Young Sunderland communications entrepreneurs land top award

The two young communications entrepreneurs based in Sunderland have landed a prestigious award for their PR agency venture, M.A.D Communications.

25 year-old Marie Donnelly and 27 year-old Amy Armstrong scooped the Blueprint Young Business Award 2014 at a recent ceremony at Sunderland’s National Glass Centre.

Marie said: “To win a Blueprint award again is incredible and demonstrates just how much we’ve progressed over the past 12 months, we’re both thrilled to have been recognised by the judges once again.

“The standard of entries was so high, and there were so many talented businesses in our category that it was an honour just to be shortlisted. We were shocked and surprised when we won!”

The Blueprint Business Planning event is an annual business competition that showcases the enterprising talent of students and graduates from the University.

Amy added: “We are currently working with a range of clients at the moment, around the North East and beyond, from a wealth of businesses within the creative sector to individuals and organisations who simply want to communicate with a youthful audience.

“We’re really passionate about all of the organisations we work with and that shows in our work. Winning the award is a great achievement for us and provides a great platform for us to showcase our business.

“We’ve come so far over the past year and we’re looking forward to moving into our own office space in September.”

Other winners on the day included Sophie Vickerson, who took the Bright Idea Award, and, Deborah Whittle, who won the One-to-Watch Award.

Vince Robson, Blueprint organiser and University Business Development Manager, said: “Blueprint is now in its 11th year and each year the incredible innovation and entrepreneurship our students and graduates demonstrate exceeds all expectations.

“These awards are the perfect opportunity to showcase the enterprising talent we have here at the University and we’d encourage anyone with a great idea or just starting out to enter these awards.

“We’ve had some fantastic entries this year and incredibly inspirational ideas. This event was a celebration of employability and enterprise, demonstrating what our exceptional.”

The winner and runner up of each award category – Bright Idea, One-to-Watch and Young Business award – were presented with £500 and £250 respectively. In addition, the Bright Idea and One-to –Watch award winners receive membership and adviser support at The Enterprise Place, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-2013.

The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.