Mae Day Marketing has clinched the global business marketing consultancy of the year award at the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards.

Judi-mae Alderton collage
A collage of highlights from Judi-mae’s involvement in the beer, brewing, and orchards sectors

Judi-mae Alderton’s business is based in Norwich, and the award recognises outstanding contributions to various industries, but especially the brewing, beer, and orchard sectors.

The achievement not only signifies Judi-mae’s dedication, but also highlights Norfolk’s marketing consultancy landscape on a global stage. Mae Day Marketing was picked from 27,515 nominations across 34 countries.

“Each winner of these awards has made a substantial contribution to their sector, with an innovative view to pushing business success and ideas,” said Corporate LiveWire awards judge, Osmaan Mahmood. “We were particularly impressed with Mae Day Marketing’s community feel, personal touch, and emphasis on service.”

Mae Day Marketing is a marketing and communications business with a diverse portfolio, specialising in innovative and personalised marketing solutions. Judi-mae has more than two decades of experience, serving as head of marketing for Woodforde’s and Lacons breweries before starting her own business in 2019.

During her tenure at Woodforde’s Brewery, she more than doubled their social media following, achieved a 300% increase in content reach, and secured over 20 pieces of press coverage. Her strategies contributed to the successful launch of new beer products and brands, as well as the successful sponsorship of the Barclay Stand at Norwich City Football Club.

At Lacons, Judi-mae led a marketing strategy to relaunch the decades-old heritage brewing brand. Her initiatives resulted in a 40% year-on-year increase in Lacons ale sales, a 254% surge in social media following, coupled with an 846% increase in social content reach. She also supported the brewery with a new website and online shop, which delivered £27,000 in web sales in its first year and a 230% increase in overall web traffic.

Judi-mae Alderton award
Judi-mae Alderton with her CorporateLiveWire award

Her involvement in beer festivals, brewery tours, and as a judge at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) regional awards events shows a personal and professional investment in the industry. She routinely engages with organisations like CAMRA, SIBA, and the British Guild of Beer Writers.

“I take great pride in receiving this esteemed award,” said Judi-mae. “It signifies not only my personal journey, but also the collaborative efforts of the entire industry, underscoring the remarkable ambition within the British brewin ccommunity.

“Beyond being a recognition, this award stands as a testament to the spirit of innovation, commitment to service, excellence, and, in truth, to me that also defines the dynamic landscape of brewing.”

Her journey with Mae Day Marketing began with a collaboration with Brook House Hops. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the company utilised its marketing budget wisely, thanks to Judi-mae’s guidance.

Sebastian Nielsen, marketing director at Brook House Hops, said: “Judi-mae initially ran a small consulting exercise and helped with our marketing plan. She was extremely thorough and had some great suggestions on how to structure and promote our business.

“After a few weeks, it became obvious that Judi-mae would be a brilliant asset to the Brook House team, so she started managing all of our PR and social media activity. As our business and needs grew, she helped us in many other areas, too. In all, we worked together for over 18 months.”