One of Yorkshire’s longest established digital creative marketing agencies, Sowden & Sowden, is looking to the future as it nears the end of its 40th year, and celebrating internal promotions for two of its brightest stars.
The new appointments have seen Beth Gray finish her fourth year at Sowdens as a senior account manager, and Ruby Keable take on the new role of digital account manager.
Following a string of high-profile client successes, the pair have demonstrated an unparalleled level of commitment to personal and professional growth, both in and out of the workplace.
The news comes as part of an unforgettable year for the Sowdens team as it celebrates being shortlisted in the Team Impact (11> People) category at this year’s People in Business Awards, which takes place this Friday, June 30 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Hull. The agency was also nominated for Best Small Digital Agency of the Year at the Northern Digital Awards.
Sowdens’ co-owner and managing director, Polly Sowden, said: “Our people have always been central to our success as an agency, so I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to give internal promotions. Both Beth and Ruby are excellent examples of how dedication and hard work pays off at Sowdens.
“Our culture is built around development, rewarding high performers, and creating an environment in which people do their best work and thrive. Alongside Beth and Ruby, every one of our talented team deserves a mention, and being shortlisted at this year’s PIB Awards is already a fitting accolade for the people who deliver big results for our clients every day.”
Beth hit the ground running as a marketing assistant at Sowdens in 2018 helping to deliver PR and organic social media accounts for retail and education clients. Even in the early days Beth demonstrated the ability to add value to the agency’s growing client portfolio.
She has since contributed to a client portfolio that has grown exponentially over four years and has seen success leading the client services teams for The Hague Group, University of Hull, Aura Innovation Centre, Arbor Forest Products, Hull York Medical School and VUBA Resin Products.
This is only set to increase in Q3 as Beth has helped lead the winning pitch team for new projects for a range of high-profile clients, winning tenders to the value of six figures.
Marie Ennals – Arbor Forest Products’ marketing manager – said: “Beth is a pleasure to work with, an absolute diamond and a joy to be around. Beth doesn’t just go above and beyond; she consistently goes the extra mile in everything she delivers. Whether it’s a creative PR idea to gain the best coverage or dreaming up a unique internal comms campaign for staff buy-in.”
As well as delivering impressive financial results, Beth’s commitment to charity has also seen her raise more than £3,000 for causes such as Mrs Cawley’s Little Stars. For this, Beth took part in the recent Hull Half Marathon. Her efforts were backed all the way by Sowdens, which funded the charity’s merchandise, as well as making a generous donation and sharing the fundraising story on the agency’s social channels to help raise awareness.
Since 2021, Ruby has been forging her own path at Sowdens, working closely with Beth on a range of high-profile events, projects and campaigns. These include the Business Week Dinner and the renowned Business Day held annually at Bridlington Spa for long standing client the University of Hull, bringing Sowden’s flair and new dimensions to these regional events.
In addition, Ruby has developed an impactful social media platform for clients in the low-carbon industry and education sectors, helping to take the Aura Innovation Centre brand to market, and supporting the launch of the UK’s first ever Festival of Green Innovation to business communities far and wide. This has given Sowdens’ clients a consistent presence in an ever-growing digital world.
Having joined Sowdens as a digital marketing executive in 2021, Ruby has progressed rapidly into her new role as digital account manager, leading an expanding client base that includes City Health Care Partnership CIC, Bridlington School, Northcott School and Sixth Form, and the Flood Innovation Centre.
Polly added: “Beth harnesses her energy in a positive way, even when challenges arise. Her grit and resilience have developed – two things that give Beth a distinct advantage and are also valued by our clients.
“Ruby is an articulate and hard-working member of the team and has come on leaps and bounds since starting with us in 2021, always looking for new ways to expand her knowledge to the benefit of clients. Together I’m confident they’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
