Aspire Media celebrates four award nominations ahead of fourth anniversary

Coleraine-based Aspire Media N.I. CIC is celebrating four award nominations across the AIB Business Eye Awards and Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards this October, as it prepares to mark its fourth birthday on 15 November.

Leading the celebrations is Aspire Media’s shortlisting for Small Business of the Year at the AIB Business Eye Awards — a proud milestone for the Coleraine social enterprise as it approaches its fourth anniversary. The winners will be revealed at ICC Belfast on Thursday 22 October 2026.

The following evening, Friday 23 October, Co-Founders Robert Campbell and Andrew “Andy” Cooper, alongside members of their team, will attend the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast.

Aspire Media is represented across three categories at the ceremony:

• Community Based Social Enterprise — Aspire Media N.I. CIC
• Best Use of Social Media — Inspire Social Co., its social media division
• Emerging Leader of the Year — Robert Campbell, Co-Founder and Operations Director

Together, the nominations recognise the enterprise’s development as a small business, its commitment to community media, its social media services and its leadership.

The recognition comes 14 months after Aspire Media established its base at River House, Coleraine, in August 2025.

Following its recent move to Office 403 within the building, the enterprise is continuing to strengthen its local foundations and develop its services for businesses, charities and community organisations.

Co-founded by Operations Director Robert Campbell and Creative Director Andrew Cooper, Aspire Media combines commercial media services with a social purpose.

Its work spans photography and video production through Aspire Media Studios, social media management and consultancy through Inspire Social Co., OCN NI accredited training through Aspire Media Academy, and community broadcasting through Aspire Media TV.

As a community interest company, Aspire Media reinvests profits into its community media work and Aspire Media TV, helping give local people, organisations and stories a platform.

Robert Campbell, Co-Founder and Operations Director, said: “To be shortlisted for four awards as we approach our fourth anniversary on 15 November is a significant milestone for Aspire Media.

“I am immensely proud of what Andy, our team and I have built together, and grateful to the clients, partners and local community who continue to place their trust in us.

“From the outset, our ambition has been to build a sustainable social enterprise that delivers professional media services while creating opportunities for our community. These nominations recognise the progress we have made and the relationships that have helped make it possible.

“River House has been our base since August 2025, and over the past 14 months we have continued to strengthen our foundations here in Coleraine. Our recent move into a new office within the building represents another step forward as we develop our services and plan for the future.

“We are proud to champion our local community. These nominations are a testament to the businesses, organisations and people who have supported our journey. We would be delighted to bring an award home for them to celebrate with us before our fourth birthday.

“We will see how the evenings unfold, but being shortlisted is already a meaningful recognition of our collective efforts. Our nomination for Small Business of the Year at the AIB Business Eye Awards is a particular honour.

“Although we have yet to see the full line-up of fellow nominees in our category, we extend our congratulations and best wishes to everyone shortlisted.

“Andy and I, alongside members of our team, are looking forward to attending the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards. The suits and dresses are being dusted off for an evening that will give us the opportunity to celebrate our team’s contribution, recognise the support of our clients and community, and join fellow social enterprises in celebrating their achievements across Northern Ireland.

“As we enter our fifth year, our priorities remain clear: delivering a high standard of service, investing in our community purpose and creating opportunities through media and training.

“These nominations give us further encouragement to build on what we have achieved and continue contributing to the community we are proud to call home.”

With its books open for new enquiries, Aspire Media is welcoming businesses, charities and community organisations seeking support with photography, video production, social media, digital communications and accredited training.

Winners will be announced at the respective ceremonies on 22 and 23 October.