WINNER : HOLLY
THOMSON
2023
Sponsored by Durata
BEST NEWCOMER
WINNER : HOLLY
THOMSON
( BLONDE CREATIVE )
Holly Thomson is planting herself firmly into the copywriting industry – and she plans to continue growing her thriving business .
Last year , Holly ’ s business , Blonde Creative – under the previous name Holly Thomson Copywriting – was a finalist for Best New Business , narrowly missing out on the title .
But this year , a triumphant Holly came out on top in the Best Newcomer category .
And regardless of the competitive nature of any awards ceremony , Holly commended the collaborative and supportive environment of the sixth Tees Businesswomen Awards , saying : “ I love the fact that it ’ s women supporting women – and men are here too to join in , so it ’ s great !”
She credits her win to an accumulation of all the recent success Blonde Creative has earned .
“ We ’ ve achieved a lot of goals we ’ ve set out to do this year , which I ’ m really proud of – including a TEDx Talk that I ’ m part of in November .”
But Blonde Creative ’ s success doesn ’ t stop with Holly , as her business partner – and mum – Liz Atkin , is releasing a book , Refreshing Comms , set for release in 2024 .
“ It ’ s just been one thing after another – a nice chain of events ,” said Holly .
And the duo intends to carry this momentum forward .
Holly added : “ We ’ ve got big plans and we ’ re very ambitious . We would love to start growing the team , get more office space and just continue to help bring our clients ’ brands to life as we ’ ve been doing .”
And she says it ’ s the overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients that drives her forward .
“ I get a massive kick out of helping other people ’ s business dreams come true and it ’ s so lovely to watch our clients ‘ grow forth and conquer ’, as I always say !”
Dedication – Holding her Best Newcomer trophy is Holly Thomson , of Blond Creative , with Alison McGee from category sponsor Durata .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
STEPHANIE ZIELKE
( WOOD CONNEXIONS )
Stephanie , who started as a broadcast journalist and is a talented singersongwriter , has shown her entrepreneurial acumen and adaptability in her recent business journey , which saw her relocate to Poland to work alongside husband James .
There she learned Polish and , after developing the company ’ s marketing strategy , was identified as “ one to watch ” by the National Wood Flooring Association .
She co-founded Yarm-based Wood Connexions with James to be exclusive distributor to worldwide markets .
ELLA SNAITH
( SEMBCORP ENERGY UK )
The first female apprentice assigned to Sembcorp ’ s Water Treatment Plant at Wilton International , apprentice process operator Ella is passionate about showing young girls that a STEM career is a pathway to pursue .
Ella will complete her apprenticeship eight months early and transitioned to a Level 1 operations technician in August .
And although early in her career , she is comfortable in confidently sharing her ideas and raising issues directly with all levels of management .
FINALIST AMBER GIBNEY ( RAZZAMATAZ THEATRE SCHOOL )
Amber owns Stockton ’ s Razzamataz Theatre School , which offers high-quality performing arts classes for ages from two to 18 years .
Aged 25 , Amber is the youngest franchisee in the national network and despite launching only 10 months ago , has seen an 835 per cent growth in the business , welcoming more than 130 students to classes weekly .
Principal Amber manages a team of five staff to support physical and mental health through the arts and develop students ’ communication and social skills .
SPONSOR ’ S MESSAGE
Alison McGee , quality director , Durata , said : “ The Tees Businesswomen Awards 2023 celebrated remarkable achievements , showcasing the talent and resilience of women in business . Durata was proud to sponsor the Best Newcomer category for the fourth consecutive year . Holly Thomson of Blonde Creative , with her innovative approach and dedication , took the award home . Congratulations again from us all at Durata to Holly and all the nominees and winners of the evening .”