The inaugural National Influencer Awards lit up Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza last Friday night, as the red carpet was rolled out for some of the UK’s most creative, passionate, and powerful digital voices. The glamour-filled evening, hosted by Liverpool’s sweetheart Leanne Campbell, was a celebration of an industry finally being recognised for its vital role in modern media and business.
Leanne, who also received a Special Award for Liverpool City Region Advocacy, was visibly moved by the occasion: “I was delighted to be asked to host this event & what an event it was! So many amazing, glamorous, creative & talented people all having a ball and celebrating their industry finally being recognised for its contribution to society. Also getting an award myself was an amazing surprise which truly meant the world to me!”
The evening featured live entertainment, a buzzing atmosphere, and a packed room of familiar faces celebrating their peers and the ever-growing impact of the influencer industry.
Award Winners Included:
- Jen Graham – Green Campaign
- Lydia McGrath & Carla Lawson – Micro Influencer (Joint Winners)
Carla, a single parent, said: “It still hasn’t quite sunk in! I love my job… being recognised for this award means so much to me.” - Alison Hammond – Comedic Campaign (accepted via video due to Bake Off filming)
- Chantelle Fenwick – Beauty Influencer
- Samantha Kenny – Fashion Influencer
- Fenlon Interiors – Home & Interiors
- Helen Briggs – Family Influencer
- Ellie Millar – Most Creative Campaign
- Heather Bowling – Aspirational Influencer
- Wayne Lineker – Best Entrepreneurial Influencer
Wayne remarked: “I’ve never seen anyone get a dance floor packed so quickly in my life as those singing waiters – what a great night!” - Ben Williams – Fitness & Wellness Influencer
- Safiyya Vorajee & Ashley Cain – Best Charity Campaign, for their work with The Azaylia Foundation. Their emotional speech moved the audience to tears.
- Angelina Perello Javar – Food & Drink Influencer
Special Recognition Awards:
- Jerome Griffin (Scouse Ghetto Gourmet) – Contribution to Hospitality in Liverpool
- Kate Stewart – Empowering Women in Liverpool City Region
Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, praised the event’s impact: “These awards have shone a spotlight on the talent and creativity across the industry… we’re delighted to have supported these awards and to recognise the individuals setting new standards across the industry.”
Following the ceremony, guests partied into the early hours with an afterparty at Liverpool hotspot Zenn.
Event founder Katherine Jones was thrilled with the night’s success: “Not only has it been well received locally but guests and nominees travelled from all across the UK. It means so much to me to be able to recognise the hard work that influencers do. I can’t wait to do it all again!”
With the success of its debut, the National Influencer Awards has firmly established itself as a landmark event in celebrating digital creativity and influence.
