MVP

Give it up for our October MVP

by Shannon Coutanche
9 min read
MVP, People
Gemma Raw 2

The leaves have fallen, the weather is getting colder and the mornings are crisper – it’s officially November, autumn is in full swing, and the festivities are starting (maybe a little too early?) as we announce our October MVP. 

Our monthly MVP nominations are one of our favourite traditions at StrategiQ as we not only get to award our MVP to a duvet day and dinner on us, but we also get to nominate and celebrate all of the outstanding people in our team. 

Before we reveal our October MVP, let’s get into some of the wonderful nominations we received this month. 

Kicking off with Nick Wells, who has been recognised in nominations since the second he stepped through the door, and continues to be recognised for his dynamic creative mind and ideas: 

“I want to nominate Nick for MVP this month. Since joining StrategiQ Nick has really impressed me with his ideas in and outside the job, whether it be a creative post on LinkedIn or suggesting new creative ideas for our Friday meetings, it is no secret that he is obsessed with marketing.”

Next up, our HR Assistant, Lucy Edwards, continues to be that ray of light in all of our lives, embodying everything we love about the people at StrategiQ: 

She’s made me feel so welcome on my first week. From tech issues to getting to grips with Scoro, she’s been so helpful and friendly. Thanks Lucy!”

Our amazing Social Media Specialist, Lauren Grubb, has not only been a superstar in her own work but has gone above and beyond, taking care of the entire social team this month: 

“Beyond Lauren’s work ethic and inspiring contributions to various teams that I have seen so far, Lauren has been an integral part of the start of my journey at StrategiQ. With my line manager being away for my first few weeks, it could have been easy to feel somewhat lost, but from day one Lauren has made sure that I not only felt supported and fully prepared, but she has inspired and motivated me in my work. Lauren has helped me to play to my strengths and trusted me with work that has given me incredible confidence in my ability within my first few weeks. 

She’s also just the absolute BEST and grooviest person to work with!”

All these nominations meant there had to be a winner, but, coming in strong we had a joint third place, with 5 nominations each this month, a dynamic duo – our fantastic Technical SEO Manager, Gary Billington, and wonderful Marketing Executive, Olivia Phillips

Gary Billington, our Technical SEO Manager and our Batman of SEO, has made a serious impact at StrategiQ this month:

“This month, my MVP award goes to the SEO sorcerer himself, G-Wizz! Much like Batman, Gary operates in the shadows, working diligently behind the scenes to elevate every client he touches. His stealthy approach ensures that he goes above and beyond, often flying under the radar while still delivering exceptional results.

All of Gary’s clients are thriving and shower him with praise for his outstanding work. This month, he not only maintained his own roster of clients but also lent a helping hand to the rest of the team, ensuring critical web projects crossed the finish line. Keep fighting in the shadows, Gary—your efforts are clearly paying off, and we’re all grateful for your superhero skills!”

While Olivia Phillips, our Creative Marketing Executive, has been absolutely smashing StrategiQ’s values:

“I’ve seen a massive step up from this person this month. There are not many people driving thinking and creativity within the agency as much as Liv. A complete passion for ideas and an obsession with getting involved in the projects around her. It’s been clear this month that creativity lives in her veins and she’ll not rest until her ideas are being brought to life.

Fleximize, Smoke Free, Stoke Park Video, developing 4 C’s for a new client with Andy, as well as getting involved in what the design team is developing. These are just a few things I’ve seen and worked with Liv on this month and I know there’s been more. A fantastic work ethic to get this all moving and in a good place for our clients. Pushing ideas in her own time and driving discussion in R&D sessions, not to mention the way she’s handling herself in front of clients.

A very good month Liv, I can’t wait to see what’s in store moving forward.”

Coming in second this month, with 6 nominations, is our fantastic Project Manager and ball of energy, Grace Randall:

“My MVP nomination simply has to go to Grace! She’s had a phenomenal month with the launch of 3 websites, all whilst Bridget is away and supporting Mark as he gets into the swing of his role in the business. She’s great at solving problems at speed and always brings a buzz of energy that brightens my day. It’s a pleasure working with Grace and I can’t wait to see her excel even further in the future. Enjoy that well-deserved duvet day Grace!”

Congrats to all of our nominees and runners-up, but, that only leaves room for one more nomination – first place. 

In first place, our October MVP –  with an outstanding 10 nominations – is our sunshine powerhouse, Gemma Raw. This month, it’s clear Gemma has gone above and beyond for her clients, team, and StrategiQ. 

“Gemma is one of the hardest-working people I have ever known. This month, just to name a few things, she has led the renewal for the Lovat Parks marketing strategy, navigated the new rate card, been onboarded to new clients such as TAAS and ATI are lined up for a new website. To top that off, she’s also been shortlisted for a Dottie Award! She is dedicated to providing the best care for our own team and clients, there has been massive progress in her skillset and confidence. Celebratory trifle in order for October’s MVP 👑”

“Gemma has had a fantastic month filled with great QBR meetings, retainer renewals and has even bagged herself a nomination for the Dottie’s Marketer of the year! I know first hand she has also been brilliant over the last few weeks with the CX team and has balanced her day job with this extra support. Great month Gemma – keep it up!”

“Gemma is a sunshine powerhouse. Her infectious energy and constant smile brighten my days as soon as she walks through the door. This month, Gemma has truly excelled in her contributions. She played a pivotal role in showcasing her insights and knowledge during last month’s QBR with ATI, meaning they are now looking for a new project with us in 2025. Additionally, she took the lead in the Fleximize monthly meeting, driving discussions centred around NFV with confidence and clarity. Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as she has also been shortlisted for Dottie’s Marketer of the Year! What a queen.”

A huge congrats to Gemma who truly deserves these nominations, we appreciate everything you’re doing and can’t wait to see you continue to shine. Go and enjoy your well-deserved and overdue Duvet Day! 

Think you’re ready for a limitless career in a growth-focused team, and maybe even got what it takes to be our MVP? Check out our current vacancies: Account Director & CRM Specialist

Give it up for our October MVP

We don’t want briefs.
We want problems.
That’s where the magic happens.

StrategiQ Full Awards List
2024
Dotdigital Partner Awards
Retail Service Partner of the Year
DevelopHER Awards
Inspiration Award
UK Dev Awards
Rising Star
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Third Sector Website
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26/100
UK Dev Awards
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UK Company Culture Awards
Best HR Tool
Sunday Times' 100 Best Places to Work
Small Organisations Category
2023
DevelopHER Awards
Digital Marketer of the Year
UK Dev Awards
Best Third Sector Website
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UK Paid Media Awards
Best Use of Linkedin Ads
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European Paid Media Awards
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UK Agency Awards
Best Culture Transformation Initiative
UK Search Awards
Best Use of Search (Travel)
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Best Use of Instagram
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Best Audience Engagement Campaign
DevelopHER Awards
Emerging Talent
UK Search Awards
Best Use of Search
2022
Dotties Awards
Marketer of the Year
Elite Agency
Campaign Best Places to Work
Winner Top 50
UK Dev Awards
Project of the Year
UK Dev Awards
Travel Website of the Year
UK Dev Awards
Best Site Migration
UK Dev Awards
B2B Website of the Year
UK Paid Media Awards
Local Campaign of the Year
UK Paid Media Awards
Best Use of Attribution
UK Search Awards
Best Local Campaign (PPC) (LARGE)
UK Search Awards
Travel / Leisure (PPC) (LARGE)
UK Search Awards
Retail / Ecommerce (SEO) (LARGE)
The Drum Awards
Best Business Development Initiative
2021
UK Dev Awards
Best Migration
Campaign Best Places to Work
Winner Top 50
UK Agency Awards
Covid Response (Silver)
UK Agency Awards
Campaign Effectiveness Award (Silver)
UK Search Awards
Best Use of Search Third Sector (Silver)
UK Search Awards
Best Use of Content Marketing (Silver)
UK Search Awards
Best Large SEO Campaign
2020
Campaign Best Places to Work
Winner Top 50
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2019
DXA Awards
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2018
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Best Digital & Technology Business
UK Search Awards
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2016
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