A disability rights activist, a home cook whose online success has led to a debut cookbook and a host of local businesses were amongst the winners at the 2022 Northern Ireland Social Media Awards in partnership with the Corner Bakery.

The awards celebrate the individuals, organisations and businesses that are excelling in social media and digital marketing as well as using it for social good. The winners were announced at the social event of the year in the Europa Hotel and attended by over 450 representatives from a host of industries including retail, hospitality, tourism, government, health and fitness.

Some of Northern Ireland’s best loved social media influencers were recognised including Nathan Anthony who set up his social media platform, Bored of Lunch over lockdown to get people cooking and eating healthier and now has a combined following on TikTok and Instagram of over half a million as well as over 40m views and the social media success as well as a soon to be released debut cookbook, was named Food Influencer of the Year.

Viral sensation Jim Moore AKA Only Slaggin, who is well-known for his barbecue cooking videos and counts Gordon Ramsey as one of his over one million followers on social media, picked up two awards for Content Creator of the Year and Best TikTok Content Creator.

Disability-rights activist, India Sasha, who has a rare congenital hand defect called Symbrachydactyly and uses her social media platform to help change the way the world sees disabilities was named Lifestyle Influencer of the Year.

Wardens of Newtownards won Best Use of TikTok in Business whilst Galgorm Resort won Best Social Media Campaign in Hospitality/Tourism and DFI Beds was awarded Best Use of Social Media in Retail.

The Irish FA picked up three awards – Social Media In-house Team of the Year, Most Innovative Use of Social Media and Best Overall Use of Social Media.

Founders of the NI Social Media Awards, Niamh Taylor, Managing Director of Digital 24 and Caroline O’Neill Business Coach and Social Media Consultant of Digg For Success and Digg Mama said: “We are delighted to celebrate everything that is good about social media which has played a huge part over the last two years in all of our personal and professional lives. It has helped get us through some very dark days and has also been the most amazing tool during this challenging time to help businesses grow. Over 400 entries were received and our judges were blown away by every single one of them.”

Speaking on behalf of the judges, Oonagh O’Hagan, Managing Director of Meaghers Pharmacy Group added: “The quality of the entries reflected the sheer hard work businesses, organisations and individuals across Northern Ireland are putting into their social media platforms. It is clear that local businesses are being very strategic in their plans and many are exceeding their targeted goals. Meanwhile, the content that is being created is engaging audiences and capturing the hearts and minds of people across the platforms. Congratulations to all of our finalists and winners and keep up the amazing work!”

Individual category sponsors include Balmoral Healthcare, Belfast City Centre Gift Card, Bellamianta, BNL Productions, Bodyfit Mums, EP Design, Holistic Kidz, House of Vixen, Malfy Gin, MCG Investment, Ooh & Aah Cookies, Pod Camping Ireland, Todds Leap, Ted & Stitch, Jans Lifestyle and McGowans Print. Charity partner is Aware.

For the full list of winners, go to www.nisocialmediaawards.com