Katherine Jones said Liverpool is about to see a gap in the market being filled
Katherine Jones, a 35-year-old businesswoman from Garston, is bringing an exclusive event to the city(Image: Katherine Jones)
A woman “is incredibly proud” of Liverpool for hosting a major event after being “sick of seeing it everywhere else.” This year, the city will hold its first National Influencer Awards, and the finalists have been recently confirmed.
The ceremony, coming to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in May, celebrates creativity, impact, and excellence in digital influence by spotlighting people from various industries. The event will honour those in fashion, beauty, travel, fitness, technology, and lifestyle – as long as they use their platform to make a positive difference.
ThinK Wine Group’s Katherine Jones, alongside Liverpool Hospitality People Awards founder Steven Hesketh, felt it was time Liverpool started to rival Manchester and London in promoting its social media stars.
Katherine, a 35-year-old businesswoman from Garston, told the ECHO: “I’ve been in the marketing industry for 10 years, and these days, there’s an award for everything but for influencers.
Katherine Jones is the founder of ThinK Wine Group
“I’ve never been nominated as an agency or any of the influencers I represent. But I’ve been to lots of award shows, and they’re always in London. You see them everywhere, but here, there’s nothing here in the north for us, nothing even quite similar. We were sick of seeing that gap.
“I want to bring influencers to come here to experience Liverpool, get them here to spend their money, tag local businesses in the city and create the hype the city deserves. We’re bringing everyone here under one roof. There’s a gap in the market, and we’re going to fill it.”
Among the nominees are Leanne Campbell, Wayne Linker, Samantha Kenny, Molly McCann, Victoria Goulbourne, and The Scouse Ghetto Gourment. Still Ryan, Lydia McGrath, and Katie Piper are also hoping to walk away as winners.
Katherine added: “We have just announced our finalists, and what a list it is. The response from the region has been completely overwhelming, and the countdown is on.
“To be able to host this first-of-a-kind event here in our incredible city makes me even prouder. Celebrating people with purpose who use their social platforms in an inspirational way.
“As social media and online content continue to reshape how we connect, learn and engage, our awards aim to honour the influencers, creators, brands and thought leaders pushing boundaries and inspiring audiences nationwide.
“By spotlighting the authentic voices and groundbreaking campaigns, the National Influencer Awards champions those who use their platforms to make a positive difference, drive innovation and shape culture.
“Our mission is to create a community where creators can be recognised for their dedication and achievements. Through our annual awards ceremony, we will bring together industry leaders, brands and influencers, offering a unique opportunity for networking, collaboration and inspiration.”
The judges’ shortlist can be found below with the overall winner being announced on May 16, 2025.
Best Travel Influencer
- Mashtag
- India Moon
- Mia Khan
- Leyla Kazim
- Life with Bugo
- Lydia Dinga
Best Entrepreneurial
- Wayne Lineker
- Kate Stewart
- Carley Jones
- Jordana Franks
- Ashley Stobart
- Chloe Walsh Clomana
Best Family
- Raising Zion
- Ellie Liptrot/ The Hillarys
- Cara Delahoyde
- Bleu Briggs
- Jessica Hayes
- Stuart and Francis
Best Beauty
- Colleen Milner
- Samantha Kenny
- Erin Rose
- Adam Blends
- Chantelle Fenwick
- Adeola Karaole
- Chloe Walsh Clomana
Fitness and Wellness
- Ben Williams
- Molly Meatball McCann
- Jake Cornish
- Idris Virgo
- Izzy Fairthorne
- Alex Henry
- Victoria Goulbourne
- Toni Duggan
- Ashley Cain
Fashion Influencer
- Ellie Scales
- Soph Butler
- Molly Krenz
- Amie Dev
- Samantha Kenny
- Adeola Karaole
- Gem – The Weird One
Food and Drink
- Sandro Farmhouse
- The Scouse Ghetto Gourmet
- Ieuan Jones
- Kane Hinge
- Charley Ann
- Morgan Bold
- Angelina Perello-Javar
- Renes Cravings
Best Micro Influencer
- Carla Lawson
- Spray Tans by Jessy
- Rebecca Burgess
- Lydia Mcgrath
- Selma Bazara
- Fenlon Interiors
- Beth Boosted
Best Home and Interior
- The Markland Home
- Rachel Wilshaw
- Fenlon Interiors
- Kate Watson
- The Bowen Home
Comedic campaign
- Amelia X Chicken Shop Date
- Alison Hammond X Maybelline
- Angelina Senk X Whitefox
- Ellie Miller X Lenor
- Dylan Evans X Gillette
- Max Balegde X Prime video
- Victoria Niamh x Symprove Dancing
Most Aspirational
- Heather Bowling
- Still Ryan
- Safiyya Vorajee
- Abbie Quinnen
- Louis Mills
- Katie Piper
Best Podcast
- Nip Tuck Pod
- Paul and Lori’s What’s the story
- Olivia Attwood’s So Wrong it’s right
- Whitney Adebayo’ So what’s it giving
- Anything goes with James English
- Team Time with Livvy Roberts
- Abbey Clancy’s Exhibit A
Charitable campaign
- Charity Shop Sue X The British Heart Foundation
- Faye Winter X Guide dogs
- Safiyya Vorajee X Ashley Cain X The Azaylia Foundation PHD
- Leanne Campbell X Zoe’s Place
- Olivia McVeigh X Little Princess trust
- Lad Baby X Trussell trust
Green Campaign
- Charity Shop Girl Jen X eBay
- Jamie Windust X eBay
- My Plastic free home X Friends of glass UK
- Deliciously Ella X Ocado X Wholefoods Deliciously kids
- Sophs Plant Kitchen X Fussy deodorant