Beth is the proud winner of a new university accolade set up to honour a much-loved Harborough entrepreneur

The proud winner of a new university accolade set up to honour a much-loved Market Harborough marketing entrepreneur has been announced.

The inaugural Alastair Campbell Marketing Mentor Award has been given to a third-year marketing student at Leicester's De Montfort University (DMU).

And it’s been awarded for the first time to thrilled student Beth Hunt.

Alastair launched and ran the Ideal Marketing Company in Market Harborough from 2003 until a heart attack in 2017 left him with a brain injury before he died in 2019 aged 51.

Entrants were asked to submit a real-world marketing plan judged by current Ideal Marketing Company owner and MD Jess Shailes.

The tough selection process included shortlisting three finalists.

Criteria used for evaluating the plans included professionalism, viability of practical implementation, evidence of targeting a client's specific objectives and realistic measurements and timelines.

And 3rd year fashion buying with marketing student Beth impressed the judges the most to come out on top.

Beth's prize includes work experience at the Ideal Marketing Company plus a choice of a subscription to one of the following industry publications:

· a one-year print and digital subscription to Drapers

· or freelance membership to the CMA for one year

· or six-month membership to Campaign Magazine Premium Print & online.

Jess said: "As marketers, the starting point for any activity is understanding our clients' businesses, their aims and customers so that our advice is credible and impactful.

“All the finalists submitted strong plans, but Bethany's really stood out.”

She added: “It took me on a journey from the initial analysis of the business through to a well-reasoned marketing strategy which included comprehensive competitor analysis.

“She also demonstrated a good use of statistics and research which helped add credibility to her recommendations."

Alastair Campbell set up The Ideal Marketing Company 17 years ago with his wife Helen.

He was also active in the local business community.

The well-liked businessman helped to establish and run non-profit networking organisations as well as being president of Market Harborough Chamber of Commerce.

Jess started working at Ideal Marketing in 2013, becoming Head of Digital Marketing.

She bought the company last year as Alastair's wife Helen stepped down to focus on a new career direction.

"Alastair was a motivational leader in many ways, not least his enthusiasm for supporting young marketers via work experience, apprenticeships, employment or just advice.

"He was also an important mentor to me personally, believing in me when I was unsure which career direction to take and encouraging my professional development,” said Jess.

“That ethos of nurturing the next generation of marketers is one that I hope to continue through the Ideal Marketing Company.

“I see it as a way of paying forward the support that I received from the inspirational boss who kickstarted my career."

Kaye Herriott, a senior lecturer in Fashion Promotion and Fashion Buying with Marketing at De Montfort University, said the collaboration with Ideal Marketing was “very useful” for her students.

"Although our marketing courses here at the university are very highly regarded by the industry, there's no substitute for real experience,” said Kaye.

“Now more than ever this generation of graduates need all the support and mentorship that they can access.

“I'm delighted by Bethany's achievement and by the standard of all the students' entries."

De Montfort University has about 27,000 students on its city centre campus – and many come from right across Harborough.