Freelancers to Look Out For in 2024
Freelancer of the Year 2024 Finalists
The freelance community continues to thrive with exceptional talent and innovation. The "Freelancer of the Year" award celebrates the remarkable contributions of freelancers who have made a significant impact in their fields. This year, we received an overwhelming number of nominations, showcasing the diversity and expertise within the freelance world.
We are excited to present a longlist of 20 outstanding freelancers who have excelled in their domains and are poised to make even greater strides in the coming year.
Meet the Longlist
Sophie Griffiths
Company: Sophie Griffiths Co
Sophie Griffiths is a digital marketing strategist and Meta ads specialist focused on supporting women and neurodivergent individuals. Motivated by her journey through motherhood and an ADHD diagnosis, Sophie transitioned from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship seven years ago. She empowers women with her "Lionhearted Marketing" podcast, courses, and programs, training over 300 women in effective marketing strategies. Her Audience Builder Course and R.O.A.R framework drive significant business growth. Sophie's colorful, engaging approach makes complex ad strategies accessible. She loves tea (with a chocolate hobnob!) and can usually be found in activewear.
Reason for Shortlisting: Sophie’s exceptional digital marketing skills and dedication to making marketing accessible to neurodivergent and female entrepreneurs position her as a standout freelancer. Her innovative strategies and commitment to client success have driven significant growth for numerous businesses. Sophie's ability to demystify digital marketing and her personal approach to client engagement make her an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category.
Tamara Holland
Company: Dot & Stripe
About: Tamara Holland is a creative powerhouse behind Dot & Stripe, specialising in marketing for children’s activities providers and family-focused businesses. Her extensive experience in the industry, both as a franchisee and a marketing leader, provides her with unique insights into crafting effective marketing strategies. Tamara's dedication to helping businesses connect with their ideal customers is evident in her tailored approach and innovative solutions.
Reason for Shortlisting: Tamara’s exceptional marketing skills and her ability to translate client visions into impactful campaigns highlight her as a key influencer in the children’s activities sector. Her innovative Capture & Convert program and her strategic focus on the industry have driven significant growth and recognition for Dot & Stripe. Tamara's work continues to inspire and set new standards in marketing for family-focused businesses, making her a standout candidate in the Freelancer category.
Karen Thatcher
Company: Thatch Creative
About: Karen Thatcher is the founder of Thatch Creative, a Freelance Creative and Communications Consultant based in Kent. Specialising in charity and church communications, Karen offers a wide variety of services including design for digital and print, videography, storytelling, marketing, web design, training, and full communications overhauls. Her business emphasises creating authentic branding and sustainable communication strategies. Karen’s role is varied and ever-interesting, with empathy at the core of her work, ensuring effective and heartfelt communication for her clients.
Reason for Shortlisting: Karen’s exceptional ability to transform the communications strategies of charities, churches, and small businesses makes her a standout freelancer. Her background in nursing, combined with her self-taught expertise in digital communications, highlights her resilience and dedication. Karen’s innovative approach, empathy-driven work, and commitment to excellence ensure her clients feel valued and understood. Her impactful work with The Beehive project and her efforts in community engagement further illustrate her dedication to making a difference, making her an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category.
Kerry Hogan
Company: Kerry Hogan
About: Kerry Hogan is a dedicated charity communications specialist based in North West London, known for her impactful work with non-profits. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for social media, Kerry focuses on helping small, dedicated teams amplify their messages to reach larger audiences. Her work is centred around empathy and understanding, using personal stories to develop digital content that resonates deeply with audiences.
Reason for Shortlisting: Kerry’s exceptional writing skills and dedication to supporting charities and non-profits make her a standout freelancer. Her ability to create engaging content and execute successful campaigns, such as the Resources for Autism webinars and the My Death, My Decision campaign, highlights her expertise and impact. Kerry's innovative use of digital platforms and her empathetic approach to storytelling ensure that her work not only raises awareness but also fosters connection and understanding. Her commitment to using her skills for good and her impressive achievements make her an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category.
Linda Bucksey
Company: LR Creative Studio
About: Linda Bucksey is a visual brand and graphic designer specialising in the tech and Web3 space. After eight years of employment, she embarked on her freelance journey two years ago. Linda has collaborated with renowned companies such as Nvidia, Dynata, and Horizen Labs, gaining invaluable insights into the technology industry. Her logo design has been recognised and featured in LogoLounge Book 14, placing it among the works of the most acclaimed logo designers globally. Beyond the Web3 space, Linda illustrated the book cover and inside illustrations for "18 Money Energy Laws" by V. White. In her free time, she enjoys travelling and creating illustrations.
Reason for Shortlisting: Linda’s exceptional design skills and her ability to thrive in the rapidly evolving Web3 space make her a standout freelancer. Her work with high-profile clients like Animoca Brands and Bored Ape Yacht Club, coupled with her published logo in LogoLounge Book 14, showcases her talent and dedication. Linda's journey from Latvia to London, her commitment to balancing motherhood with her career, and her passion for inspiring others highlight her as an influential figure in the design industry. Her achievements and innovative approach make her an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category.
Thuha Wright
Company: Digital Seamstress
About: Thuha Wright is a Paid Search Specialist and data enthusiast with over 17 years of experience. She has worked extensively in the travel and eCommerce industries, handling budgets ranging from £1K a month to £30K a day. Thuha specialises in a scientific approach to paid search strategy and training teams on how to use GA4 for marketing. Since starting her freelance journey in 2018, Thuha has worked with notable clients such as Kuoni UK, providing expert consultancy on digital marketing and paid search strategies.
Reason for Shortlisting: Thuha’s exceptional expertise in paid search and her dedication to continuous learning make her a standout freelancer. Her innovative approach, exemplified by her work with Kuoni UK and other clients, has led to significant improvements in lead generation and revenue. Thuha's ability to balance professional excellence with personal commitments, such as supporting her daughters and volunteering, demonstrates her versatility and commitment. Her impactful contributions to clients, from increasing revenue to streamlining processes, highlight her as an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category.
Debbie Ringwood
Company: The Marketing Shop
About: Debbie Ringwood is a seasoned marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in B2B and B2C markets. She has worked with startups and renowned brands, driving business growth with her extensive knowledge. Debbie is a Canva Empower Community Canvassador, LinkedIn Certified Marketing Insider, and META Certified Community Manager, demonstrating her commitment to staying current with marketing trends.
In 2011, Debbie founded The Marketing Shop to provide SMEs with simplified, tailored marketing solutions. Her expertise in marketing strategy, social media, Canva, WordPress, email, and marketing technology helps SMEs elevate their businesses through affordable and innovative solutions.
Reason for Shortlisting: Debbie’s blend of expertise, experience, and dedication makes her a standout freelancer. She specialises in serving solopreneurs, startups, and SMEs, delivering exceptional results. Her ability to craft tailored marketing strategies and implement effective campaigns drives business growth for her clients. Debbie’s hands-on approach and commitment to education ensure she provides cutting-edge solutions.
Debbie’s achievements include creating over 50 websites and supporting startups. Her project management skills and ability to simplify complex tasks showcase her as a versatile professional. Debbie’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to client success make her an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category.
Kimberley Andrews
Company: Ingenious Marketing
About: At Ingenious Marketing, Kimberley Andrews provides expert advice and marketing solutions to businesses in Kent and beyond. Offering a range of services, including design, website development, and social media management, Kimberley focuses on helping her clients grow their businesses while ensuring their marketing needs are in safe hands. With over a decade of marketing experience across various sectors, Kimberley is dedicated to delivering clear and effective marketing solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.
Reason for Shortlisting: Kimberley’s extensive experience and dedication to providing personalised marketing solutions make her a standout freelancer. Her ability to support businesses through tailored strategies and innovative solutions, such as her work with Experience Oxfordshire and Mote Runners, highlights her expertise and commitment to client success. Kimberley's proactive approach, continuous learning, and diverse skill set ensure that her clients receive the best possible service, making her an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category. Her contributions to local businesses and charities showcase her dedication to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.
Katie Wilber
Company: Cotswold Connected
About: Katie Wilber is the founder of Cotswold Connected, providing stress-free social media management for small and medium businesses across the UK. With over ten years of marketing experience, specialising in social media, Katie helps businesses grow their online presence and actual business. She launched Cotswold Connected in 2021 during the last lockdown, overcoming severe anxiety, and has since won Best Online Business at the Stratford-upon-Avon Business Awards. Katie is also a finalist in the Ladies First Awards.
Reason for Shortlisting: Katie’s dedication and expertise in social media management make her a standout freelancer. She has achieved remarkable success for her clients, including viral Instagram reels with millions of views and significant increases in social media reach. Katie’s proactive approach, focusing on organic content and staying updated with industry trends, ensures her clients' social media presence and businesses thrive. Her shift towards training others and building her own online community highlights her commitment to empowering businesses and expanding her impact.
Ellie Denney
Company: The Marketing Den
About: Ellie Denney, founder of The Marketing Den, brings 20 years of experience in digital marketing and leading digital teams. Formerly Head of Digital Marketing for the National Trust, Ellie has been recognised as a leader in digital media via BIMA 100. The Marketing Den provides marketing consultancy and training to charities and visitor attractions, with clients such as The Woodland Trust, The Royal Horticultural Society, WWT, The British Horse Society, IIED, and Go Ape. Ellie was recognised as South West Startup of the Year in Marketing, Advertising, and PR.
Reason for Shortlisting: Ellie’s extensive experience and innovative approach make her a standout freelancer. She has transformed the digital marketing efforts of numerous organisations, doubling memberships, increasing social media followings, and raising substantial funds through digital campaigns. Ellie’s dedication to helping charities maximise their impact through efficient marketing strategies and training has made a lasting impact on the sector. Her initiative, The Marketing Grotto, has provided over £120,000 worth of pro bono marketing services to charities, showcasing her commitment to giving back.
Joanne Higgs
Company: Higgs Creative
About: Joanne Higgs is a Logo & Brand Designer, Illustrator, and Artwork specialist with over 10 years of experience. As the founder of Higgs Creative, Joanne focuses on supporting predominantly female-run businesses with design services that help them stand out and attract their dream clients. She empowers these businesses with the tools to create continuity and send a clear message to their ideal clients. Joanne is also a mum, a feminist, and a cheerleader for other freelancers and small businesses.
Reason for Shortlisting: Joanne’s journey from struggling to find design opportunities to building a successful freelance business highlights her resilience and passion. She leverages digital strategies and social media to connect with clients and support her work. Despite health challenges and balancing family commitments, Joanne has successfully created a business that thrives on digital platforms, offering tailored design services. Her supportive and inclusive approach, combined with her creative skills, makes her an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category.
Emma Peries
Company: Digital Mother
About: Emma Peries, aka Digital Mother, is a digital marketing consultant and trainer who specialises in social media. With over 20 years of experience in content creation, Emma has transitioned from a career as a broadcast journalist in radio and TV (GMB) to specialise in social media and digital marketing. Since launching Digital Mother in 2017, her consultancy has flourished, offering social media management, training, workshops, and a membership (The Digital Mother Club).
Reason for Shortlisting: Emma’s dedication to empowering women is evident through her work at The Digital Mother Club, a social media marketing membership for female solopreneurs to master all things Instagram and LinkedIn. The club has celebrated its first anniversary. Emma teaches live twice a month on strategy, tech and set challenges (Reels, Carousels and Collabs) and the club co-works together once a month to get things done and hold people accountable. The growth of the women in the Club is evident.
Tilly Lander Williams
Company: Moor Heart Copy
About: Tilly, founder of Moor Heart Copy, is a copywriter and case study specialist based in Exeter, Southwest UK. She supports freelance digital marketers and service providers in attracting their ideal clients through the power of words. A creative writer at heart, Tilly is passionate about storytelling in marketing and elevating purpose-led businesses.
Reason for Shortlisting: Tilly’s journey from law to successful copywriting showcases her resilience and adaptability. Her unique blend of legal background, social media marketing expertise, and creative writing sets her apart. Tilly’s storytelling approach deeply connects clients with their audiences, driving business growth. Her commitment to helping women in business and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities make her an inspiring candidate.
Niki May Blane
Company: Big Bee Content
About: Niki is the founder and creative director of Big Bee Content. In collaboration with expert freelancers, she creates impactful content and strategies for ambitious, mission-driven brands. Big Bee Content is a one-stop shop for digital content, providing a unified, cross-channel approach. With over 20 years of experience across various sectors, Niki brings a focus on user experience and supportive content to her projects.
Reason for Shortlisting: Niki's leadership in building and managing 'The Content Hive' is remarkable. Her collaborative approach ensures top-quality content while providing sustainable income for independent producers. Despite personal challenges, Niki has grown Big Bee Content by 50% in the past 12 months. Her dedication to creating impactful content and her ability to manage complex projects make her a standout candidate.
Siân Morgan-Owen
Company: Digitally Dazzling™
About: Siân Morgan-Owen is the founder of Digitally Dazzling, an Online Business Management Agency. Starting her entrepreneurial journey ten years ago as The Admin Genie UK, she quickly became a beacon of support and creativity for women in online business. Living in Staffordshire, UK, Siân enjoys a cosy evening with good company, a glass of red wine, and a piece of cheese, but also loves travelling and exploring new places. Her curious and proactive approach to life drives her to constantly embrace new challenges and experiences.
Reason for Shortlisting: Siân’s transformation from a corporate employee to a successful online business manager is inspiring. Her resilience in the face of personal tragedy and her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs make her a standout candidate. Siân's innovative approach to content repurposing and her dedication to personal and professional growth have made Digitally Dazzling a vital resource for many successful women-led businesses.
Tanya Schroeder
Company: Huntress Digital
About: Meet Tanya Schroeder, the operational powerhouse behind Huntress Digital. Tanya brings a global perspective to her mission of slaying organisational chaos and growing thriving remote teams. With her expertise and experience, she has developed a multi-functional approach to operations and project management, solving problems while building resilient and adaptable organisations that achieve sustainable growth.
Tanya has a knack for strategic thinking, a wicked sense of humour, and an eye for efficiency. Whether it's optimising workflows, enhancing website user experience, implementing new technology, or fostering team collaboration via the perfect GIF, Tanya is committed to helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape. Like her many adventures abroad, she navigates ambitious teams through the ever-evolving digital terrain, ensuring they emerge stronger than ever before.
Reason for Shortlisting: Tanya’s diverse background and relentless pursuit of operational excellence make her a standout candidate. Her journey from cosmetology to managing remote teams showcases her adaptability and determination. Tanya's strategic implementation of ClickUp and tailored solutions have transformed workflows and increased profitability for numerous clients. Her commitment to fair pay, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication across diverse teams demonstrates her dedication to fostering positive and productive remote work environments.
Morena Fiore
Company: Kirbys of London Ltd
About: Morena Fiore runs Kirbys of London Ltd, a digital agency in North London specialising in creating WordPress websites and providing SEO services for small businesses. Web development has been Morena's passion since she was a teenager, and she finds happiness in doing what she loves for work.
Reason for Shortlisting: Morena’s journey from learning web development as a teenager to running her own agency highlights her dedication and passion. Her focus on empowering women and explaining technical concepts in an accessible way showcases her commitment to client education and support. Morena’s ability to provide comprehensive digital strategies, along with her web development and SEO services, makes her a standout freelancer.
Roisin Skinner
Company: Roisin Events & Skills LTD
About: Roisin Skinner is the force behind Roisin Events & Skills LTD, specialising in transforming ordinary events into unforgettable experiences. With a decade of experience spanning various sectors, including not-for-profit, small business support, education, and global video production, Roisin brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every project. Her ability to engage audiences and deliver exceptional event experiences makes her a sought-after event moderator, training consultant, and 1:1 coach.
Reason for Shortlisting: Roisin's unique blend of skills and her capacity to deliver high-impact events and training sessions position her as a leading freelancer in the industry. Her innovative approach to event moderation, bespoke training curation, and personalized coaching has not only garnered her a diverse client base but also a reputation for excellence. Roisin's ability to step in and save events, like the last-minute hosting for City Girl Network, and her comprehensive e-learning solutions for clients, showcase her versatility and dedication to client success. Her continued efforts to engage and inspire through events and training make her a standout candidate in the Freelancer category.
Michelle Ratcliff
Company: Michelle Ratcliffe
About: Michelle Ratcliff is a passionate social media manager who took the brave step to start freelancing last year. Her journey began by reaching out to a social media agency, which hired her as a content creator and social media manager. Over the past year, Michelle has built a client base, creating purposeful content and managing social media strategies for various brands. Her dedication to learning new features and experimenting with AI tools like ChatGPT helps her craft engaging and impactful content.
Reason for Shortlisting: Michelle’s exceptional ability to create engaging social media content and her proactive approach to managing campaigns make her a standout freelancer. Her success in raising awareness for campaigns, increasing social media engagement, and achieving client targets showcases her expertise and dedication. Michelle's innovative strategies and willingness to take risks have driven significant results, making her an inspiring candidate in the Freelancer category.
Samantha Robinson
Company: Scrappy Lizard Marketing
About: Samantha Robinson is the founder of Scrappy Lizard Marketing, a digital agency dedicated to helping small businesses thrive online. Samantha offers services such as social media management, consulting, and training with a focus on collaboration and transparency. After transitioning from an agency to freelance work a year ago, she has built a strong client base through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Reason for Shortlisting: Samantha excels in demystifying social media for small, local businesses that lack the budget or expertise to manage it themselves. Her hands-on approach and commitment to client education have earned her high praise and numerous recommendations. With a solid background in agency work, Samantha brings comprehensive digital marketing expertise, making her a standout freelancer. Her ability to grow her business entirely through client referrals highlights her exceptional service and dedication.
The "Freelancer of the Year" award shines a light on the incredible achievements of freelancers who use their talents and expertise to make a significant impact in their fields. This longlist celebrates the diversity, creativity, and dedication of these outstanding freelancers. We are thrilled to recognise their contributions and look forward to celebrating their continued success and impact in 2024.
These 20 freelancers exemplify the power of independent work and its potential to drive meaningful change. Their work not only advances their respective fields but also inspires others to harness their skills and creativity for the greater good. We congratulate all the shortlisted candidates and wish them continued success in their endeavours.
The Digital Women Awards are proud to celebrate these extraordinary individuals.
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