I’ll admit it – this one feels pretty special.
I’m incredibly proud to share that I’ve been awarded the Business All-Star Thought Leader in Digital Marketing 2026 Accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF).
When I started Copper Square, I simply wanted to help businesses communicate better. I loved marketing, loved telling stories and believed that every business, no matter its size, deserved access to great marketing advice. More than twenty years later, that passion hasn’t changed.
From working with local independent businesses to charities, councils and international brands, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of organisations grow through strategic marketing, digital communications and social media. Seeing those businesses succeed has always been the biggest reward.
Receiving this accreditation is a lovely reminder to stop for a moment and reflect on the journey.
I was born in Bangor, studied at Queen’s University Belfast and now live in Portaferry, where I’m proud to run Copper Square. Alongside my consultancy work, I also enjoy giving back to the business community through a number of voluntary roles, including Vice Chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Ireland Committee, Secretary of Newtownards Chamber of Trade and Secretary of Portaferry Regeneration Ltd.
Supporting businesses has always been about more than marketing. It’s about giving people confidence, helping them see opportunities and making growth feel achievable. Whether I’m mentoring a new business owner, delivering a workshop or working as a Fractional CMO, my goal is always the same: to help businesses become more visible, more connected and more successful.
What makes this recognition even more meaningful is the credibility behind it.
The Business All-Star Accreditation is awarded by the All-Ireland Business Foundation following a rigorous independent assessment process. The accreditation programme has been developed under the guidance of Dr. Briga Hynes from the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick, with applicants assessed against the Foundation’s pillars of Performance, Trust and Customer Centricity. Knowing that the process is independently assessed makes the recognition all the more rewarding.
The world of marketing never stands still. New technologies, changing consumer behaviour and the rapid growth of AI mean there’s always something new to learn. That’s one of the things I love most about this profession. There’s always another challenge, another idea and another opportunity to help businesses grow.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Copper Square journey so far. I’m excited to see what comes next!