Keegan | Assistant Professor | Maynooth University
Brendan Keegan is an Assistant Professor in marketing at Maynooth University. Interested in digital placemaking, digital and social media analytics and agency-client relation- ships, his research is published in various journals including European Journal of Marketing, European Management Review, and Management Decision. Brendan is also part of the GOGREENROUTES Horizon 2020 project investigating the role of digital placemaking and its relationship with the psychology of wellbeing through interconnected green corridors in public spaces.
Emily Enock | Head of Communications & Brand Essential Tech UK | Stealth Startup
- Own brand positioning, value proposition and messaging framework within a fast-paced, product-led startup environment - Lead integrated content and campaign strategy across digital channels to drive awareness, engagement and demand generation - Partner closely with product, leadership and external partners to translate business strategy into clear, audience-centric narratives - Establish brand guidelines and ensure consistent execution across all touchpoints - Introduce test-and-learn approaches to content and campaign performance, optimising at pace in a scaling environment
Sian Nicholas | Global Social Media Manager | Charlotte Tilbury
Siân is a driven and ambitious creative with 7 years experience in social media and fashion marketing, working with leading retailers as well as on a freelance basis. She is currently the Global Social Media Manager at Charlotte Tilbury, where she specialises in Instagram strategy, event-led social content and beyond. Siân graduated from the University of Southampton’s Winchester School of Art with a 2:1 honours degree in Fashion Marketing, complemented by additional studies in Writing for the Creative Industries and Writing to Publication. She also holds a certification in Fashion Law from the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University in New York City. In addition to her work in social media, Siân has recently begun sharing her expertise as a guest speaker on industry podcasts and panels.
Natalie Messingham | Senior Social Media Manager - Advocacy | John Lewis
Natalie is currently heading up Social Media and PR. She has 10 years of experience of working within social media, content and PR roles at Marks & Spencers, Currys and Tesco.
Andy Green | Co-founder | AndyGreenCreativity
Andy Green FCIPR FRSA is cofounder of the Dublin Conversations, the Modern Cockney Festival, and wrote 21years ago, the very first book on ‘Creativity in Public Relations’. He is a consultant in identifying purpose, brand storytelling, creativity, and managing Fake Purpose to enable his clients to fulfil their greater potential and make the most of opportunities. He is also a part-time university lecturer. Andy has written six books, translated into eight languages and believing inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of sources, even runs creativity classes on the London Tube.
Izzy Price | Head of Social Media & Digital Sentiment | St. James's Place
Izzy Price has 10 years’ experience within financial services marketing. After setting up the St. James’s Place social media team in 2019, she has developed their social media presence across multiple channels and increased followership by over 50%. With a degree in English Literature, a Certificate in Financial Services, and a Chartered Marketer, Izzy showed an interest in social media at the tender age of 13 - back then, it was all about MySpace! As a ‘third culture kid’ with friends living across the world, social media allowed Izzy to share life’s milestones online. With a love for all things social media, she loves to learn about the new and exciting trends: figuring out how these can be used by brands to build brand awareness and generate opportunities. She has a passion for telling stories; even better when these stories help develop consumer knowledge of the importance of financial wellbeing.
Dan Barker | eCommerce, Digital Marketing and Analytics Consultant |
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.
Paris de Reuck | Content and Facebook Advertising Strategist | Consultant
Paris has worked in social media and SEO for thirteen years, with eight years spent heading social media, influencers and editorial teams at MediaCom and OMD. Paris now works directly with companies and startups creating and managing their content, or improving the outputs of their staff, giving a fresh perspective on how to make content and social media efforts more effective.
Steve Kuncewicz | Partner and Head Of Creative, Digital & Marketing | Glaisyers ETL | X Profile
Steve leads Glaisyers ETL’s Creative, Digital & Marketing team and specialises in intellectual property, media, social media, marketing and privacy law, with a nationally recognised niche specialism in social media matters. He works mainly in the media, digital, creative, film, television, publishing, advertising and PR sectors, and is regularly listed as a “Recommended Lawyer” in the Legal 500. Working across the public and private sectors, Steve brings passion, commitment and commercial expertise to bear for his clients to manage and reduce legal, commercial, regulatory and reputational risk. He deals with both contentious and non-contentious matters, ranging from litigation before the County and High Court to cross-jurisdictional disputes and complex advisory and regulatory work involving the Information Commissioners’ Office, OFCOM and Advertising Standards Authority. Steve is also a regular media commentator to various broadcast and online outlets and a co-founder of the Bulletproof Agency Network, created to help businesses within the sector thrive against a changing commercial and regulatory landscape. He is also a Board Member of an Honorary Solicitor to the MPA, a co-founder and member of Pro-Manchester’s Creative, Digital & Media Steering Group and a Board Member of Rochdale Development Agency. In his spare time, Steve is a 1st Dan black belt in Shukokai Karate, husband to Claire, dad to James and Charlotte and an unrepentant pop culture, comics, movies and music geek.
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"Participating in awards is a great way to acknowledge the dedication that goes into creating brilliant work. It’s not about winning, although that’s always a fabulous bonus. The real benefit lies in recognising the collective effort and success of our teams and partners. It’s incredibly motivating and builds a sense of pride in celebrating our achievements. Beyond this, it allows us to showcase our capability and commitment to continued innovation, which plays a key role in attracting future talent across the industry." Tui
"We are thrilled to have won this award for the second consecutive year! This is a great recognition of our growth, the quality of work achieved and the wonderful team we’ve built in the last six years. We are all so proud and can’t wait to see what we achieve next."Zoe Stephenson, Co-Founder & Managing Director The Social Shepherd
"This award fuels our determination to continue building our reputation for developing strong and impactful products. We’re excited about the journey ahead and remain committed to delivering excellence in the ever-evolving world of social media. Thank you for this achievement!" Performics
"Being recognised at the UK Social Media Awards is particularly special to us, considering the high calibre of competition that extends across the country and many different industries. We are proud to be a shining example of the high-quality work that can be produced as a public sector organisation." Manchester City Council
"To have our successes recognised nationally by UK Social Media Awards, both in paid social and as an agency, after a period of challenge and change, is a wonderful testament to our dedication to our clients and passion for social media." Oh So Social
"The UK Social Media Awards not only honour remarkable achievements and innovations in social media marketing but also serve as a launchpad for future triumphs for all the winners."Alex Blomfield Motive Agency
"The Don’t Panic team have been a pleasure to work with: professional, responsive, and genuinely supportive throughout. These awards are incredibly valuable, not only because they recognise creativity and results, but because they provide an important platform to showcase best practice, celebrate innovation, and benchmark against some of the best in the industry. Being shortlisted has been a real highlight for our team, and I would highly recommend the experience to others."Karen Smith, Regional Head of Marketing ACCA
