Digital Next co-founder, Mark Blackhurst, has been nominated as Global Director of the Year

Digital Next co-founder, Mark Blackhurst, has been nominated as Global Director of the Year at the 10^th annual IoD North West Director of the Year awards.

The Manchester entrepreneur – and former lawyer, who worked for a number of high-profile brands – is one of three shortlisted for the award, which celebrates top business talent in the North West and recognises the achievements of the region’s most dynamic directors.

Mark, co-founder and director at Digital Next – a multi-service internet marketing agency – commented: “It’s an honour to be in the running for Global Director of the Year, as there are so many exceptional business leaders across the North West. Our region is a hub for growth and tech innovation, providing forward-thinking businesses with the services and talent to turn their companies into global brands.”

As director of successful Manchester-based search engine optimisation firm SEO Next, Blackhurst launched Digital Next, earlier this year with co-founders, Justin Blackhurst and Vaibhav Kakkar. Digital Next aims to help companies take advantage of the opportunities available online and claim valuable real estate on emerging digital platforms. Mark already has solid credentials in the online marketing arena – SEONext reported a staggering growth rate of well over 500 per cent in its second year of trading (2010/2011), with a turnover of £1.6 million in 2012.

“The quality of entries this year was particularly striking and this is reflected in the final nominees,” said Darrell Matthews, regional director of IoD North West. “There is a great spread of talent from some of the region’s leading businesses and public sector organisations. Our awards are different to many, because they celebrate the people behind fantastic businesses.”

Global Director of the Year

• Christopher Baker-Brian – BBOXX (Macclesfield)
• Mark Blackhurst – Digital Next (Manchester)
• Julian Braidwood – Triveritas (Brampton, Cumbria)
• Tony Moore – Tenmat (Manchester)

Winners will be announced at an awards dinner in Manchester on 26 September, and will automatically go forward for inclusion in the IoD National Awards held in London on 11 October.

Digital Next provides integrated digital solutions, optimised web-hosting, design, SEO and social media strategy for SMEs and marketing professionals.

For more information, please visit: www.digitalnext.co.uk