Media sector enjoys its big night out

THE cream of North West media talent was celebrated last night at the annual How-Do awards.

Attended by a wide range of firms, from national players to small regional start-ups, awards were made in no fewer than 17 categories, including a special award made at  the end of the ceremony to Bauer Radio MD Dee Ford, whose courageous fight against cancer earned her a standing ovation.

In the absence of the ‘big two’ regional evening newspapers from the shortlist  – the MEN and Liverpool Echo – the Lancashire Telegraph was crowned newspaper of the year, fending off competition from The Bolton News and The Westmorland Gazette.

In a hotly-contested category, which saw eight companies vying for the Media Website title, Link2Portal.com, part of Ten Alps Publishing won the day.

Magazine of the year saw two titles, one traditional and one new media, recognised. They were Cheshire Life and Manchester Confidential.

BBC One and LA Productions’ second series of Moving On, was named best TV programme, and TBWA Manchester the best creative/advertising agency.

MEC Manchester was crowned media agency, while talkSPORT’s team earned the prize for media sales.

Liverpool-based Rippleffect – digital partner of TheBusinessDesk.com – won digital agency of the year. The company, now part of Trinity Mirror, is in the throes of a major expansion programme.

In another hotly-contested category Lakestar Media won SEO & PPC agency, while Juice Digital won the award for Social Media.

Consumer PR specialist Brazen was named agency of the year, while Lisa Morton’s property and professional services-focused agency Roland Dransfield was Highly Commended.

BBC Radio Cumbria’s Mike Parr Breakfast Show took the Radio Programme title. With early mornings a must, Mr Parr was tucked-up in bed and therefore unable to collect his award.

Liquid won the honour for design consultancy, and Nine Lives was named the best independent production company.

Macclesfield company Matmi – won a new award, for best app and game – for its Optathlon title produced in association with United Airlines.

Manchester stalwart Key 103 took the radio station award after a strong year which saw it raise more than £500,000 for a local children’s charity.